Heavy rains impacted many parts of the state

Heavy rains impacted many parts of the state with flooded roadways and homes, and dealing with the emergency meant deploying Lyndonville Fire Department’s Swiftwater Rescue Team. It’s not a local response for the team, said Assistant Chief Pat McLaughlin; they’re needed in Ludlow, where significant flooding has necessitated multiple rescues. Responders there have “rescued people in cars, homes, clinging on trees,” he said. McLaughlin, also a Swiftwater Rescue member at the Lyndonville station, said he and other members are on stand-by in Lyndonville. About ten members of the department are trained in swiftwater rescue.  Gov. Phil Scott declared a state of emergency in response to the prolonged heavy rainfall. Some flooding was reported in Barton and roads there, and some basements were impacted. Hardwick is experienced flooding on roadways as well, said Police Chief Michael Henry. The Vermont Department of Public Safety Vermont Emergency Management reported that many areas of the state are under a Flood Warning and residents are encouraged to exercise caution in impacted areas.