Montpelier, Vt., Still Closed to Prevent Looting

MONTPELIER, Vt. — Downtown remained closed off Thursday to prevent looting in the state capital a day after floodwaters up to seven feet deep turned streets into canals.

The water receded Wednesday evening after a crane pounded apart the largest of three ice jams that had diverted the Winooski River into the city and destroyed a bridge.

Gov. Howard Dean, who declared a state of emergency and called in the National Guard, said damage would be in the tens of millions of dollars. The area affected by the water was more than a mile long and about half a mile wide.

State police were posted at every intersection Thursday, and residents and business owners needed permits to return to their property. Schools and most state offices remained closed, although the Legislature planned to convene.