Assessing Irene's Damage in Vermont

By Pat Bradley

Montpelier, VT – Vermont Governor Peter Schumlin, accompanied by Senator Patrick Leahy and National Guard Adjutant General Michael Dubie toured the state by helicopter today. The Governor is comparing the damage caused by Irene to one of the worst storms in the state's history.

Burlington Free Press weather reporter Matt Sutkoski was out in the storm Sunday afternoon.

Vermont And New Hampshire Valley American Red Cross Executive Director Larry Crist says volunteers originally scheduled to aid elsewhere are being diverted to Vermont.

Power companies are struggling to restore electricity to customers. Overall about 50-thousand Vermonters have no power. Central Vermont Public Service Corporation Spokesperson Christine Rivers says it may take weeks to restore service in severely flooded areas.

Northern Vermont was not hit as severely by Irene as the southern parts of the state. Burlington VT Fire Chief Seth Lasker.

President Obama signed a disaster declaration for Vermont on Monday and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts