BARRE, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont Emergency Management says central Vermont is the hardest hit so far from this rain, with road closures and evacuations. Barre is underwater again.
“It’s pretty intense to see for sure,” says Barre resident John Dickson
He lives just up the road from a completely covered Main Street. It’s a nearly similar scene to last year on July 10, which he says is tough to see.
“Action needs to be taken, we need to do more, because if this is something that’s going to happen every year then it’s unacceptable, it’s something that people can’t thrive through and they can’t survive through,” said Dickson
Roads became rivers on Maple Avenue. People waded through waist-deep water on Wednesday night, with some unable to get home.
“I was trying to get home but I can’t, seems pretty strong right now,” said Nicholas Boudreault
He says this is his second time dealing with flooding on Maple Avenue. He’s staying with friends to wait out the water.
“I’ll just wait until the morning, try to get back in the morning, and see if I can get over there,” said Boudreault
“Unfortunately we’re prepared for a long night,” said Barre Fire Department Captain, Keith Cushman
A long night for Barre’s fire chief, who spent the evening closing off roads like Main Street, and others, to drivers. The rising waters made city leaders nervous.
“Right now, to say we’re in a heightened state of anxiety, that would be an understatement,” said Mayor Thom Lauzon
The mayor says the city needs a break, and asks residents to look out for their neighbors.
“Take care of each other, check on your neighbors. I mean listen, we are all anxious right now, but right now, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature. We are ready, we are prepared, we’re staged up, we’re going to take care of you, but take care of each other.”
In neighboring Williamstown, evacuations were underway Wednesday night.
The town fire department says the Williamstown Middle-High School has been opened as an emergency shelter.
According to VT Outages, more than 700 homes and businesses are without power there at the moment.
First responders say residents in the more flood-prone areas should seek higher ground.