1630 Update
WATERBURY – Efforts continue around Vermont to clean up and dry out after Sunday’s flooding. State officials have spent the day ensuring the safety of citizens, assessing damage, and beginning repairs wherever possible.
Vermont State Police now say three people have been killed and one is missing as a result of the storm. A female was killed in the Deerfield River in Wilmington; a male was killed in Mendon after being swept away by floodwaters and his companion at the time is still missing and feared dead. A male in his 40s was found dead in Lake Rescue in Ludlow earlier today.
Floodwaters have receded, but most rivers and streams remain above normal levels, and some are still dangerous in many areas. Vermont officials recommend staying away from rivers that are still high and flowing rapidly. You should stay out of all floodwaters because of pollutants or debris.
Motorists are still encouraged to stay off roadways as many are unsafe and what roads are open are needed by emergency responders, road crews, and utility crews.
Road closures are still too numerous to list. Please call 511 or visit www.511vt.com for updated road closures. The public is asked to NOT call 211 for road closures – those calls are hampering 211’s ability to help those who need shelter or other resources.
State Police also ask that you only call 911 if you have an emergency.
Around 35,000 power customers are without service. Restoring power may be slowed for some utilities because of road conditions, so patience will be necessary.
Before returning to your flooded home, you must have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system. Wet wiring can cause electrocution.
Red Cross shelters:
Brattleboro – Brattleboro Union High School
Hartford – Hartford High School
Barre – Barre Auditorium
Rutland – Rutland High School
Bennington – Mount Anthony Middle School
Springfield – Springfield High School
There are still local shelters, call your community offices for information.
Vermont Emergency Management will operate its Emergency Operations Center at the FEMA offices in Burlington at least until the end of the week. Contact information for the media is 802-951-2708. The VEM e-mail server is also down; a temporary e-mail address for the press to contact the information office is vemirene@hotmail.com .
