Fire
Johnson Volunteer Fire Department
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: (802) 635-7224
Corey Davis, Fire Warden
Gary Underwood, Assistant Fire Warden: (802) 279-5090
Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department
Emergency: 911
Non-emergency: 802-888-3502
Fax: 802-888-2562
Ambulance Service: NEMS
Emergency: 911
Non-emergency: 802-635-8900
Hospitals
Copley Hospital
Emergency: 911
Main Number: 802-888-8888
For EMERGENCIES Call 9-1-1
For other support, including assistance with flood-related questions or needs, call 2-1-1 (keep trying)
For non-emergency contact Johnson Town call 802-635-2611
| 2025 Flooding | 2024 Flooding | 2023 Flooding |
State of Vermont Flood Resource Page
State of Vermont Essential Needs
State of Vermont Buyouts and Mitigation
State Fire Marshall Postings - Vermont Dept of Fire Safety Explanation of disaster placards
Mold in homes and buildings Mold in your flooded home is a reality - see this guidance!
From the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program:
Scammers often strike in the aftermath of natural disasters, taking advantage of community generosity and our heightened emotional state. Be on the lookout and report disaster-related scams, including:
When you encounter an unexpected or new interaction, take steps to verify whether it may be a scam by slowing down, logging the contact, reaching out to others and doing research. Warn others about scams by reporting the scams you encounter to the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) at 800-649-2424 or online at http://ago.vermont.gov/cap.
If you suspect price gouging due to the emergency event, please report it to the Attorney General’s Office where they have authority to look into and address complaints. https://ago.vermont.gov/consumer-assistance-program-complaint-form
Hazardous Spill Cleanup
Source through the Vermont Agency Natural Resources: If you need cleanup of hazardous materials please contact Spill Response Team at 802-828-1138
Lamoille Area Resource Network
Lamoille Area Recovery Network (LeARN) is available to support flood survivors with recovery resources.
Email: learn@uwlamoille.org. Phone: 802-730-9513. Website: https://uwlamoille.org/get-help/
FindHelp is an online database of searchable resources in Lamoille County. Website: https://www.findhelp.org/
For Mental Health Support: Call LCMH Crisis Line 802-888-5026 (option 1) OR text 741741
NOAA Water Gauge & Level Predictions
This is one water-level prediction tool the National Weather Service uses for prediction of flooding the Lamoille River (Gihon does not have a gauge): https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/JONV1
*** Important to note ***: this is JUST A TOOL, and is not always accurate for planning. (As we learned in 2023.)
REOPENED: Mines Road and Ben Ober Road
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
10:40am, Friday, 12-July-2024
If you have a private well and you believe it was flooded, please test before using.
Free test kits will be available to order on the VT Dept of Health store at Noon today.
10:40am, Friday,12-July-2024
If you have a private well and you believe it was flooded, please test before using.
7:30am, Friday,12-July-2024
Johnson’s Emergency ended last night, as the waters receded. Today Town and Village staff and crew will continue with clean up, assessments and other needed work to ensure our community has the services and support needed. Volunteer Emergency Management will return to their personal lives and responsibilities.
If you need Municipal support, please reach out to the Town Office where staff can help assist, or they can reach our to the Emergency Team if needed.
If you have property damage, please report it by calling 211 or (preferably) reporting it at vermont211.org/
Johnson was lucky this time around, and our Vermont neighbors weren’t all as fortunate. If you have the capacity, please consider showing up for our neighbors (whatever that looks like for you), in the same way they showed up for us last summer.
A reminder, we also have local services available to support your Living needs, Health, Wellbeing, and other supports:
Lamoille Area Recovery Network (LeARN) is available to support flood survivors with recovery resources. Email: learn@uwlamoille.org Phone: 802-730-9513.
FindHelp is an online database of searchable resources in Lamoille County. Website: https://www.findhelp.org/
For Mental Health Support: Call LCMH Crisis Line 802-888-5026 (option 1) OR text 741741
Want to help your neighbors impacted by the floods?
Need help cleaning up?
*** Stay safe, give a helping hand, and ask for help if you can use it. ***
5:40am, Friday, 12-July-2024
9:30 PM, Thursday,11-July-2024
No changes to report at this time. The water continues to recede on its own time. Now we wait.
We’ll be back online bright and early tomorrow. Stay safe.
7:00 PM, Thursday, 11-July-2024
2:00 PM, Thursday, 11-July-2024
Water levels seems to be flat over a 45 minute timeframe (15 minute intervals). So, it seems we have crested. We don’t have a strong dataset to support how long it will take for the waters to recede, so at this time we will keep monitoring.
Folks, The pizza oven will be making pizzas this evening beginning at 6:00 PM. We encourage folks to take advantage. Hopefully this is one small way to ease anxiety as waters begin to recede.
There are no changes in road conditions since the last post.
Today we have surpassed last December in water levels at the JONV1 Lamoille River gauge in Johnson, 17.82′ as of 1:00PM, making today’s event 4th highest water level on record. (Source: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/jonv1)
Historic Crests
27.00 ft on Nov-04-1927
21.01 ft on Jul-11-2023
19.98 ft on Aug-06-1995
** 17.82 ft on Jul-11-2024 as of 1:00PM **
17.58 ft on Dec-19-2023 (P)
17.33 ft on Jul-01-1973
Continue to be safe, and help your neighbors. We will send updates and the road and water situations change.
11:51am, Thursday, 11-July-2024
The Lamoille River continues to rise, the river gauge at Dog’s Head was measuring at 17.21′ and is predicated to crest at 17.9 around 2:00 PM. These are only forecasts.
** Road updates **
Rte 15 in Johnson/Cambridge town line area (Willow Crossing) is closed due to flooding.
Rte 15 between the Fire Station and Jolley’s is closed due to flooding.
Hogback Rd is closed due to flooding.
River Rd East is closed due to flooding.
Lendway Lane is closed due to flooding.
*** Open*** Upper French Hill, near Waterman Rd. HOWEVER, there is a section of French Hill down to one lane.
9:12am, Thursday, 11-July-2024
We are getting upstream reports on the Lamoille River. Hardwick and Morrisville are reporting crested waters. It does take a few hours for the impact in Johnson. We will update again when we see cresting Lamoille river levels locally. We are currently in Moderate flood levels being reported at the Dog’s Head river gauge, very close to Major stage. https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/jonv1
8:57am, Thursday, 11-July-2024
If you are in need of support and resources:
Local resource updates:
9:39am, Thursday, 11-July-2024
** Road updates **
8am, Thursday, 11-July-2024
Lamoille River is rising faster than expected, we are hearing from sources upstream. Be prepared for additional rapid rising of the rivers. Duration is unknown, predictions are that rising will subside mid-afternoon, but these are only predictions.
Stay safe.
6am, Thursday,11-July-2024
The Lamoille river does continue to rise according to sources upstream, and the Gihon has breached its banks. We are actively watching and will continue to update the website and Facebook as the situation evolves.
Flash Flooding of water on Route 15 has cleared up. There continues to be a possibility of Flash Flooding
Stay safe.
6am, Thursday, 11-July-2024
The Lamoille river does continue to rise according to sources upstream, and the Gihon has breached its banks. We are actively watching and will continue to update the website and Facebook as the situation evolves.
Flash Flooding of water on Route 15 has cleared up. This is no longer of concern.
Stay safe.
1am, Thursday, 11-July-2024
While there is still some road interruptions, the latest update from Vermont Emergency Management and the National Weather Service is that Johnson is not in the latest Flash Flood Warning area.
While the rivers continue to rise, and there may be minor flooding of roadways and basements (low lying areas), we appear to be in the clear for this event. Weather predictions continue to show Beryl moving out of the state overnight.
We will update road conditions in the morning, unless something significant changes overnight.
Stay safe.
Update 11:10:00 PM, Wednesday, 10-Jul-2024
Road updates
Closed upper French Hill, near Waterman Rd. Unsafe to pass, please find an alternative route. (Down Waterman Rd from Upper French is safe)
Sinclair Rd has water partially covering the road. Road is still open, but please use precaution.
[UPDATE 6AM, 11-July] these Flash Flooding issues over Route 15 are no longer of concern:
There is water running over Route 15 at the following locations:
Gulf Hill, near Collins Hill Rd (east of the village)
Treasure Road, between Prospect Hill side of Collins Hill Rd and Maple Hill Rd
There MAY BE water over Route 15 West of the Village, but we have not been able to confirm yet. Will update ASAP
Update 4:30 PM, Wednesday, 10-Jul-2024
An update from the National Weather Service briefing to Emergency Management teams:
There is a likelihood of isolated flash flooding. Road washouts are possible.
If we see 2.5″ – 3″ of rain in the next 24 hours, then there is a possibility of minor river flooding.
If we receive 4″ inches or more, then moderate flooding is possible. This is unlikely.
A message from the American Red Cross:
We have shelters on standby in Johnson and Barre with prepositioned supplies and personnel should we open a shelter(s) or evacuation centers. The sites are not open while on standby and will only be opened in close coordination with state and local emergency management based on the needs of communities during and after the storm.
I have included the links of our Flood Preparedness Checklist and Information for you to share with your constituents. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood.html
Update 9am, Wednesday, 10-Jul-2024
A Flood Watch is in effect from 11AM Wednesday to 12 PM Thursday for northern New York and much of Vermont.
Lamoille County is High Risk in Excessive Rainfall Outlook for Wednesday and Thursday, this means:
Widespread heavy rain will fall today and tonight associated with the remnants of Beryl.
Heavy rainfall rates combined with antecedent saturated soils and high stream flows will enhance the flooding threat in some areas.
For most of the area, there is a 40-70% probability of excessive rainfall leading to rapid onset flooding within 25 miles of a given location.
This is one water-level prediction tool the National Weather Service uses for prediction of flooding the Lamoille River (Gihon does not have a gauge):
https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/JONV1
*** It’s important to note that this is JUST A TOOL, and is not always accurate for planning. (As we learned last year.)
Please be safe. DO NOT cross water-covered roadways. Stay far from downed powerlines.
A year is simply not enough time to recover from the physical, emotional, and mental aspects that last years flood brought. Please be kind to one another and help each other. We can get through this together.
*** 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 buildin
Our community has launched a Long-Term Recovery Group, LEARN (the Lamoille Area Recovery Network), to support people impacted by the flooding in July. Representatives from LEARN live and work in our community. They will be visiting flood impacted areas of Johnson this Sunday, October 29, between 11:00 a.m and 1:00 PM The purpose of their visit is to interview people impacted by the flooding and to identify any unmet needs. The goal is to match those unmet needs with local, state and federal resources. If you have any questions or concerns, please send an email to LEARNLTRG@gmail.com or call/text Sarah Henshaw at (802) 730-9513 or Greg Stefanski at (802) 730-2720. If you can volunteer or donate to help your neighbors in need, please reach out as well. Thank you.
Town Offices flooded and will be closed until further notice. Please Do Not come to the Municipal Building except to use the Dropbox. The Dropbox is available at all hours. If you need information or assistance, please call 802-635-2611, mail to P.O. Box 383, Johnson, VT 05656, or you can email: Municipal Directory
The protocol for getting your electric service turned on by the VOJ Electric Dept is simple and without exception.
1. Get a LICENSED ELECTRICIAN to inspect the entire system and sign a letter that includes the 911 address of the property, saying your power is safe to turn on. That letter must be left on the meter in a manner that is safe from wind & rain for the electric department to collect before they are allowed to restore your power.2. Once that letter is there, call 802-730-2993 (Do NOT call the Water & Light Foreman directly) to request your power turned on. You need to give your 911 address and confirm the electrician has left the letter clearing you.There are No Exceptions to this procedure, it is for YOUR Safety.
Last Pickup is the week of September 11, 2023!
Leave flood debris in the Town Right-of-Way, and notify the Town so we can assist with removal.
Please separate electronics, metal, tires, toxic material (paints, aerosols, oil, etc)
*** if you have dumpster needs please let the Town know and someone will contact you***
The Town cannot help with privately arranged dumpsters. Guidance from Vermont State Emergency Management to Johnson, after our request for information about privately contracted dumpsters:
We hope this helps.
Johnsons Post Office is handling mail and packages at the mobile unit, the the Parking Lot beside the building. We will have limited retail services at the moment. We are working on a full retail unit. Just waiting for equipment to arrive. You can drop off your packages and mail to be dispatched daily. If you receive a pick-up notice, that will also be at the mobile unit. We want to thank Hyde Park Post Office and staff for assisting us during this time. If we didn’t have such a great team and community this would not have happened so fast. Thank you all for you help, support, patience and appreciation. Jane, Nia, Scott, Josh, Julie, Paige, Curtis and Mitzi.
Post Office is ready!
If you are in need of any supplies (food, cleaning, water, clothing, and many more) to get back on your feet from the flood, please contact Lynda Hill with your needs and she will assist. Call or text: 802-585-5447
The Johnson Food Shelf is Open and prepared to serve you if needed.
Please DO NOT go to the park – it is not safe. A reopen plan will be communicated.
The interim Library is open on the ground floor of the Masonic Temple, at the corner of Pearl St & Main St! The Library Trustees and staff have been working hard to provide the many important services they always have! Library information and updates can be found on the Johnson Public Library website: https://www.johnsonpubliclibrary.org/
Deadline to apply: October 12, 2023
Vermont 2-1-1 is Not FEMA, 211 helps connect you with services.
You must also apply for FEMA assistance!
Call 1-800-621-3362 / TTY 1-800-462-7585
or visit www.disasterassistance.gov
Once this is done, an inspector will call for an appointment.
Please expect that this will take time.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest long term loans to residents, business owners and private non-profit organizations impacted by the flooding on July 10-11. The SBA is operating a Business Recovery Center at the Lamoille County Agriculture Building, 29 Sunset Drive, Morrisville. Hours are 8:00 am – 5:00 PM, seven (7) days per week. The SBA provided the following flyers for us to share with residents.
SBA Disaster Assistance Loans for Businesses and Nonprofits
SBA Disaster Assistance for Homeowners and Renters
Disaster Loans for Homeowners and Renters
Disaster Field Operations Center News Release August 16, 2023
Vermont Emergency Declaration Fact Sheet
https://storage.googleapis.com/juniper-media-library/237/2025/04/VT_18016_Fact-Sheet.pdf
Lamoille River peaked at a height of 20.01 feet at approximately 6:45AM on Tuesday, 7/11/2023. For context setting, Lamoille River floods at 13 feet, with “major” flood stage at 16 ft. Here are Lamoille River flood event levels for comparison: 19.8 ft Storm of 1995, 17.28 ft Halloween 2019, and 16.97 ft Storm of 2011. The largest flood event on record was the 1927 flood, with waters measuring 27 ft.