Tyler Elliot Blog #1

The flood of Irene: Hurricane Irene was a category three hurricane that devastated many states along the east coast in the year 2011. By the time it reached Vermont it was a tropical storm that presented severe flooding and wind damage. In certain parts of the state, up to eleven inches of rain fell that accumulated into the rivers. Vermont averages 44 inches of rain in one year, nearly 25% of the annual rainfall fell within 24 hours. Only a few people were injured during this storm event. Many roads and bridges were destroyed as well as power lines leaving communities stranded for an extended period of time.

A small community in Northfield Center was under six feet of water during the storm. Many people lost their property, home and business. Many personal possessions of family documented heritage were lost from the storm that will never be able to be recovered. Family history documentation was either washed down the river as debris or was water damage beyond recognition. This has a great impact from a family stand point. It is often difficult to put a price tag on family and what the expenses are for recover. From a financial stand point the cost of Irene was up to 200 million dollars statewide, to some this may not be enough to recover what they have lost personally.

There are many ways to help prevent this kind of tragic event from happening again in the future. Some it may come down to the participation of the community and how much they are will to spend financially for their security and protection of valuables. On an average basis everything may seem fine but it only takes one day out of a year that is full of regrets and wishing that precautions where taking differently.