National Weather Service issues flood watch through 2 p.m. Thursday

March 10, 2026 | By Lisa Scagliotti

With rain on the way and warm temperatures melting snow, the National Weather Service in Burlington on Monday issued a Flood Watch that lasts until 2 p.m. on Thursday afternoon. 

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Source: U.S. National Weather Service in Burlington. Click to enlarge.

The Flood Watch is in effect across all but the southernmost counties of Vermont and across Northern New York state as well. 

Temperatures Monday crept into the 60s. Tuesday’s forecast calls for sunshine and temperatures again in the low 60s. Wednesday and Thursday are likely to be cooler, with temperatures in the 40s, according to the weather service forecast. 

Rain is forecasted to begin Tuesday evening and last through Thursday with a chance of turning to snow on Friday. Rivers will rise with the rainfall and melting snowpack, forecasters note, adding that breaking-up river ice could pile up to create ice jams along some rivers and streams, which can contribute to flooding in low-lying areas. 

“Excessive runoff from snowmelt and rainfall will cause sharp river rises, likely resulting in river ice break up. Ice jams will be possible, along with rapid onset flooding. Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations will be possible and creeks and streams may rise out of their banks,” the bulletin states. 

Widespread rain across the region is forecasted for Wednesday into Thursday. Ice jams may trigger initial flood concerns, followed by “open water flooding” once ice clears. 

People in the alert areas should monitor forecasts and be alert for possible Flood

Warnings which follow Flood Watch alerts. 

“Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop,” the forecast says. 

See the National Weather Service forecast website for Vermont here. 

Sign up for VTAlert messages from state and local official sources here.