Why the July 2023 Flooding in Vermont Was So Destructive

07/30/23

“Why was the July 2023 flooding in Vermont so destructive?”

In July 2023, the State of Vermont was inundated with floods and thunderstorms. The beams of water knocked down houses, pummeled the state capitol, and even took lives. But how did it become so powerful and dangerous?

The answer lies in a few factors. First, there was an extreme amount of precipitable water in the atmosphere, partially exacerbated by climate change. Second, Vermont was in between a low-pressure system in Hudson Bay in Canada and a high-pressure system near Greenland, allowing it to catch large amounts of moisture. Third, a large cold front came in from the South, which thunderstorms were able to take advantage of. Fourth, the ground was already oversaturated from previous rain storms, disabling its ability to hold any more water. And finally, the mountainous terrain of the state allowed for water to cascade downwards and open floods. All of these reasons are Why the July 2023 Flooding in Vermont Was So Destructive.

Image credit img.lemde.fr