Vermont has experienced some of the most intense and memorable storms in recent history. These storms have left lasting impacts on both the landscape and the communities that call Vermont home.
From heavy snowfall to severe flooding, each event has tested the resilience of the state’s residents.
Understanding the 10 biggest storms to ever hit Vermont is crucial to appreciating the state’s history and its ongoing efforts to manage natural disasters. These significant weather events serve as reminders of the power of nature and the importance of disaster preparedness.
1. The Great 1927 Flood
In November 1927, Vermont experienced one of its worst natural disasters.
Heavy rains from November 2-4 caused rivers and streams to overflow. This led to widespread flooding across the state.
The Winooski River basin was hit hardest, with 55 lives lost. In total, 84 people died in the state. Over 200 houses and many barns were destroyed too.
Downtown Montpelier faced severe damage, with water levels reaching 10 feet. The event caused significant property damage, estimated at $50 million in 1927 USD. Vermont took a long time to recover from this devastating flood.
For more details, visit Vermont Historical Society and Wikipedia.
2. Hurricane Floyd (1999)
Hurricane Floyd was a powerful Cape Verde hurricane that struck the East Coast of the United States in 1999. It caused widespread damage in Vermont, particularly due to heavy rainfall and flooding.
In Vermont, Floyd’s impact was significant. The storm brought heavy rains that swollen rivers and caused flooding. Many roads were washed out, isolating some communities for days.
Floyd triggered the fourth largest evacuation in US history, with 2.6 million people leaving their homes. Vermont experienced significant infrastructure damage, and many homes were flooded.
For more about Hurricane Floyd and its effects, you can visit this Wikipedia article.
3. The Ice Storm of 1998
The Ice Storm of 1998 was a significant weather event that struck Vermont and other parts of the Northeast from January 5 to January 9, 1998. This storm caused widespread damage due to heavy ice accumulation.
In northern New England and southern Canada, ice thickness reached up to three inches. The weight of the ice brought down trees and power lines, leading to large-scale power outages.
Vermont experienced severe disruptions as roads became impassable and communication networks failed. The National Guard was deployed to assist in the relief efforts.
This storm left parts of central Vermont relatively unscathed while wreaking havoc in the north.
For more information, visit the January 1998 North American ice storm page on Wikipedia.
4. Hurricane Irene (2011)
Hurricane Irene made a significant impact on Vermont in August 2011. Though downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it hit the state, it brought record-breaking rainfall.
The heavy rains caused major flooding. Many areas saw over seven inches of rain in just two days. This led to widespread damage to homes, roads, and bridges.
Especially hard-hit areas included Brattleboro and Rochester. Floodwaters surged through streets, sweeping away infrastructure. Residents faced weeks, sometimes months, of rebuilding.
For more details, the Vermont History Explorer provides a thorough overview.
5. 1950 Thanksgiving Snowstorm
The 1950 Thanksgiving Snowstorm, also known as the Great Appalachian Storm, hit parts of New England hard.
This storm was a mix of blizzard and hurricane conditions.
The storm brought intense snowfalls and powerful winds to Vermont.
Records show that the storm peaked with extremely strong winds, reaching speeds of up to 110 miles per hour in some areas.
The snowfall was significant, causing major disruptions and damage across the region.
The storm is remembered as one of the most severe weather events to hit Vermont in its history. More detailed information can be found on the Great Appalachian Storm of 1950.
6. The Flood of 1936
The Flood of 1936 was one of the most severe floods to hit Vermont.
Heavy rains in March combined with snowmelt from a particularly snowy winter to cause widespread flooding. The Connecticut River and its 148 tributaries swelled significantly, affecting many communities.
In Hancock, Vermont, two young children were swept off a footbridge. A man named Harold Smith drowned while trying to divert water from flooding his lumber mill in Windham. This flood brought intense damage and loss to the region.
For more details, visit the article on the 1936 flood.
7. The Veterans Day Storm (1950)
On November 11, 1950, Vermont experienced a formidable weather event known as the Veterans Day Storm.
This storm brought powerful winds and heavy snow, leading to significant damage and disruption.
Trees were uprooted, and power lines came down, causing widespread power outages across the state. Roads became impassable due to fallen debris and snow accumulation.
Homes and businesses suffered damage, and cleanup efforts took weeks. This storm remains one of Vermont’s most memorable due to its intensity and the challenges it presented to residents.
8. The Windstorm of 2007
In October 2007, Vermont experienced a significant windstorm. This storm caused widespread damage across many areas of the state.
Winds reached speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. Trees and power lines were knocked down, leading to power outages for thousands of residents.
The storm also resulted in road closures due to debris. Emergency services worked around the clock to restore normalcy and clear the affected roads.
9. The Blizzard of 1970
The Blizzard of 1970 stands out as one of Vermont’s most severe storms.
This storm hit in early December, blanketing the state with heavy snow and causing major disruptions.
Many communities were completely paralyzed, with snowfalls reaching several feet deep. Roads became impassable, and power outages were widespread.
The storm also brought strong winds, leading to drifting snow and further complicating snow removal efforts. Schools and businesses were closed for several days.
Transportation ground to a halt, and emergency services were stretched thin. The Blizzard of 1970 remains a significant event in Vermont’s weather history.
10. Tropical Storm Fay (2020)
Tropical Storm Fay was a significant weather event in Vermont during the active 2020 Atlantic hurricane season.
Fay formed on July 9, 2020, originating from a surface low over the southeast United States. It then moved northward, impacting several states before reaching Vermont.
Despite being a short-lived storm, Fay caused noticeable effects in Vermont.
The storm brought heavy rainfall, leading to minor flooding in some areas. Wind speeds reached up to 45 mph, contributing to scattered power outages and minor property damage.
Tropical Storm Fay was also notable for making landfall in New Jersey before tracking inland.
This was the first tropical cyclone to make landfall in New Jersey since Hurricane Irene in 2011. Vermont, located further north, experienced the residual impacts from Fay’s progression through the region.
Historical Context of Vermont’s Storms
Vermont’s history is punctuated by significant weather events that have shaped the land and communities.
The records of these storms provide valuable insights into their frequency, intensity, and impact on the state.
Early Records and Documentation
Vermont has a long history of recording weather patterns. One of the earliest significant storms was the 1927 flood. This event saw extensive rainfall over 38 hours, leading to devastating effects on infrastructure.
In more recent history, careful documentation has allowed for more accurate data collection.
For example, the 2003 snowfall in Rutland County, which brought 25 inches of snow in a single day, stands as one of the largest one-day snowfalls on record.
These early records serve as benchmarks for understanding the patterns and potential future impacts of similar events.
Notable Meteorological Patterns
Vermont’s weather is characterized by both significant snowfalls and heavy rainstorms.
The state has seen large one-day snowfalls, such as the 25.6 inches in Addison County in 1993.
These extreme snowfalls regularly challenge the region’s infrastructure and emergency response capabilities.
Rainstorms have also left their marks.
The 2023 tropical storm led to significant flooding, prompting the state to adopt new standards for bridge and road construction to mitigate future damage.
Additionally, in 2017, Hurricane Beryl’s remnants caused substantial flooding and financial impacts in Barre.
Impact on Vermont Communities
Economic Consequences
Vermont’s storms have caused substantial economic damage. Businesses, especially small ones, often face prolonged closures.
For example, the recent July 2023 flooding resulted in many businesses in southern towns like Weston, Ludlow, Londonderry, and Andover suffering from both physical damage and lost revenue.
Damages to homes and public infrastructure also require significant funds for repairs and rebuilding. Insurance claims can spike, but not all damages are covered, leaving many residents struggling financially.
Agricultural sectors are particularly vulnerable, with crops and livestock frequently lost to flooding and high winds.
Changes in Infrastructure
Storms have forced Vermont to rethink its infrastructure. Flooding highlights the need for improved floodplain management and better drainage systems.
Roads and bridges often need repairs or upgrades after major storms to withstand future events.
The state has started to invest in more resilient infrastructure. Projects focused on strengthening levees and redesigning roadways to cope with heavy rainfall have become priorities.
After the 2023 floods, officials emphasized the importance of creating infrastructure that not only repairs current damage but also anticipates future climate conditions.
Effects on Local Ecosystems
Storms also have profound impacts on local ecosystems.
Floodwaters can pull nutrients and waste into rivers, affecting water quality.
For instance, the July 2023 flood increased the turbidity in the Lamoille River, raising concerns about long-term environmental health.
Vegetation and wildlife are also impacted.
Trees may be uprooted, and natural habitats can be destroyed, putting pressure on local flora and fauna.
The runoff from storms often leads to soil erosion, which reduces agricultural productivity and alters the landscape.