LEBANON, N.H. (AP) — Gov. Maggie Hassan declared a state of emergency in New Hampshire today after flashflooding left a number of washed out roads in the state.

She said the state has received nearly 4 inches of rain in the last 24 hours and the ground is saturated. State and municipal roads are affected, especially in in the western part of the state.

Hassan said the declaration frees up resources for emergency response crews. The state Emergency Operations Center in Concord was open.

Sullivan, Cheshire and Grafton counties suffered the most damage.

In Lebanon, “they’re telling us 66 local roads are affected,” said Jim Van Dongen, spokesman for the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Lebanon Fire Chief Chris Christopoulous said some residents asked for shelter at Lebanon High School after a water main break that closed Meriden Road. He said the water main went out due to erosion. On Tuesday night, some residents stayed at the school for a while after they were evacuated from an apartment complex.

Officials say 100 to 150 homes in the town of Washington were cut off from any access to emergency services after a road and bridge were washed out. But the road was expected to re-open later today.

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