Update 5:00pm Tuesday, 18-Mar-2025

Update 5:28pm Monday, 17-Mar-2025

Update 10:46am Monday, 17-Mar-2025

On behalf the the Johnson Emergency Management team:

Water-levels are a bit high, and you will see that some river banks have been breached, with water in fields. All that being said, we seems to be in good shape regarding roads and structures. There is no evidence that we will see flooding within Johnson today, particularly as temps drop this afternoon. This will be the last update for this event.

Upstream, water levels are consistent, and have yet to lower, but there are no reports of concern. Even with an ice jam in the Wolcott area, water is flowing and so it is not of concern at this time.

There is water breaching banks in Jefferonsville/Cambridge, and there is a possibility of Rte 15 lane closures (or possibly a full road closure) today, until the water levels recede.

Stay safe, Johnson.

Update 4:14pm Sunday, 16-Mar-2025

On behalf the the Johnson Emergency Management team:

Here’s an update since the last post:
The likelihood of moderate flooding has greatly reduced, and even the statistical likelihood of Minor flooding is low. It is more likely that we will reach Actionable water levels, but even Actionable is less than 50% likely.

We’ll keep with the mantra “better safe than sorry” and will stay diligent in monitoring river levels. We’ll update the Town website and Facebook page if anything changes.

Stay safe, Johnson.

Update 12:36pm Saturday, 15-Mar-2025

On behalf the the Johnson Emergency Management team:

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Lamoille County, including Johnson, Sunday morning through Monday evening. There is a 50% chance water levels will reach an “Actionable” stage due to precipitation and snow melt, or due to ice movement that could result in an ice jam. At this time, there is no statistical model showing Johnson flooding beyond a Moderate stage. (See below for more details.) https://inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=110797794

*** Please be diligent and safe. DO NOT cross water-covered roadways. Stay far from downed power lines and water where electric devices are submerged. ***

💧If flooding seems imminent, real-time updates will be posted to Town of Johnson Facebook page and the website http://townofjohnson.com. And please sign up for VT Alert at http://www.vtalert.gov

📈Statistical water models range from No Flooding at all to Moderate flood levels. There is a 50% chance water levels will reach an “Actionable” (10’-13’) stage (this is the first stage). At this time, there is no statistical model showing Johnson flooding beyond a Moderate (14’-16’) stage.

ℹ️ For reference, here are the flood stage definitions, based on water levels at the Johnson Lamoille River Gauge:

** Major stage is not currently in the statistical models**
‼️MAJOR (16’+) stage means…
20’ – There will be severe flooding from Hardwick downstream to Morrisville, Johnson, Jeffersonville and Cambridge with Route 15 closed in several spots. In Johnson, flooding will impact the shopping center on Lower Main Street, mobile homes on Wescom Road and along Main St. and Railroad St. affecting many homes and businesses. The Sewage Treatment Plant will see severe flooding. Homes on East River Rd. will be isolated by flood waters. The Johnson Town Offices and Fire Department will experience high water.
18’ – There will be major to severe flooding from Hardwick downstream through Morrisville, Johnson, Jeffersonville and Cambridge. The shopping center on lower Main Street in Johnson will flood and high water will overtop flood gates at the Sewage Treatment Plant in town. High water will also impact residences on Lendway Lane and Railroad Street. Homes and businesses along the Lamoille River will likely flood, with water several feet deep over Route 15 in Cambridge.
16.5 – Serious flooding will occur in Johnson. The shopping center on lower Main Street in Johnson will be inundated, with water entering the post office and stores. High water begins to flood Lendway Lane and will impact the water treatment plant. Route 15 will be flooded in spots from Johnson downstream to Jeffersonville. Route 15 at Wrong Way Bridge in Cambridge will be under several feet of water. Morrisville may experience flooding, including the Morrisville power plant.

❗MODERATE (14’-16’) stage means…
14 – Water will cover route 15 at the Wrong Way Bridge in Cambridge, and may cover Routes 108 and 109 in Jeffersonville.
Additional Note added by Johnson Emergency Management: Local roadways may close or partially close. Basements that typically take water in flood events are likely to at this stage.

👀MINOR (13’-14’) stage means…
13 – Water will cover portions of Route 15 in Cambridge at the Wrong Way Bridge. There will be extensive field flooding along the Lamoille from Morrisville to Cambridge.
Additional Note added by Johnson Emergency Management: Local roadways may close or partially close. Basements that typically take water in flood events may at this stage.

ACTIONABLE (10’-13’) stage means…
10 – Water approaches Route 15 in Cambridge at the Wrong Way Bridge.
Additional Note added by Johnson Emergency Management: Basements that typically take water in flood events may at this stage.

🛠️Additional tools 🛠️

🔵 River water level prediction (*see Unique Local Info graphs 📈 toward the bottom of the page for multiple models): https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/jonv1
*** It’s important to note: this is only one measurement of the Lamoille River and does not include the Gihon River or streams and tributaries.

🔵 Weather Prediction Center (NOAA): https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/#page=ovw *** It’s important to note that this is JUST A TOOL, and is not always accurate for planning. (As we learned last year.)

🔵 Now is the time to prepare for any future flooding; remove debris from culverts and drainage areas, sign up for Vermont Alert (http://www.vtalert.gov), and follow other advice at https://vem.vermont.gov/preparedness/floods

🆘 If you need support now, or as remanence from last year 🆘 Lamoille Area Recovery Network (LEARN) is available to assist individuals and families impacted by flooding and other natural disasters and support resilience building in light of almost certain future disasters. https://uwlamoille.org/learn/

Please be diligent and safe, Johnson.