HARDWICK – With weather warming and rain forecast overnight Sunday, a series of alerts went out to Hardwick residents who have signed up for the TextMyGov systems at hardwickvt.gov/hardwick-textmygov/.
Just before 8 p.m. Sunday, the first alert warned, “Due to rising river levels and expected rainfall overnight, the Lamoille River is likely to reach minor flood stage by early Monday morning. Stay aware of surroundings and take necessary precautions. We will keep you updated on any road closures, and potential evacuation notices if needed. Further information said, “In the meantime, please secure any outdoor belongings, avoid low-lying areas, and stay tuned for further updates. Stay Safe and look out for one another!”
While temperatures remained above freezing and rain from late Sunday evening into Monday added to and accelerated the snowmelt, area rivers and streams stayed within their banks through the day Monday.
Another Hardwick alert went out at 3:30 p.m. Monday, saying, “Members of the town staff have been watching river levels starting yesterday afternoon into the evening on Sunday and all day today. It’s looking like we will be in the clear as the evening approaches and temperatures begin to fall.”
Temperatures in the forecast period don’t look good for sugarmakers, except for Saturday as they rise through Thursday, then fall into Friday morning. The temperature will be hovering just at freezing as the sun rises Wednesday, peaking just over 60 by mid-afternoon. Temperatures will stay above freezing overnight followed by a similar day Thursday, just a degree or two cooler.
A fine, sunny weekend is on tap, with Saturday’s sun rising at 20 degrees, then pushing 50. Sunday looks to be in the 20s at sunrise, warming to just over freezing by mid-afternoon. Monday looks overcast with a good chance of snow and moderate winds from the SE.
Wednesday: Partly Cloudy. Little chance of precipitation, winds moderate from the SSE. High: 62. Low: 40.
Thursday: Partly Cloudy with evening rain and brisk SSE winds, changing to snow as the temperature drops below zero and the wind dies down near sunrise. High: 60. Low: 32.
Friday: Morning snow and flurries, with approximately one inch, changing back to rain by midday with scattered showers in the afternoon. Another day of brisk winds from the NNE. High: 37. Low: 27.
Saturday: Mostly sunny in the morning with temperatures below 30 at sunrise. Becoming mostly cloudy in the afternoon, with a slight chance of afternoon showers and a moderate SW wind. High: 49. Low: 19.
Sunday: Partly cloudy, in the 20s at sunrise, with a brisk NW wind. Temperatures rising to near freezing by mid-afternoon. Mostly sunny by sunset. Little chance of precipitation. High: 32. Low: 19.
Paul Fixx is editor of The Hardwick Gazette and lives in Hardwick.
