Biden declares state of emergency in Vermont due to flooding

President Joe Biden has declared a state of emergency in Vermont due to severe flooding that has wreaked havoc on the area.

The storms, which have affected states across the Northeast but have been especially acute in Vermont, have caused flash flooding, flight delays, and severe damage, exceeding the levels seen during Hurricane Irene in the summer of 2011.

Biden made the emergency declaration while on his visit to Vilnius, Lithuania, for the NATO summit.

Biden's action authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency "to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures," the White House announcement said.

Gov. Phil Scott (R-VT) has warned residents to stay away from waterways and remain vigilant throughout Monday night.