Vermont flooding is 'catastrophic' and 'nowhere near over' says Governor Phil Scott
MONTPELIER, VT - Vermont Governor Phil Scott said Tuesday that "historic and catastrophic" flooding is "nowhere near over" as a State of Emergency is in place.
A storm that left up to two months' worth of rain in Vermont came in just about two days. There have been no reports of injuries or deaths, according to emergency officials. But "countless" roads have been washed out around the state, and 78 state roads are still closed.
"Make no mistake, the devastation and flooding we're experiencing across Vermont is historic and catastrophic. Floodwaters continue to rise in some places, like our capital city, and have surpassed levels seen during Tropical Storm Irene," Scott said.
More rain is expected later in the week.
"The good news is the rain has stopped in some areas but that does not mean waters will immediately recede. They may, in fact, continue to rise. Even though the sun may shine later today and tomorrow, we expect more rain later this week, which will have nowhere to go in the oversaturated ground," Scott said. "We are not out of the woods. This is nowhere near over and at this phase our primary focus continues to be on life and safety before we can shift into a recovery phase."
The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings and advisories for much of the state from the Massachusetts line north to the Canadian border.
Flooding affected Montpelier, the state capital. Interstate 89, a major highway, was closed in both directions between Montpelier and Middlesex, and north of Montpelier. Interstate 89 has since reopened.
For a complete list of road closures, visit NewEngland511.org.
Jennifer Morrison from the Department of Public Safety said swift water crews have been "extremely busy." There have been a total of 117 rescues made, 67 people evacuated from flooded homes, businesses and vehicles and 17 animals rescued.
Morrison said the state is looking at recovery efforts that will take days or weeks.
Montpelier Town Manager Bill Fraser warned that the Wrightsville Dam several miles to the north on the North Branch of the Winooski River could exceed capacity. That's never happened before.
"There would be a large amount of water coming into Montpelier which would drastically add to the existing flood damage," he said, adding that there are very few evacuation options remaining.
"People in at risk areas may wish to go to upper floors in their houses."
Anyone in need of assistance can call 211, or in the event of an emergency situation should call 911.
People are urged to follow signs for closed roads and not ignore warnings. Officials said that around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, a woman was rescued in Waterbury after driving around a barricade. Her car was washed off the roadway and nearly into the nearby river.
"My closing words are this. Stay safe and take care of each other," Morrison said Tuesday.
