Grim news from the Governor’s office:

Vermont State Police now say three people have been killed and one is missing as a result of the storm.  A female was killed in the Deerfield River in Wilmington; a male was killed in Mendon after being swept away by floodwaters and his companion at the time is still missing and feared dead.  A male in his 40s was found dead in Lake Rescue in Ludlow earlier today.

Floodwaters have receded, but most rivers and streams remain above normal levels, and some are still dangerous in many areas.  Vermont officials recommend staying away from rivers that are still high and flowing rapidly.  You should stay out of all floodwaters because of pollutants or debris.

Motorists are still encouraged to stay off roadways as many are unsafe and what roads are open are needed by emergency responders, road crews, and utility crews.

Road closures are still too numerous to list.  Please call 511 or visit www.511vt.com for updated road closures.  The public is asked to NOT call 211 for road closures – those calls are hampering 211’s ability to help those who need shelter or other resources.

Additionally, 35,000 Vermonters are still without power. The press release from Shumlin’s office also advises people to be aware of electrocution danger in returning to flooded homes, and advises people doing so that they “must” have their wiring inspected by a licensed electrician. While sounding absolute, Vermont Emergency Management advises me that that “must” is really just a very, very strong advisory, rather than something truly mandated. If wires are wet, even if you don’t somehow zap yourself, you could seriously goof up your electrical system and create more problems.