Tropical Storm Irene Ravages Vermont

Sandy Macy AP Photo

Irene downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it hit Vermont Sunday, but Governor Peter Shumlin declared it the worst flooding disaster the state has experienced.in its history.  Irene submerged parts of many communities and destroyed roads and bridges in its wake, leaving hundreds of people stranded with no means of leaving their homes.  State transportation maintenance crews and contractors are working to restore travel on some of the 260 roads affected by the storm. 



Sarah Jones AP Photo



Eleven small towns remain trapped today, and emergency crews consider their rescue a top priority.  FEMA sent a convoy of trucks to Vermont with food, water, and other vital supplies to some of the hardest hit towns this morning.  For those who remain cut off from roads and bridges, relief will come from helicopters.  Danger of rising floodwaters still persists in some of the largest rivers as they continue to swell. 



Vyto Starinskis Photo via AP



The torrent of watero crumpled historic covered bridges and crested above marks set by the 1927 floods used to measure the damage wrought by other disasters in the state.  The state’s largest utilities
began trying to restore power to more than 35,000 homes and businesses yesterday and said many might not have electricity for weeks. 



Photo by Austin Danforth Bennington Banner





Governor Shumlin immediately declared a state of emergency, and President Barack Obama signed a disaster declaration Monday because of the storm's horrendous damage.  Pictured at right, Governor Shumlin sits aboard the helicopter used to tour the devastation in Southern Vermont. 
Shumlin's grief was apparent when he said. "This is unprecedented, I think, in Vermont.  We still are notifying family members of some of the casualties, but I can tell you that we have more bad news coming in terms of deaths as a result of this horrific storm."  Three bodies have been recovered so far.

Although Irene was no longer a hurricane, the system caused disastrous consequences for Vermont.  The state is dotted with small communities, so the rescue efforts span most of the state.  Residents will be delighted to say, "Good night, Irene," after clean-up efforts end.