BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Our meteorologists say the overnight flash flood risk has passed for communities still reeling from flooding.
But in the Northeast Kingdom, the cleanup is only getting started.
The water has receded, and Channel 3 has just started to get preliminary damage estimates from the floods – but still no total cost.
So far, there are closures on six state highways, damage to two wastewater plants, and 50 homes were destroyed or damaged. Damages to local roads are not included in that number.
Unlike flooding in weeks and years past, the torrential rain on Tuesday caught the state by surprise.
While officials say they aren’t sure how to prepare for what they can’t predict, they say they are ready to act when the worst happens.
“It’s because we have dedicated volunteers and career people in these communities that are ready to go the moment they hear the word that the water is rising,” said Vt. Public Safety Commissioner Jennifer Morrison.
Who will foot the bill for the surprise damages is still unclear. Towns hit earlier this month are still waiting on FEMA to reimburse emergency repairs.