Wildfires in Los Angeles County force widespread evacuation 
A swath of the Northeast was underwater Tuesday and bracing for more drenching rains as swift-water rescue teams raced to extricate residents from besieged homes and communities.
In downtown Montpelier, Vermont, as waters began to recede Tuesday afternoon, stunned residents still struggled to traverse the capital city’s main streets, some resorting to kayaks and other boats. In places the smell of paint thinner and garbage hung heavy in the air.
Floodwaters typically contain a toxic stew of chemicals pulled from inundated buildings, from gasoline and paint to sewage and household cleaners and these Vermont floodwaters were no different.
The flooding struck at the height of Vermont’s summer tourist, season, and many locals worried it would pile yet another challenge upon already struggling local businesses.
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