BERLIN, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermonters are beginning to pick up the pieces from yet another round of flooding that caused widespread damage.
Friday morning, Gov. Phil Scott and state officials will provide a news briefing on the state’s ongoing response to the flooding. It’s scheduled to start at 10 a.m. When it begins, you can watch it live in the player above or over the air on WCAX Channel 3.
The remnants of Hurricane Beryl swept into our region Wednesday and Thursday, prompting evacuations, knocking out roads and bridges, and leading to the deaths of two men: Dylan Kempton, 33, of Peacham; and John Rice, 73, of Concord, Vermont.
“It’s not lost on me the irony of the flood falling on the one-year anniversary of the day when many towns were hit last year. I know that only adds to the emotion many are feeling this morning, even those who are not impacted that time around, but we’re ready. Our response and tools are only stronger as a result of last year and we will get through this,” Scott, R-Vermont, said on Thursday.
Vermont Public Safety Commissioner Jennifer Morrison said on Thursday that there had been dozens of swiftwater rescues and numerous evacuations.
Officials say Central Vermont was among the hardest hit, with Moretown, Plainfield, Lyndonville, Barre, Richmond, Bolton, and Williamstown all in the crosshairs of the floodwaters.
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FLOODING RESOURCES:
ROAD CLOSURES
For the latest state road closures, visit New England 511. *Note: 511 does not track local road closures.
Officials also reported rail damage in some areas, including tracks used by Amtrak’s Vermonter.
SHELTERS
Vermont Emergency Management says two shelters are open. One at the Barre Auditorium and one at the St. Johnsbury School.
SAFETY TIPS
Click here for safety tips on returning home after flooding.
CLEANUP HELP
If you need help cleaning up, you can contact the Vermont Crisis Cleanup Line at 802-242-2054.
If you want to help with cleanup, you can volunteer. Click here to register to help.
You can also donate to flood recovery efforts. Call 888-653-7715 or email: donations@vermont.gov. Vermont Emergency Management says the best way to help is with cash donations to get aid to people and communities.
Smaller donations of food, clothing and household items are best handled at the local level. You can check with your local food shelves, community centers and charities.
MENTAL HEALTH
- Starting Over Strong Vermont helps individuals and communities recover from disasters through community outreach and access to mental health services. Call Vermont 2-1-1 to be connected to outreach workers and resources in your area.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate support from trained crisis counselors who can offer emotional support and connect you with local resources.
- The Vermont Language Justice Project (VLJP) has compiled a “Coping with Stress After a Disaster” playlist, offering videos in 19 languages discussing common emotional responses and strategies for navigating mental health challenges post-disaster.
- Mobile Crisis Services: Vermont mobile crisis teams are available to provide in-person support and crisis intervention. They can be reached through your local community mental health centers or by dialing 988.
- The SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH): Call or text 1–800–985–5990 for free, confidential crisis counseling available 24/7, on all days of the year.