Vermont Business Magazine 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, throughWednesdayevening. My Administration is closely monitoring the storm and potential impacts on Vermont’s roadways, infrastructure and public safety." The Western and Southern parts of the state are expected to be hardest hit, with accumulations up to 18 inches by Wednesday night.
“The National Weather Service is forecastingsnowfall of up to two feet, but accumulations could be considerably more in higher elevations," Scott said. "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 theNational Weather Serviceand is ensuringour 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 has250 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 closeTuesdayat12:00 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 determinationon Wednesday’sopening byTuesdayevening. 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.”
www.mychamplainvalley.com/weather
The Department of Public Safety, DEMHS, VTrans, and the Department of Health have also issued safety guidelines and recommendations, which are available athttps://www.vtalert.gov/newsitem/3590968. Additionalinformation 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 athttp://www.vtalert.gov
VTrans Plow Tracker:plowtrucks.vtrans.vermont.gov
Forecast information:www.weather.gov/btvorwww.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)
Source: Governor 3.14.2017