HURRICANE IRENE UPDATE 5
Nick Daniels
August 28, 2011
William J. Fraser, City Manager
5:30PM
Conditions continue to worsen drastically. The National Weather Service just informed city officials that a 2 AM to 4 AM crest of 18 feet is very likely and could rise as high as 20 feet. This represents major flooding in the downtown area. The May flood, in comparison, crested at 17.5 feet.
Lower State Street is now closed and is covered with water. Low lying areas are starting to take on water. Evacuation orders are being issued for lower State Street and 87-89 Elm St. People will be temporarily located at City Hall until they can be safely transported to the Barre Auditorium.
We cannot emphasize enough the importance of staying off the roads. There are far too many people driving out there. A major emergency is on the horizon in Montpelier and is already occurring in other communities in the region.