Weather Alert

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for all of New Hampshire and Vermont and parts of New York, Massachusetts and Maine.

The flood watch will remain in effect until late tonight, July 18.

Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain.

Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon into this evening. Locally heavy rainfall could result in areal and flash flooding. Heavy rainfall in recent weeks has led to saturated soils across the area. It will not take much additional rainfall to lead to flash flooding.

The Weather Service urges individuals to monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards.

Week ahead

There is a chance of thunderstorms Thursday through Saturday.

Locally heavy rainfall is possible and could result in more flooding, especially Thursday into Friday.

Air Quality Alert

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has issued an Air Quality

Action Day for Fine Particulates for southern Vermont until midnight tonight.

The air quality alert has been issued for Bennington, Western Windham County, Eastern Windham County including the cities of Stamford, Bennington, Woodford State Park, Pownal, Stratton, Londonderry, Brattleboro, Guilford Center, West Brattleboro and Bellows Falls.

The air quality alert is in effect until midnight, July 18.

Smoke from the Ohio valley region, originally from wildfires in far northwestern Canada, will continue to impact Vermont through Tuesday.

Additionally, on a localized basis, dust may be generated from cleaning operations in the aftermath of recent flooding. The combined impacts may produce “unhealthy” air quality for the entire population in localized areas.

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke for all of Vermont. The 24 hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to occur within the Code Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category. However, note that pollutant levels may occur in the code red or “unhealthy” range for all individuals on an hourly basis.

Who needs to be concerned? Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers, minority populations, and outdoor workers.

What should you do? Sensitive groups should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. It’s okay to be active outside, but take more breaks and do less intense activities. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick relief medicine handy. If you have heart

disease, symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your healthcare provider.

For additional information, please visit the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources website at https://dec.vermont.gov/air-quality/local-air-quality-forecasts.