WILMINGTON, Vt. – Residents across Vermont who feared superstorm Sandy would be a repeat of last year’s Tropical Storm Irene were grateful Tuesday their state had escaped the worst.

But they know what a devastating storm can do, and many sympathized with their fellow Northeasterners who took the brunt of Monday’s storm.

“It’s heartbreaking to watch what’s happening in other places because we know what it’s like,” said Lisa Sullivan, the owner of Wilmington’s Bartleby’s Books. “I don’t know if the town could take it if we were hit again.”

Wilmington took a direct hit in last year’s storm. Irene overwhelmed the Deerfield River, flooded the town and caused millions of dollars in damage, mostly to businesses.

Gov. Peter Shumlin said that while the prospect of another storm caused anxiety for many residents, Vermonters also were better prepared for having gone through Irene.

“We had an action plan,” Flaherty said.