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Statement from Governor Phil Scott on Winter Storm Warning and the State of Vermont’s Preparation

March 14, 2017

Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement:

“Vermont is under a statewide Winter Storm Warning and a Blizzard Warning for the western edge of Vermont, through Wednesday evening. My Administration is closely monitoring the storm and potential impacts on Vermont’s roadways, infrastructure and public safety.

“The National Weather Service is forecasting snowfall of up to two feet, but accumulations could be considerably more in higher elevations. Accumulating, blowing and drifting snow will make travel difficult and potentially dangerous, so we advise the public to avoid unnecessary travel.

“My office is in close communication with the Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security (DEMHS) and the Department of Transportation (VTrans) to monitor the progression of the storm and evaluate and prepare for potential impacts.

“DEMHS is regularly communicating with the National Weather Service and is ensuring our local and town Emergency Management Directors are updated with the latest information. Communication with local utilities, other states and across Vermont State agencies, as well as coordination with VTrans, Vermont State Police and other public safety officials, is also ongoing. In preparation, VTrans is on 24-hour operation, and has 250 plow trucks active statewide, with an additional 25 trucks available and ready, as needed. The Agency has approximately 375 licensed drivers available.

“We anticipate the greatest impact to be on transportation. Accordingly, State offices have been authorized to close Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. The Agency of Administration – in consultation with representatives of the National Weather Service, DEHMS, VTrans and the Department of Human Resources – will make a determination on Wednesday’s opening by Tuesday evening. We continue to closely monitor the situation and will keep the public informed on new developments.

“I want to thank all state employees – and emergency personnel across Vermont – who have been working to prepare over the last few days, and who will continue to work throughout the storm.”

The Department of Public Safety, DEMHS, VTrans, and the Department of Health have also issued safety guidelines and recommendations, which are available at https://www.vtalert.gov/newsitem/3590968. Additional information and safety resources are included below.

To have weather, road, or emergency updates sent directly to your e-mail or cell phone, sign up for Vermont Alert at http://www.vtalert.gov

VTrans Plow Tracker: plowtrucks.vtrans.vermont.gov

Forecast information: www.weather.gov/btv or www.weather.gov/aly

DEMHS on Facebook: www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement

DEMHS on Twitter: twitter.com/vemvt (@vemvt)

Vermont State Police on Twitter: @vtstatepolice

Vermont State Police on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VermontStatePolice/

VTrans on Facebook: www.facebook.com/vtransontheroad

VTrans on Twitter: twitter.com/511vt (@511vt)

Vermont Department of Health on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealthVermont/

Vermont Department of Health on Twitter: twitter.com/healthvermont (@HealthVermont)

National Weather Service Burlington on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSBurlington/

National Weather Service Burlington on Twitter: (@NWSBurlington)

National Weather Service Albany on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSAlbany/

National Weather Service Albany on Twitter: (@NWSAlbany)