Vermont Emergency Management Update

[Chris Santee]

0900 Storm Update
WATERBURY – The Vermont Emergency Operations Center is was activated at 7:00 Sunday morning.  So far no problems have been reported, however heavy rain is falling in most areas of the state.

The National Weather Service says rain will intensify throughout the day.  All major Vermont rivers could potentially flood later Sunday into Monday according to the Weather Service.

NWS also says all areas of the state could see wind gusts of 55 miles-per-hour, which will likely knock down trees and power lines in areas and cause power outages.

Swiftwater rescue teams are being staged to cover all areas of Vermont.  Vermont Utilities have reported about 3,000 power outages.

Vermont State Police have significantly increased the number of troopers on the road through Monday.

The Red Cross has opened eight shelters.  There are limited arrangement for pets at each shelter with the exception of Springfield.  Openings for pets may be limited where they are accepted – inquire when you arrive.

Shelter locations:
Brattleboro, VT – Brattleboro Union High School – Fairground Road
Bennington, VT – Mt. Anthony Union Middle School – 747 East Road
Springfield, VT – Springfield High School -- 303 South Street
Hartford, VT – Hartford High School – 37 Highland Avenue
Rutland, VT – Rutland High School – 22 Stratton Road
Barre, VT – Barre Auditorium
St. Johnsbury, VT – The St. Johnsbury School – 257 Western Avenue

St. Albans, VT – St. Albans Town Education Center – 169 South Main Street

Some communities may also open their own shelter; call your town or city office to see if there is one nearer to your home.

The public can call 2-1-1 for shelter and other information.

[Chris Santee]

1030 Storm Update
WATERBURY – A number of towns in Southern Vermont are reporting flood problems.  A number of local roads are washed out or closed because washouts are feared.  Local officials in many towns are reporting high water and those close to rivers and streams should monitor water levels closely.

In the town of Marlboro, officials are urging all residents of Auger Hole Road to evacuate as water is rising quickly in that area.  Part of the road and bridges are washed out and the preferred route is toward Newfane.

The town of Dover reports five roads are washed out and the town is opening two shelters: one at the Summit Hotel at Mt. Snow and one at the Dover Elementary School.

Route 100 north of Wilmington is also closed.  Route 9 is also closed in Wilmington.

Southern Vermont is experiencing extremely heavy rain and that rain is moving north so more flood issues are expected throughout the state.  Winds are also expected to take down trees and power lines with 55 mph gusts.  Utilities are already reporting nearly 6,000 power outages.

Previous information that is still pertinent:

Swiftwater rescue teams are being staged to cover all areas of Vermont.  Vermont Utilities have reported about 3,000 power outages.

Vermont State Police have significantly increased the number of troopers on the road through Monday.

The Red Cross has opened eight shelters.  There are limited arrangement for pets at each shelter with the exception of Springfield, however openings for pets may be limited where they are accepted – inquire when you arrive.

Shelter locations:
Brattleboro, VT – Brattleboro Union High School – Fairground Road
Bennington, VT – Mt. Anthony Union Middle School – 747 East Road
Springfield, VT – Springfield High School -- 303 South Street
Hartford, VT – Hartford High School – 37 Highland Avenue
Rutland, VT – Rutland High School – 22 Stratton Road
Barre, VT – Barre Auditorium
St. Johnsbury, VT – The St. Johnsbury School – 257 Western Avenue

St. Albans, VT – St. Albans Town Education Center – 169 South Main Street

Some communities may also open their own shelter; call your town or city office to see if there is one nearer to your home.

The public can call 2-1-1 for shelter and other information.

[Carolyn Branagan]

Thanks Chris, very helpful. Fortunatly the storm so far is not as bad as feared.

Carolyn Branagan

[Chris Santee]

1130 Storm Update
WATERBURY – A number of towns in Southern Vermont continue to report serious flood problems. 
A number of local roads are washed out or closed because washouts are feared.  Local officials in many towns are reporting high water and those close to rivers and streams should monitor water levels closely. If you see water rising it is best to evacuate early before it is ordered.

In the town of Marlboro, officials are urging all residents of Auger Hole Road to evacuate as water is rising quickly in that area.  Part of the road and bridges are washed out and the preferred route is toward Newfane.

The town of Dover reports five roads are washed out and the town is opening two shelters: one at the Summit Hotel at Mt. Snow and one at the Dover Elementary School.

Known road closures:
Route 100 north of Wilmington is also closed.
Route 9 is also closed in Wilmington.
Mountain Road in Winhall is washed out and closed.
Lower Taylor Hill Road in Winhall is closed.

Southern Vermont is experiencing extremely heavy rain and that rain is moving north so more flood issues are expected throughout the state.  Winds are also expected to take down trees and power lines with 55 mph gusts.  Utilities are already reporting over 10,000 power outages.

[Chris Santee]

1230 Storm Update
WATERBURY – Flash flooding continues in areas of Vermont.
Heavy rain is heading north and the situation is expected to repeat itself in most counties of Vermont.  If you live near a river or stream, please seek higher ground as soon as waters begin to rise.  Rises are extremely quick in these storms.

Several local and state roads are now closed:
Arlington:
Hill Farm Road
Dunham Road

Bradford:
Wright’s Hill Road
Route 5

Brattleboro:
Westgate Drive Bridge has damage
 
Fairlee:
Route 5

Guilford:
Multiple

Huntington:
Sherman Hollow Road

Marlboro:
Augur Hill Road
Adams Cross Road
Higly Hill Road
Grant Road
Butterfield Road

Mount Holly
Route 155

Newfane:
Baker Brook Road
Dover Road

Readsboro:
Route 8
Route 100

Thetford:
Route 5

Townshend:
Route 35/Athens Road

Wilmington
Route 100
Route 9
 
Winhall:
Mountain Road
Lower Taylor Hill Road

Jericho:
Skunk Hollow

West Newbury:
Tyler Farm Road

Guilford:
Guilford Center Road
Campbell road
Slate Rock Road

Newfane:
Beattle Stone Bridge Road
Route 30

Newport:
Route 5

East Montpelier:
Route 14 at Stoney Corners

Ludlow
Route 103
Route 100
Main Street

Shrewsbury:
Route 103b

Rockingham:
Westminster Road

Derby:
Route 105

Milton:
Interstate 89 guard rails starting to wash out near Lamoille River

There are likely more around the state, please respect all detours.

If you see water rising it is best to evacuate early before it is ordered.

The town of Dover reports five roads are washed out and the town is opening two shelters: one at the Summit Hotel at Mt. Snow and one at the Dover Elementary School.

Red Cross Shelter locations:
Brattleboro, VT – Brattleboro Union High School – Fairground Road
Bennington, VT – Mt. Anthony Union Middle School – 747 East Road
Springfield, VT – Springfield High School -- 303 South Street
Hartford, VT – Hartford High School – 37 Highland Avenue
Rutland, VT – Rutland High School – 22 Stratton Road
Barre, VT – Barre Auditorium
St. Johnsbury, VT – The St. Johnsbury School – 257 Western Avenue

St. Albans, VT – St. Albans Town Education Center – 169 South Main Street

Known local shelters:
Dover – Mt. Snow Resort and Dover Elementary School
Jamaica – Masonic Hall on Route 30
Wardsboro – Town Hall

[Chris Santee]

1300 Storm Update
Police Advise Motorists to Stay Off Roads
WATERBURY – Vermont State Police are receiving several reports of motorists being stranded by floodwaters in the southeastern part of the state.

The VSP advise motorists to stay off the roads unless you are evacuating or have a medical emergency – particularly in the towns of Wilmington and Marlboro.  Police and other rescue services are stretched thin right now and help may not be able to get to you right away if you are in distress.  The best thing to do is seek higher ground and stay there.

When evacuating, call 2-1-1 for the latest road closures to ensure you do not become stranded at a closed road.

Flooding is expected to reach other parts of the state so if you are in a low lying area, you are advised to seek higher ground before floodwaters approach your home.

Several local and state roads are now closed:
Arlington:
Hill Farm Road
Dunham Road

Bradford:
Wright’s Hill Road
Route 5
 
Brattleboro:
Westgate Drive Bridge has damage

Fairlee:
Route 5
 
Guilford:
Multiple

Huntington:
Sherman Hollow Road
 
Marlboro:
Augur Hill Road
Adams Cross Road
Higly Hill Road
Grant Road
Butterfield Road
 
Mount Holly
Route 155

Newfane:
Baker Brook Road
Dover Road

Readsboro:
Route 8
Route 100
Thetford:
Route 5

Townshend:
Route 35/Athens Road

Wilmington
Route 100
Route 9

Winhall:
Mountain Road
Lower Taylor Hill Road

Jericho:
Skunk Hollow

West Newbury:
Tyler Farm Road

Guilford:
Guilford Center Road
Campbell road
Slate Rock Road

Newfane:
Beattle Stone Bridge Road
Route 30

Newport:
Route 5

East Montpelier:
Route 14 at Stoney Corners

Ludlow
Route 103
Route 100
Main Street

Shrewsbury:
Route 103b

Rockingham:
Westminster Road

Derby:
Route 105

Milton:
Interstate 89 guard rails starting to wash out near Lamoille River, both north and south still open but one lane closed southbound.

There are likely more, please respect all detours.

If you see water rising it is best to evacuate early before it is ordered.
The town of Dover reports five roads are washed out and the town is opening two shelters: one at the Summit Hotel at Mt. Snow and one at the Dover Elementary School.

Red Cross Shelter locations:
Brattleboro, VT – Brattleboro Union High School – Fairground Road
Bennington, VT – Mt. Anthony Union Middle School – 747 East Road
Springfield, VT – Springfield High School -- 303 South Street
Hartford, VT – Hartford High School – 37 Highland Avenue
Rutland, VT – Rutland High School – 22 Stratton Road
Barre, VT – Barre Auditorium
St. Johnsbury, VT – The St. Johnsbury School – 257 Western Avenue

St. Albans, VT – St. Albans Town Education Center – 169 South Main Street

Known local shelters:
Dover – Mt. Snow Resort and Dover Elementary School
Jamaica – Masonic Hall on Route 30
Wardsboro – Town Hall

Some other communities may also open their own shelter; call your town or city office to see if there is one nearer to your home.

The public can call 2-1-1 for shelter and other information.

[Chris Santee]

Issued at: 2:50 PM EDT 8/28/11, expires at: 8:45 PM EDT 8/28/11

The NWS in burlington has issued a

flash flood warning for: northeastern addison county in central Vermont northwestern Washington county in central Vermont clinton county in northern New York extreme northeastern essex county in northern New York extreme east central franklin county in northern New York chittenden county in northwest Vermont southwestern franklin county in northwest Vermont grand isle county in northwest Vermont southwestern lamoille county in northwest Vermont
Until 845 pm edt
At 242 pm edt, national weather service doppler radar indicated heavy rainfall capable of producing flash flooding. Small creeks and streams will quickly leave their banks into the late afternoon and early evening hours. Culverts, bridges, and roadside ditches in rural and urban areas will be overwhelmed by water, and road washouts are likely.
When you can do so safely please report any flooding to the national weather service by calling toll free, 1 800 8 6 3 4 2 7 9, or by submitting a storm report at weather.gov/burlington.
Precautionary/preparedness actions,
Do not go on, in, or near rivers and streams. The high water levels and fast flows can be deadly for persons caught in floodwaters by accident, or try to swim or boat on flooded waterways. When you put yourself in harms way the life you risk is not only your own, you also risk the lives of rescue personnel.
A flash flood warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring, and immediate action must be taken to protect life and property.

[Chris Santee]

1500 Storm Update
WATERBURY – Heavy rain is continuing in most areas of the state and will for several hours.  Flash floods are occurring in all areas of the state and more are expected throughout the evening into Monday.

Several roads are covered with water or washed out.  Motorists are encouraged to stay off the roads unless evacuating or you have a medical emergency.  Emergency services are stretched thin and travel is difficult for them – you may not get help for a long time if you are in trouble.

If you are close to a river or stream and it is raining hard and water is rising evacuate early.  Never drive or walk across flooded roads, a number of cars have been swept away on flooded roads.  Call 2-1-1 or 5-1-1 for current road closures.

In the Rutland area: calls to Vermont State Police or Rutland City Police may experience a busy signal – keep trying as there is a high volume of calls, and do not call 911. 

911 IS OPERATIONAL, CONTINUE TO CALL 911 IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY TO REPORT.
 
The town of Manchester has issued a boil water notice for residents due to a broken water main.

Several local and state roads are now closed:

Andover:
Route 11

Arlington:
Hill Farm Road
Dunham Road

Athens:
Route 121

Bolton:
Route 2

Bradford:
Wright’s Hill Road
Route 5

Brattleboro:
Westgate Drive Bridge has damage
Route 9

Chester:
Route 11
Route 103
Route 35
Ethan Allen Road
Smokeshire Road
Route 10

Clarendon:
Creek Road

Concord:
Ladd Road

Derby:
Route 105

East Montpelier:
Route 14

Fairlee:
Route 5

Grafton:
Route 121
Wrights Foot Bridge is washed out
Cambridgeport Road
Fisher Road
Bell Road

Guilford:
Guilford Center Road
Campbell Road
Slate Rock Road

Hancock:
Churchville Road

Hartford:
River Road

Jamaica:
Route 30

Jericho:
Skunk Hollow Road

Ludlow:
Route 103
Route 100
Main Street

Lyndon:
Super Maple Road

Manchester:
River Road

Marlboro:
Augurhole Road
Adams Cross Road
Higly Hill Road

Grant Road
Butterfield Road

Milton:
Interstate 89 guard rails starting to wash out near Lamoille River

Mount Holly:
Route 140 at 155

Newfane:
Baker Brook Road

Dover Road
Beattle Stone Bridge Road
Route 30

Newport:
Route 5

Pittsfield/Stockbridge:
Route 100

Proctorsville:
Main Street

Readsboro:
Route 8
Readsboro Road

Rockingham:
Westminster Road

Rutland:
Route 7

Shrewsbury:
Route 103
Cold River Road near Upper Cold River Road

Springfield:
Westminster West Road

Thetford:
Route 5

Townshend:
Route 35/Athens Road
Route 30

Underhill:
Poker Hill Road

Weathersfield:
Wellwood Orchard Road
Little Ascutney Road

Ascutney Basin Road
Tyler Farm Road

West Windsor:
Yales Heights

Wilmington:
Route 100
Route 9

Windham:
Route 11

Winhall:
Mountain Road
Lower Taylor Hill Road
Snow Valley Road
Kendall Farm Road
Benson Fuller Road
River Road
Tollgate Road
Stratton View Road
Route 30
Upper Taylor at Pike’s Falls Road
Ameden Road
Lin Scott
Snowflake Lane
Sylvan Ridge at Snowflake Land

There are likely more, please respect all detours.

[Chris Santee]

1700 Storm Update
New shelter location and road closures
WATERBURY – Heavy rain is continuing in most areas of the state and will for several hours.  Flash floods are occurring in all areas of the state and more are expected throughout the evening into Monday.

Several roads are covered with water or washed out.  Motorists are encouraged to stay off the roads unless evacuating or you have a medical emergency.  Emergency services are stretched thin and travel is difficult for them – you may not get help for a long time if you are in trouble.

If you are close to a river or stream and it is raining hard and water is rising evacuate early.  Never drive or walk across flooded roads, a number of cars have been swept away on flooded roads.  Call 2-1-1 or 5-1-1 for current road closures.

In the Rutland area: calls to Vermont State Police or Rutland City Police may experience a busy signal – keep trying as there is a high volume of calls, and do not call 911. 

911 IS OPERATIONAL, CONTINUE TO CALL 911 IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY TO REPORT.

The town of Manchester has issued a boil water notice for residents due to a broken water main.

Several local and state roads are now closed:

Andover:
Route 11

Arlington:
Hill Farm Road
Dunham Road

Athens:
Route 121

Bolton:
Route 2
I-89 North at MM 71 has one lane closed due to a downed tree

Bradford:
Wright’s Hill Road
Route 5

Brattleboro:
Westgate Drive Bridge has damage
Route 9

Cavendish:
Route 131 at Whitesville Road

Chester:
Route 11
Route 103
Route 35
Ethan Allen Road
Smokeshire Road
Route 10
Church Street

Clarendon:
Creek Road

Concord:
Ladd Road

Corinth:
Route 25 by the School

Derby:
Route 105
East Montpelier:
Route 14

Fairlee:
Route 5

Grafton:
Route 121
Wrights Foot Bridge is washed out
Cambridgeport Road
Fisher Road
Bell Road

Granville:
Several

Guilford:
Guilford Center Road
Campbell Road
Slate Rock Road
River Road
Hale Road
Bonnyvale Road
Green River Road
Jelly Mill Road

Hancock:
Churchville Road

Hartford:
River Road
 
Huntington:
Sherman Hollow Road

Jamaica:
Route 30

Jericho:
Skunk Hollow Road

Ludlow:
Route 103
Route 100
Main Street

Lyndon:
Super Maple Road

Manchester:
River Road

Marlboro:
Augurhole Road
Adams Cross Road
Higly Hill Road
Grant Road
Butterfield Road

Mendon:
Wheelerville Road

Milton:
Interstate 89 guard rails starting to wash out near Lamoille River

Mount Holly:
Route 140 at 155

Newfane:
Baker Brook Road
Dover Road
Beattle Stone Bridge Road
Route 30

Newport:
Route 5

Northfield:
Union Brook Road
Water Street
Wheeler Road

Pittsfield/Stockbridge:
Route 100

Proctorsville:
Main Street

Randolph:
12A/Bear Hill Road
Howard Hill Road
Route 12

Readsboro:
Route 8
Readsboro Road

Ripton:
Route 5

Rochester:
Route 73

Rockingham:
Westminster Road

Roxbury:
Route 12A
Multiple others

Rutland:
Route 7 near McKinley Avenue

Saxton’s River:
Westminster West Road
McBride Bridge Road off Route 121

Shoreham:
Route 74
Multiple others

Shrewsbury:
Route 103
Cold River Road near Upper Cold River Road

Thetford:
Route 5

Townshend:
Route 35/Athens Road
Route 30
 
Underhill:
Poker Hill Road

Waitsfield:
Meadow Road
Route 100 north of Waitsfield School

Weathersfield:
Wellwood Orchard Road
Little Ascutney Road
Ascutney Basin Road
Route 131
Route 106

West Newbury:
Tyler Farm Road

West Windsor:
Yales Heights

Wilmington:
Route 100
Route 9

Windham:
Route 11

Winhall:
Mountain Road
Lower Taylor Hill Road
Snow Valley Road
Kendall Farm Road
Benson Fuller Road
River Road
Tollgate Road
Stratton View Road
Route 30
Upper Taylor at Pike’s Falls Road
Ameden Road
Lin Scott
Snowflake Lane
Sylvan Ridge at Snowflake Land

Woodford:
Route 9 Bridges

Woodstock:
White River Garage area/Route 4

There are likely more, please respect all detours.

If you see water rising it is best to evacuate early before it is ordered.

The town of Dover reports five roads are washed out and the town is opening two shelters: one at the Summit Hotel at Mt. Snow and one at the Dover Elementary School.

Red Cross Shelter locations:
Brattleboro, VT – Brattleboro Union High School – Fairground Road
Bennington, VT – Mt. Anthony Union Middle School – 747 East Road
Springfield, VT – Springfield High School -- 303 South Street
Hartford, VT – Hartford High School – 37 Highland Avenue
Rutland, VT – Rutland High School – 22 Stratton Road
Barre, VT – Barre Auditorium
St. Johnsbury, VT – The St. Johnsbury School – 257 Western Avenue

St. Albans, VT – St. Albans Town Education Center – 169 South Main Street

Enosburg Falls High School, 65 Dickenson Avenue

Known local shelters:
Dover – Mt. Snow Resort and Dover Elementary School
Jamaica – Masonic Hall on Route 30
Wardsboro – Town Hall

Some other communities may also open their own shelter; call your town or city office to see if there is one nearer to your home.

The public can call 2-1-1 for shelter and other information.

[Chris Santee]

Issued at: 7:14 PM EDT 8/28/11, expires at: 7:04 PM EDT 8/29/11

The NWS in burlington has issued a
Flood warning for the missisquoi river at east berkshire. Until late Monday night, or until the warning is cancelled. At 6:45 pm Sunday the stage was 11.7 feet. Flood stage is 13.0 feet. Moderate flooding is forecast. Forecast, rise above flood stage by Sunday evening and continue to rise to near 15.9 feet by Monday morning. The river will fall below flood stage by Monday evening. Impact, at 16.0 feet, there will be widespread flooding along the missisquoi from richford to sheldon. Water will cover portions of route 105 between enosburg falls and east berkshire, and will approach route 236 in sheldon and route 118 in east berkshire. There will be extensive field flooding.

[Chris Santee]

1630 Monday 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.

[Torrie Dennis]

Chris,
Thank you so much for keeping the updates posted.
Torrie