As much of the state begins cleaning up from this week鈥檚 historic flooding, state officials urge Vermonters to stay alert and prepare for another bout of heavy rains and thunderstorms.
Gov. Phil Scott advised Vermonters at a press conference Thursday morning to stay off the roads from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday as areas already saturated with rain will be prone to flash flooding.
鈥淰ermonters need to pay attention to the weather reporting today and plan ahead,鈥� Scott said. 鈥淚f you need to do something today, do it early. Don't wait until tonight. Flash flooding can happen quickly and you don't know when it could hit.鈥�
The National Weather Service issued a starting at 2 p.m. today, especially urging those in central and northern Vermont to take precautions.
Scott also informed Vermonters about another rain storm on Sunday and encouraged people to continue to prepare.
鈥淔olks will want to think this is over as soon as the weather breaks on Saturday, but it's critical that Vermonters understand that we need to remain vigilant,鈥� he said.
Also at the press conference was Public Safety Commissioner Jennifer Morrison. She echoed Scott鈥檚 message of preparation and safety.
鈥淭oday's threat is predictable. Please do not put yourself or your family at unnecessary risk, and please do not put our first responder family at risk,鈥� said Morrison.
Up to two inches of rain are expected through Thursday night.
Agency of Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn informed listeners that VTrans has been working around the clock the past two days to repair road damages sustained in the previous rain, removing current obstructions and armoring slide areas and banks.
He says this preparation will hopefully prevent further damage to roads tonight and Sunday.
Scott also announced that he submitted a request to President Joe Biden for a major disaster relief declaration. This request will be reviewed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (who met with Scott and accessed damage in Vermont on Wednesday) and then sent to Biden for his approval.
If approved, this declaration would bring in more federal dollars for recovery. The previous disaster relief signed by Biden gave federal money for emergency response. Scott could not give a specific amount of funds Vermont would receive.
Other key takeaways from the press conference include:
- 鈥淧redictable is preventable鈥�: Morrison urged Vermonters to check out the to learn more about planning head, sign up for , and turn around if you encounter swollen waterways.
- Dams will be closely monitored: Agency of Natural Resources Deputy Secretary Maggie Gendron said the Waterbury, Wrightsville, and East Barre dams will be closely watched in this next rain storm. Based on the current forecast, she says it is 鈥渦nlikely that we will have water flow over the spillway at Wrightsville."
- Shelters are still open and on standby as more rain approaches: Morrison listed six shelters currently operating throughout the state, the most notable being Barre with 25 guests and Smugglers Notch with 59 guests.
- Do not go into stormwater: Both Scott and Morrison reminded Vermonters that swimming or wading into stormwater is unhealthy and dangerous. Stormwater contains sewage, gas, oil, and chemicals. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not healthy,鈥� said Morrison.
- There are no current rescue missions: That said, Morrison noted teams are positioned ahead of Thursday鈥檚 weather and the National Guard is on standby.
Have questions, comments or tips? .
Flood recovery resources
- For state road closure information, visit or follow on X. (For local road closures, use the Waze app or monitor town communications, such as a website or Facebook page.)
- You can sign up for alerts from the state at .
- The latest forecasts and water levels for specific rivers are provided by the .
- Find power outage information at .
- To find more resources and services, and to report flood damage, call Vermont 2-1-1 or visit .
- For a list of state resources and guidance about flooding, visit . The guidance includes returning home after a flood, cleaning up, and dealing with mold.
- Find flood recovery information in multiple languages at .
- To request cleanup help from volunteers and groups, call the Crisis Cleanup hotline at 802-242-2054.
- For mental health support, call 9-8-8 or call or text the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
- To register through the state to volunteer, visit .
- If flood waters reached your , order a drinking water test kit through .
- Find flood-prone areas near you with the .
