Even though I’m currently stranded in Denver, I’ve been on Facetime with my wife, Gracie, who’s at our home in Woodstock, Vermont, riding out what’s left of Hurricane Irene as it continues its journey north through New England. While everyone down south is celebrating the lack of damage, New England is dealing with rainfall that it’s simply not equipped to handle. Gracie has been sending me videos and pictures from our windows and nearby our house.
We have been watching flooding in houses built in the early 1800′s, which is tragic, but the scary thing has been the flooding of the local propane company facility, which has turned loose dozens of huge propane tanks, all floating down the river, releasing propane into the air as they float. The river is at least 15 feet above normal, inundating everything around it. The volunteer fire department and the village police have just closed all the bridges. The national networks don’t have much presence in New England, so coverage will be sparse. Here are a few images to give you an idea of what’s going on:
This house has been here since the 1840s. We rented this house for a year before buying our own.
View from Our House
House Built in 1830
Another View of 1830 House
We’ll keep following this story.
Tagged with: flood • Hurricane Irene • Irene • Vermont • Woodstock
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People in south are celebrating lack of damage relative to the strength of storm they received. We are celebrating minimal deaths. The physical damage is still massive.
Please scroll down and read my comments. I left them at the end. I live on the Gulf Coast and the last thing southerners celebrate are hurricanes hitting any paths. You see, when you have been in the middle of one, our only thoughts are for the people and the beautiful areas it hits. I have family there and think your town is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Our prayers continue to be with everyone in this path, especially our great country.
Is Billings Farm okay?
I don’t know. With the river as high as the Quechee bridge, I can only assume that the lower fields are flooded. Hope to hear more in the am
This morning looks much better in Woodstock village.The water receded, homes drying out.The pictures Gracie put online of the old houses on the Green are somewhat misleading in a way since this morning water receded. I am worried that alarming others keep good people away from plans to come here. I have just returned home to Prosper Road to report that Woodstock is looking pretty good along Elm street, Central Street ,the
Green etc. The hard hit areas around the Vermont standard and the Farmers MARKET are very serious.
Please report the improved scene here.
I understand the propane tanks were tanks which were stored , I hear they are not full tanks but perhaps you might want to check that before instilling fear here and beyond. It is a serious situation but improving by the hour. Water is receding so fast. the big problem is of course the bridges in Vermont . Hopefully, there is a good force of help already in the works and keeping our beautiful world here accessible to the people who come here for peace and beauty.
River Street is the most serious scene since the Ottauquechee has changed its course which puts the east end of River street in a bad situation perhaps as we go into the future.
I may get out and post new pictures of the improving scene if time permits.
There are serious issues with infrastructure of the old water company (due to very old system)which has not been addressed over the years. Hopefully, this will be taken care of as soon as possible.thank you
Dear Charlet,
We have a home on Linden Hill (across from Ducky) and I’m so happy to read your positive post. I’m worried sick about everyone there. Thank you and thank you, Bob, for the dispatches. It’s been almost impossible to find any news from there and we can’t get back yet. Peace and good wishes to all.
Any pictures of the Woodstock Inn? Also any damage at the Inn? We love your beautiful Vermont and always go there in the Fall. Our thoughts and prayers go with you.
As the national media shows little coverage of Vermont, we are grateful for all pictures coming out of there.
woodstock inn has some serious flooding on the ground level..they are at work trying to get things back in shape. The water is gone,it is a massive clean up but looking dry as it is being pumped out of the ground level and garage.It is a hard task . Power and water are off so they are unable to tackle a great task with as much haste as they would like. I think that phones and email is down right now.The front looks fine, the Spa seems unhurt…the damage is “fixable” when the systems are up and running again.. It is hard to believe when one looks at the front of the inn which looks lovely and untouched which of course is not the case.
Itis a tough time for all of them.. They are doing all in their power to remedy.I am sure they will be back in operation sooner than we can imagine with all the effort.
Woodstock is my favorite town in Vermont. I wish one and all a speedy recovery. the Farmer’s Market must have just finished their expansion and the spa looked fabulous in May. Again so sorry this happened at all but compared to some places in Vermont and In NY State you are all going to be fine.
I hope your house is okay
I am from the south and love your town. In fact, I am there a great deal to visit. It is because we know first hand what a hurricane can do, that, indeed we are not CELEBRATING, but praying and concerned for whomever is in the path of these devasting storms. We are hopeful that your beautiful town will recover very soon!!
Gee,
Governor Rick Perry had the whole State of Texas praying to god for rain,and then the whole State of Vermont,it seems,was praying to god to make the rain stop…isn’t praying to a supposedly higher-being something like a teen nagging his/her intelligent and experienced parents to change their mind ?
I spent a couple of days at the Woodstock Inn in July. I’ll pray for your beautiful village and it’s residents. We really loved your town and I pray you are all safe.
Larry from Illinois
Hello we cannot reach my husband’s mom who is 84 and lives on Bridges Road in Woodstock. We are so worried that their home and land is flooded. Do you have any idea what that area is like right now? thank you so much.
I’m sorry, I don’t know about that far west. Our house is just west of the Green, and the river is very high there, almost up to the bridge. We have electricity, but no water. The Windsor County Sheriff is 802-457-5211 and the Woodstock Police are 802-457-1420. Perhaps they can give you more info. I’ll keep posting as I hear.
My sister and I spent two days at the Woodstocker Inn in late July. I hope everything is OK there. So sad to hear about this flooding. Woodstock is a charming town. Thanks for blogging, Bob.
My thoughts are with you all! I lived in Woodstock for five years and my parents still have a home on Prospect Street. I have been in contact with my many friends who live there…and know that the days, weeks, months ahead will bring much work to repair the havoc that Irene has created. Thank you for the pictures….
We had lunch at the little clam shack just west of town on Saturday. The water was just trickling by as we sat at a picnic table there. Does anyone know if it survived the flooding?
Hi Candi,
I think you are referring to the White Cottage? It has unfortunately suffered severe damage and the soil/foundation was completely undermined by the water that did indeed rise all the way up to the structure.
It would not surprise me if it had to be taken down due to extensive water damage. But we will see.
I have been so distressed to see what has happened in Vermont, especially my favorite town Woodstock. We lived at 11 Church Street (which backs up to the river and is near your house) in the mid 70′s. Do you know if it flooded?
JoAnn,
I lived at 11 Church Street for 40 years…must have been just after you??? I thought it had been the Pember Inn before I bought my second floor unit. At any rate I no longer live there but hear the back yard is gone but the beautiful home is just fine.
Our hearts go out to all the folks who live and work in Woodstock and the surrounding area. Visited from Cincinnati for two weeks this summer and simply love the friendliness and kindness of all the people… from the corner irish pub to the little theatre on the green and OH, those beautiful 1800′s restored homes! It’s so sad to see the destruction of the raging waters to this quiet, beautiful New England village. Watching the collapse of the Quechee Covered Bridge that leads to Simon Pearce made us gasp. Thinking of so many there in the weeks and months ahead. Most important, we’re hoping ALL Lives were spared!
Thanks for the info, Bob. I grew up in Woodstock but live in Northern Virginia now. My dad lives on higher ground in W. Woodstock, on Cabot Road across from the True Value near the Lincoln covered bridge. Hope the village hasn’t suffered too much damage-
I grew up in the Woodstock area, my parents still live in Taftsville, VT – I have NEVER seen so much damage. This is so heartbreaking and I feel so sad for all the families in the area who were hit by this storm. The good thing about the town is that people really pull together in tough times – the town will survive and be beautiful again in no time!! Let’s just pray that we don’t have to see another storm with the strength of Irene in our lifetimes!
Heather,
A dear friend of mine and I did a 2 week Fall Foliage trip about 10 years ago. During our travels, we ventured into the Taftsville Country Store. We are hoping that they made it through the “storm”. Do you know if it made it?
My family has a vacation home on Port Bolivar in Texas which is where Hurricane Ike came ashore a few years back. We understand the frustration and sadness. I am so sorry for everyone’s loss but know that things will be back up and running soon.
I look forward to a return visit to Vermont. It truly is the most beautiful state I have ever visited.
Hi, Taftsville Country Store is AOK. If you want to support them, they have a website and will ship gifts for Christmas. I think it’s http://www.taftsville.com Bridge, however, will need a lot of TLC!
We are planning a trip in Oct to Woodstock. Ive been reading about your area on the internet and it sounds so beautiful.. I was sad to see the covered bridge slide into the river.. I’m still looking forward to meeting the people of Woodstock and seeing this really beautiful area.. Good luck to all of you, my prayers are with you in mind.. Hope you all want visitors next month.. God Bless you all.
Things will be greatly improved by October, a beautiful time of year in New England. Hope you enjoy your trip to Woodstock.
Good Morning and thank you for keeping my hopes up to see this area in Oct. Been searching the websites to see if tourist will still be welcomed to the area. I know they are trying to recover an didn’t want to make it harder for the locals. With having to take care of a mob of tourist.
Broke my heart seeing the covered Bridges fall into the river of water.. They looked so wonderful.
I think the locals would LOVE to see any tourists who make the journey. I would just be sure to make reservations ahead of time, since the rooms and dining options will be reduced. Have a great time…
The covered bridge you saw tumble into the water was quite a bit south of here. The Woodstock Covered bridge is doing fine and the ones at Taftsville and quechee are still there but compromised enough so you can’t drive over them. I believe eventually ( maybe a couple of years ) they will both be restored. Many of the visitors to our maple and cheese farm used to cross one of those two bridges, but lucky for us there are two other roads leading to our farm.
Any idea if the historic iron bridges in Woodstock survived the storm? In particular am worried about the Bridge Rd Bridge, a nice double-intersection Warren truss bridge whose diamond shaped trusses present a stunning site from a distance
Your website gives directions across the washed out Taftsville Bridge, what are the other two bridges to your place, and directions ? I have a group of 8 Australians and want to take them to your farm next week.
That’s the funny thing about storms…although houses and businesses are hobbled in Irenes aftermath- it appears to be a sparkling, sunny day. Sigh.
Come October the trees with be turning and the natural beauty that makes Vermont so special will be there waiting for you!
Thanks for the update Adriane. I’ve been looking so forward to this trip. Just retired and this has been my dream trip to take for years.. Planning this trip and thinking about it got me thru those “hard” days at work.. My grandparents lived in New England until they retired and moved to Calif. I wanted to see what they use to talk about , with the fall colors and all.
My wife and I were planning to visit Woodstock this weekend, Sept 3 and 4, staying at the Woodstocker B&B. I have called the B&B and sent an e-mail but have not heard anything back yet. It appears this may not be possible or appropriate now. Please give me your opinions on this. Thanks in advance for your assistance.
I think the Woodstocker is OK, being across from the rec center away from the river. The problem is the roads and bridges in and out of Woodstock. Route 4 should be fine from the east by this weekend, but you should really check with them and the local authorities before coming.
I have a friend who lives on River Road not far from the covered bridge. She just moved there in April to work at the hospital in White River Junction. I was up there in March to help her find a place to live. I have not been able to reach her. I know she was evacuated to a shelter somewhere. She has 2 cats and 2 dogs and don’t know their fates either. I am really worried. I’m really worried. Does anyone know the conditions of River Road today (Monday)?
Any improvement today? We visit Woodstock often and just love the town and the people. I hope no one was injured.
Any word on the Woodstock bridge? My daughter received a marriage proposal on the bridge on August 13.
Our thoughts go out to all affected by the terrible flooding in Vermont and throughout the region. Does anyone know the status of the Farmhouse Inn at Robinson Farm out west of Woodstock on Rte 4? Stayed there in July and know it was not far above the river…
Does anyone know if there is any damage the the homes at Riverside Park in Woodstock?
People of Woodstock, you are in our thoughts. My daughter was married at the Woodstock inn and we return every so often now. I know you will come together in the aftermath. Good Luck!
My thoughts are with all the people down in Woodstock. Does anyone know how the businesses/homes are doing on Pleasant St. near the shops? I know that some of them are very close to the river.
The problem with the businesses today is lack of power and water. There are people walking in the village and on the Green as if nothing happened which is of course not true..but it is hopeful to see. Once the bridges and state roads are attended to the village shops should be fine.We are all hoping for brisk resolution re the power supply but with so many roads and bridges in trouble this is unpredictable.
From the Katrina refugees who visited Apple Hill B&B last year, someone check on Beverly. I know she is high and dry but may need help, in which case we come. Amazing yall are getting hit on Aug. 29. That is our Katrina anniversary.
Thanks for posting these pics. We stayed at the Woodstock Inn for our 20th Anniversary. I assume it’s flooded as well.
I Live right next to the ottaquechee motor lodge/inn my parents are way up on the mountain but i have family right on rt. 4 can anyone send me some pictures of my home town im in college and worried
Yes, have a look on the Vermont Standard website and on the “Vermont Flooding 2011″ facebook page. Tons of pics there.
thank you for your plain thing is the main thing attitude on this web sight.. we love vermont and have come over 25 yrs… we will check with woodstock inn before we drive that way… like one who said, ” we do not want to cause more problems for vermonters” but still wsnt to encourage with keeping our reservations if possible…oakes
I am from Tennessee. My sisters and I visited Woodstock in the Spring and thoroughly enjoyed it. We stayed at the Woodstock Inn, which was absolutely beautiful. It makes me so sad to see this happen. I hope no one was injured and that any damage done can be repaired. My prayers are with all of you.
I just saw the White Cottage in the background on the TV. I used to go all the time as a kid, but I hadn’t been back since about 1990 or ’91 til a few weeks ago. I was shocked by how much the river had encroached on the place since when I was a kid. I am not surprised that they were flooded out, but I have a hard time picturing the water coming up even with the structure. That must be 12 feet above the normal level of the river? Any idea how Pomfret made out?
This is sad news for the people of Vermont. I’m hoping for a speedy recovery. My wife and I are headed to Woodstock in kid October for our 20th Anniversary. We’re staying at the Blue Horse Inn. Any news on how that B&B is doing?
Bob,
Thank you for all the information and updates, this blog has been most helpful. Needless to say we were saddened to see all the devastation to your beautiful state and the hardships it has brought to the people. We are planning a trip to the Woodstock Inn the first of October, hopefully things will be operational by then. Please share any news of the Inn. We are thinking of you.
Saturday and Woodstock is up and running again. Some lodging is open, restaurants have reopened and stores are open. Town still looks beautiful except along the river banks. Vermonters are tough and everything will come back. The state hopes to have all major roads open soon and by foliage season we all should be in good shape to welcome visitors.
My heart went out to all of you in Vermont at the first mention of Hurricane Irene. Was hard to get details on just my Woodstock, Vermont. If I remember correctly, Woodstock area has 3 covered bridges (middle, lincoln, and Taftsville). I believe the one right near downtown Woodstock is called the “middle” covered bridge. Did this bridge in Woodstock survive the hurricane?
Here is the update on the covered bridges.The west Woodstock covered bridge is open and safe. The Woodstock Middle covered bridge is open and safe. The taftsville bridge is still standing but closed( they had intended to close it in March for 15 months of major renovations and how much more is damaged I don’t know but they have decided to close it until 2013) but you can still look at it and take photos. Quechee Bridge…road on both sides washed away completely so know its closed but for how long I don’t know
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU BETSY LUCE for this information about the Woodstock bridges! Until you, I still had not been able to find out. I even emailed the Vermont Standard newspaper.
I will be staying at a B&B in Reading,VT. I want to take a group of retired Australians to your place,but see that the bridge used as directions on your website is washed away, Can you give new directions to me,please ? Also,Google earth states that a part of rt. 106 is temporarily closed leading out of Woodstock, would it be repaired now, or will I have to enter Reading from Windsor,VT. ? Liam
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I notice that most of the posts are from right after the storm, but now that some time has passed, I do want to encourage folks who have travel plans for Woodstock to keep them in one way or another. We have a vacation home in Woodstock, and I stuck around for a week after the storm and was witness to the amazing pace of the recovery process. While some businesses have been profoundly affected, others stayed high and dry and, depending on their specific situation, can definitely house tourists now or soon. Even some that you’d think are all done, say “no way, we’re rebuilding, and clean fill wanted please!” So if you have a booking, call either to reconfirm or to get a suggested alternative if your original choice can’t take you right now. By now they should all be picking up the phone for sure. The area is heavily dependent on tourist dollars and the Fall Foliage season is a big part of the economic engine, they NEED visitors more than ever. Of course things will be different, but there is plenty to do all the same, and the local folks will be delighted to see anyone who had the faith to come back. Enjoy your visit to Vermont!
I will second Karen’s response- Vermont does need visitors whether it is day trippers coming to enjoy a fun day or folks planning a foliage trip. The Vermont tourism industry is very important to the economy of many many family businesses.