Vermont Gov. Phil Scott has issued a state of emergency due to the potential for flash flooding due to Monday's heavy rainfall, a weather event he said could rival the damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene back in 2011.
"We have not seen rainfall like this since Irene, and in some places it will surpass even that," the governor said at a press conference Monday morning.
"What's different for me is that Irene lasted about 24 hours," he added. "It was raining one day -- a Sunday afternoon -- and I think it was Monday we woke up, the sun was shining and we went out to look at the damage and were able to get to work immediately. This is going on and we are getting just as much rain if not more, and it's going on for days. That's my concern. It's not just the initial damage, it's the wave, the second wave and the third wave."
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The National Weather Service says runoff from storms could result in flooding of rivers, creeks and streams, which could wash out roadways. The emergency declaration allows state officials to request out-of-state resources if needed.
The State Emergency Operations Center in Waterbury has been activated, and state agencies are working with local cities and towns to provide assistance. Swiftwater rescue teams have also been staged in locations across the state in case evacuations or rescues are needed due to heavy flooding.
"Vermonters should monitor weather reports closely and be mindful of water levels on rivers and streams. Get to high ground if floodwaters approach. Never drive or walk through floodwaters, unseen currents or washouts can sweep you and your car away," Vermont Emergency Management said in a statement.
Photos show major flooding in Vermont amid historic storms
Scott said assets have been called in from out of state to assist in water rescues. As of 11 a.m., officials said there had already been 19 people rescued with boats and another 25 evacuated.
"They have been busy this morning," the governor said. "This is an all hands on deck response."
There have been no reports of fatalities as a result of the storm. Mike Cannon of Vermont Urban Search and Rescue said they did receive a report of a person being swept away by flood waters in Londonderry around 7:30 a.m. Monday, but they have been unable to verify that and no one has been reported missing in that area.
Londonderry, Ludlow and Weston are among the hardest-hit communities, officials said. South Londonderry is inaccessible and all of Weston is inaccessible, and rescuers were heading there to do welfare checks. A state park in Plymouth was also being evacuated, and water levels at dams in Jamaica and Calais were being monitored.
State officials have also been coordinating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and expect to request federal disaster relief funding to help cover the cost of the storm response.
Officials reiterated that people should avoid driving through flooded waters and evacuate if the water levels get too high.
"We know that damage to property and infrastructure is now unavoidable, but we can save lives with simple common sense and we ask you to exercise that common sense," said Dan Batsie, deputy commissioner of public safety.
Flash flood warnings are in effect for parts of Vermont through Monday afternoon, with the potential for "life-threatening" weather conditions. Flash flood warnings are also in effect for parts of Connecticut, and flood warnings for areas of New Hampshire.
Social media reports Monday morning showed major flooding in parts of Vermont. A Shaw's shopping center parking lot in Ludlow was almost completely underwater. And some areas were reporting between 5-7 inches of rainfall.
Over two dozen road closures have been reported due to flooding. The Department of Transportation is working to block roads as they wait for the water to recede. An updated list of road closures can be found here.
The flooding in Vermont comes after heavy rain Sunday caused extreme flooding in New York's Hudson Valley, swamping roadways, forcing road closures and resulting in at least one death. Several people were also reported missing.
Some video posted on social media showed the extent of flooding, with streams of brown-colored torrents rushing right next to homes, and roadways washed away by fast-moving cascading flows.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
