Another flood watch for Vermont, New York: When, where and what to expect

Another flood watch is in effect this weekend for Vermont and New York, according to the National Weather Service.

Northern and central Vermont, as well as northern New York, are under the watch, which will go into effect Friday evening and remain until Sunday morning. 

"Moderate to locally heavy rainfall" will occur Friday and continue into Saturday. This combined with snow melt can cause sharp increases in local streams and rivers. The service lists different main stem rivers that face the highest flooding risk, including:

• The Missisquoi
• The Lamoille
• The Ausable
• The Winooski
• The Passumpsic
• The Wells
• The Saranac Rivers

The weather service indicated the sharp increases in the rivers will start on Friday and "most main stem rivers are expected to crest during the day Saturday into the first part of Saturday night."

Lakes are not off the hook, though: Lake Champlain could approach minor flood stage sometime over the next few days or starting next week. 

The service encouraged people to stay up-to-date on forecasts. Furthermore, those in flood-prone spots "should be prepared to take action should flooding develop." 

For Lake Champlain, this means making sure your property is protected, as well.

Flood effects might be exacerbated along "windward facing shores" due to "the combination of wind and wave action." This could lead to some damage to roads along shorelines and areas that are at lower points.

Vermont cities under the watch include Burlington, Montpelier, Middlebury, Vergennes, Rutland and Killington. New York cities under the watch include Malone, Massena, Plattsburgh, Ticonderoga, Dannemora and Saranac Lake.

Check the National Weather Service's statement to see if your county is under the watch.

Furthermore, people living in northwest Vermont and northern New York can expect gusty winds, which will hit their peak in the afternoon at 35 to 45 mph before weakening. 

Contact Maleeha Syed at mzsyed@freepressmedia.com or 802-495-6595. Follow her on Twitter @MaleehaSyed89.