Upstate New York and parts of Vermont were struck by rapid flooding brought on by Tropical Storm Irene over the weekend. Due to wind damage and fallen trees, downed power lines remain a problem, as do hundreds of flooded roads. In Vermont, there have already been three confirmed fatalities due to the storm – two were swept into rushing waters and drowned. Fifty-thousand homes and businesses remain without power in what officials are calling Vermont’s worst natural disaster since flooding in 1927. A majority of homeowners in Vermont who were affected by the storm lack insurance that covers flood damage. Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) talks about the damage and emergency response in his district. Stuart Hurd gives an update from on the ground in Bennington, VT, where he is town manager.
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