The winter storm covering a large swath of the Northeast was responsible for one death in Vermont when slick roads led to tragedy on Interstate 91, according to the Vermont State Police.
Robert Trombley, 45, of Lee, Mass. was driving a tractor trailer on I-91 when he hit a guardrail. He got out of the cab and was standing in the road when another vehicle hit him. He was pronounced dead at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, police say.
Interstate 89 South reopened before evening commutes after a multi-vehicle accident caused Vermont State Police to close the road near Bolton Friday afternoon. Police say there were no injuries in the 12-vehicle accident between exits 10 and 11 (Waterbury and Richmond), and have opened both lanes to traffic.
State police advise Vermonters to continue to exercise caution on roadways, as a number of roads are still slick with snow and ice.
Shot of multi vehicle crash on 89 S in Bolton via @511VT cam. Road closed southbound. #btv #vt pic.twitter.com/x0HBVBVhbQ
— Kristin Kelly (@GMP_KK) February 14, 2014
From #Vt State Police: southbound lane of 89 is closed near Bolton, between exits 11 and 10; multi-vehicle crash has the lanes blocked.
— Patti Daniels (@pattidaniels) February 14, 2014
UPDATE: #Vt State Police reopen one SB Lane on I-89 near Bolton. Traffic still backed-up. Expect delays. pic.twitter.com/jDoNVFsO8N
— Jennifer Costa (@JenniferTCosta) February 14, 2014
Shot of multi vehicle crash on 89S in Bolton via @WCAX_Robynn. One lane back open. #vt #btv pic.twitter.com/L3A3mkEYWL
— Kristin Kelly (@GMP_KK) February 14, 2014
At least 20 cars slid off the road and scores of schools were closed today after a storm dumped more than 20 inches in parts of southern Vermont, according to the Associated Press.
State officials announced just before 3 p.m. that all state offices have been authorized to close at 3 p.m. because of road and weather conditions.
The Vermont Foodbank canceled deliveries to St. Albans, East Fairfield, Richford, St. Johnsbury and Gilman. The federally funded program rescheduled those deliveries to Feb. 20 and 21, the AP reports.
According to the Vermont Division of Emergency Management, Bennington and Windham counties got between 7.5 and 20.8 inches of snow by 10 a.m. Friday.
As of 11:45 a.m., only 12 electricity customers were without power, according to the utility-run website VToutages.
Mark Bosma, spokesman for the Division of Emergency Management, had the following tips for Vermonters to stay safe after a heavy snow:
Those who need to travel should allow plenty of extra time to reach their destination, drive slowly, and leave plenty of room between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them to allow for extra braking distance. Clear all snow from your car so your visibility is not impeded and you don't present an extra hazard to other drivers. If your car becomes stuck make sure your tail pipe is free of snow and able to exhaust properly. A blocked exhaust pipe can cause carbon monoxide fumes to enter your car. Call for help if you slide off the road and wait with your car for help. Vermonters are encouraged to check heating vents to ensure they are clear of snow and venting properly. A blocked vent can cause deadly carbon monoxide (CO) to enter the home. CO is colorless and odorless and can cause injury or death. All homeowners are advised to have working carbon monoxide detectors in the home and to get out and call for help if it sounds. Symptoms of CO poisoning include lethargy and nausea. Other things to remember during snow storms: Be a good neighbor. Check in on elderly or other neighbors who may need assistance. Don't overdo it. When clearing snow take frequent breaks. Shoveling is strenuous work and can lead to a number of health problems ranging from a back injury to cardiac issues.
