State Recovery

Tropical Storm Irene: A Snapshot

On August 28, 2011, Vermont was forever changed. Tropical Storm Irene brought personal loss and public damage unlike anything we have experienced in more than a generation. The rising waters took lives and the incredible damage to homes, property, land and our natural environment is still difficult to comprehend. Thousands of individuals were displaced from their homes; hundreds of businesses and communities were disrupted; hundreds of historic resources were damaged; hundreds of miles of road were impacted; and the devastation was widespread.

The Facts and Damage Reports:

  • Tropical Storm Irene hit Vermont on Sunday, August 28th 
  • American Red Cross responded with 13 temporary shelters and food banks to supplement community efforts 
  • Over 16,000 meals are estimated to have been provided to Vermonters and volunteers 
  • Six storm-related deaths were reported as individuals from the Vermont communities of Rutland, Woodstock, Ludlow, Brattleboro and Wilmington lost their lives 
  • More than 3,500 homes suffered some damage. Of these residences, approximately 681 had damages exceeding $10,000 
  • An estimated 1,405 households were temporarily or permanently displaced 
  • 16 mobile parks and more than 500 mobile homes (located in parks and on private land) were damaged or destroyed 
  • Over 7,000 people registered for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program 
  • Average FEMA Individual Assistance provided: $5,500 (cap $30,200) 
  • Agricultural losses estimated at over $10 million 
  • Flooding damaged over 400 acres of land producing fruit and vegetables 
  • VEDA approved 305 loans totaling $14.9 million. Of the 305 loans, 249 were commercial loans and the remaining 56 were associated with agriculture 
  • A total of 225 Vermont municipalities were impacted by Tropical Storm Irene; 45 of which incurred severe damage 
  • More than 600 historic buildings were impacted spread over 30 downtowns or villages 
  • 146 state road segments were closed (approximately 531 miles) 
  • 34 state bridges were closed 
  • 2,260 local road segments were damaged and 175 closed
  • 289 local bridges damaged and 90 closed

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Resources