CENTRAL VERMONT – Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement in reaction to overnight floods that caused damage to homes, businesses, and farms across Vermont:    

“It is beyond heartbreaking to see more devastating floods in the same communities exactly one year later—yet, this is our new reality. So many homeowners, farms, businesses, and communities are still working to recover from last July’s flood, and this will only set Vermont’s recovery back. Climate change is wreaking havoc on our state. 

“I am thankful to our first responders and emergency personnel, the Vermont National Guard, medical providers, volunteers, the local press, and state and local leaders for their quick action helping impacted communities overnight. Vermonters should continue to take precautions and avoid all floodwaters. Never attempt to navigate closed roads and respect our public safety professionals as they do their difficult work in the aftermath of this disaster. Together, we can all stay safe as the floodwaters recede.  

“I will work with Governor Scott, the Vermont Congressional Delegation, and the Biden Administration to ensure Vermont gets immediate assistance, and we will continue our fight to ensure our state gets the recovery and climate resiliency resources we need. 

“Vermonters are strong, and Vermonters are resilient. We will recover.”  

If you or someone you know is in an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.   

As of Thursday at 9:00 a.m., two shelters are available to Vermonters in need:  

• Barre Auditorium: 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre 
• Middle/High School: 120 Hebert Rd, Williamstown 

For specific questions on disaster services, shelters, food assistance, and other crisis services, please call Vermont 2-1-1 or visit vermont211.org. Check New England 511 for road closures: newengland511.org.  

For weather updates, visit www.weather.gov/btv/, and view flood safety and preparedness tips here: vem.vermont.gov/preparedness/floods. Sign up for Vermont Alerts at vem.vermont.gov/vtalert. 

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