As Isaac approaches, area recalls Irene

Tropical Storm Isaac, currently moving westward across the Atlantic Ocean toward the Caribbean, could be upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane by the end of the week. It appears that Isaac's path will soon bend toward the northwest, possibly taking it across the Dominican Republic, Haiti and much of Cuba on its way to the southeastern U.S. While the U.S. Gulf Coast looks on warily (particularly those preparing for the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida, next week), Vermont residents are reflecting on the events of last August.

On Aug. 28-29, 2011, the remnants of Hurricane Irene brought torrential downpours and high winds to western New England. We were living in the town of New Milford in western Connecticut at the time. The storm did a great deal of damage to the area but we experienced nothing at all like what occurred in Vermont. Several people lost their lives. Roads and bridges - including many historic covered bridges were washed away. Many communities were completely isolated. In our current area, the town of Brandon became a madly rushing body of brown water. The Neshobe River, which runs through the center of town, overflowed and tore through roadways and buildings. Scars inflicted on the town are still evident today.

Click to view some photographs of the destruction.