Flash Flooding and Flood in Vermont, May 26 to 27, 2011

Name: Flash Flooding and Flood in Vermont, May 26 to 27, 2011
Start: 2011-05-26T13:47
End: 2011-05-27T10:49
Location: Vermont

May 26 to 27, 2011 · NWS BTV · 83 events in 10 counties and zones

A surface low as well as upper atmospheric energy traveled along a quasi-stationary boundary across northern New York and Vermont during the afternoon and evening of May 26th. 5 inches in diameter).

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $11 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 83

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS BTV wrote it up.

A surface low as well as upper atmospheric energy traveled along a quasi-stationary boundary across northern New York and Vermont during the afternoon and evening of May 26th. The air mass ahead of this boundary was moderately to largely unstable and the combination lead to numerous reports of damaging winds and very large hail (up to 2.5 inches in diameter). Some 25,000+ customers lost power during these storms.

In addition, several rounds of thunderstorms traversed the same areas in central Vermont near the Route 2 corridor between Middlesex and Lunenburg. The end result of 3 to 5+ inches of rainfall and severe flash flooding and resultant river flooding as well.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Burlington, VT wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 26, 12:31 PM EST, 1 hour 16 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 26, 12:31 PM EST, 1 hour 16 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BURLINGTON VT
131 PM EDT THU MAY 26 2011

.SYNOPSIS...
ACTIVE WEATHER IS EXPECTED ACROSS MUCH OF THE NORTH COUNTRY THROUGH
SATURDAY...WITH STRONG TO POSSIBLY SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS...AND LOCALLY
HEAVY RAINFALL. THE THREAT FOR SHOWERS CONTINUES SATURDAY NIGHT
INTO SUNDAY...BEFORE HIGH PRESSURE RETURNS TO THE REGION FOR THE
START OF NEXT WEEK.

&&

.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 PM THIS EVENING/...
AS OF 1255 PM EDT THURSDAY...TORNADO WATCH 380 IN EFFECT FOR THE ENTIRE
AREA UNTIL 800 PM TONIGHT. INITIAL AREA OF STORMS CONTINUES
MOVING EAST- NORTHEAST ACROSS NORTHEAST NEW YORK EARLY THIS
AFTERNOON. NEXT AREA OF STORMS WILL BE FORMING IN A COUPLE OF
HOURS ACROSS CENTRAL NEW YORK WHERE INSTABILITY IS BECOMING
MAXIMIZED AND DEEP LAYER SHEAR INCREASES OVER THE AREA. MORNING
SOUNDINGS CONFIRM THAT SUFFICIENT DEEP LAYER SHEAR WILL BE MOVING
UP INTO NORTHERN NEW YORK AS THE AFTERNOON WEARS ON AND WITH
INCREASING INSTABILITY...STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL FORM
AGAIN OVER THE NORTHERN ADIRONDACKS AND SPREAD EAST AND NORTHEAST.
LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS WILL BE THE MAIN THREAT...BUT ONE
CANNOT RULE OUT THE POSSIBILITY OF A TORNADO. VERY HEAVY RAINFALL
WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT AS STORMS MOVE
FURTHER EAST INTO VERMONT.

&&

.SHORT TERM /6 PM THIS EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT/...
AS OF 451 AM EDT THURSDAY...AFOREMENTIONED COLD FRONT CONTINUES TO
SLOWLY SAG SOUTH ACROSS THE NORTH COUNTRY TONIGHT...WITH THE
THREAT FOR STRONG STORMS CONTINUING AT LEAST THROUGH MIDNIGHT...THEN
WEAKENING THROUGH THE REMAINDER OF THE NIGHT WITH THE LOSS OF
SURFACE HEATING. THE POTENTIAL EXISTS AGAIN ON FRIDAY FOR
CONVECTIVE DEVELOPMENT AS THE FRONTAL BOUNDARY IS SLOW TO MOVE
THROUGH THE REGION. STILL A LOT OF QUESTIONS AS TO THE LOCATION OF
THE BOUNDARY...WITH MID-RANGE MODELS DIFFERING A BIT FROM NORTH TO
SOUTH. A LARGE FACTOR IN THE LOCATION OF THE BOUNDARY WILL LIKELY
BE WHATEVER STORMS DEVELOP THIS AFTERNOON...WHICH MAY COOL THE
BOUNDARY LAYER OVER THE REGION ENOUGH TO KEEP THE BEST INSTABILITY
SOUTH OF THE REGION. AT THIS TIME...HAVE GONE WITH A BLEND OF
SOLUTIONS KEEPING THE MAIN THREAT FOR STORMS ACROSS CENTRAL AND
SOUTHERN PORTIONS OF THE REGION...WITH LESSER CHANCES AND COOLER
AIR NORTH.

&&

.LONG TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
AS OF 1240 PM EDT THURSDAY...OVERALL, NO BIG CHANGES IN THE
FORECAST FOR THE LONGER TERM PORTION. STILL LOOKING AT A PATTERN
CHANGE (AT LEAST TEMPORARILY) AWAY FROM THE VERY UNSETTLED
WEATHER WE'VE HAD AS WE START NEXT WEEK. HERE ARE THE DAILY
PARTICULARS.

SATURDAY...
STILL DEALING WITH A PESKY BOUNDARY MORE OR LESS ALONG THE
CANADIAN BORDER AND IT WILL REMAIN A FOCUS FOR SHOWER/T-STORM
ACTIVITY. LOOKS LIKE THE BOUNDARY WILL START PUSHING NORTH AS THE
DAY GOES ON. HAVE HIGHEST POPS NORTH AND WEST -- TOOK A BLEND
BETWEEN NAM AND SREF. STUCK CLOSE TO GUIDANCE TEMPERATURES, BUT WE
WILL BE IN THE WARM SECTOR SO TEMPERATURES WELL INTO THE 70S AND
CLOSE TO 80. WILL BE A BIT MUGGY WITH DEWPOINTS IN THE 60S.

SUNDAY...
SIMILAR TO SATURDAY, THOUGH THE BOUNDARY WILL BE FURTHER NORTH, SO
LESSER CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION FOR OUR REGION. AGAIN, KEPT CLOSE
TO SREF/NAM BLEND. LESS PRECIP AND A LITTLE MORE SUN SHOULD PUSH
TEMPERATURES UP EVEN A BIT MORE, PROBABLY MID 80S IN THE LOWER
ELEVATIONS. ENOUGH SURFACE INSTABILITY WILL BE PRESENT FOR SOME
AFTERNOON THUNDERSTORMS.

MONDAY...
MID/UPPER LEVEL RIDGING REALLY STARTS DEVELOPING OVER THE OHIO
VALLEY AND NUDGING INTO OUR AREA. SUBSIDENCE WITH THE RIDGE SHOULD
PRECLUDE MUCH IN THE WAY OF PRECIP, BUT WITH 850MB TEMPERATURES
RISING INTO THE 15-18C RANGE, WE'LL LIKELY BE WAY UP INTO THE 80S.
THAT HEAT COULD STILL POP A STRAY AFTERNOON THUNDERSTORM. WENT
SLIGHTLY ABOVE MOS GUIDANCE FOR HIGHS. COULD SEE NEAR 90F IN THE
CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY.

TUESDAY...
GUIDANCE ALL ON BOARD FOR THE STRONG UPPER RIDGE TO REALLY BE IN
CONTROL. THINK SUBSIDENCE WILL BE TOO STRONG FOR ANY PRECIP,
ALLOWING FOR A MOSTLY SUNNY AND HOT DAY (AND HUMID TOO). AGAIN
WENT SEVERAL DEGREES ABOVE GUIDANCE AND WITH 850MB TEMPERATURES OF
18-20C, WE WILL EASILY SEE TEMPERATURES OF 90-92F IN THE VALLEYS.

WEDNESDAY...
COULD BE AN INTERESTING DAY, THOUGH THIS IS BASED ON ONLY SUBTLE
CLUES IN THE MODELS. WE STILL HAVE THE BIG RIDGE TO OUR SOUTHWEST
AND STRONG JET NEAR/JUST NORTH OF OUR AREA. THAT WOULD MEAN WE ARE
IN THE POTENTIAL RING OF FIRE. MODELS SHOW A LARGE EML (ELEVATED
MIXED LAYER) IN PLACE OVER OUR REGION WHILE AT THE SAME TIME WE'LL
HAVE A FAST MOVING SHORT WAVE ZIPPING BY EARLY IN THE DAY. THIS
TYPE OF SCENARIO IS ONE THAT CAN GIVE WIDESPREAD SEVERE WEATHER TO
THE NORTH COUNTRY. NOT CONFIDENT IN ALL THOSE DETAILS TO COME
TOGETHER AT THIS POINT, SO JUST HAVE SOME CHANCE POPS -- BUT WE
COULD BE FACING SOME SORT OF MCS OR MCS REMNANT COMING ACROSS AT
SOMEPOINT IN THE DAY.

THURSDAY...
IN THE WAKE OF THE SHORTWAVE, THE BIG UPPER RIDGE PUSHES SOUTH A
BIT, ALLOWING WEAK CANADIAN HIGH PRESSURE TO COME ON DOWN BRINGING
A COOLER AIRMASS. TEMPERATURES WILL BE BACK INTO THE LOWER 70S.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
THROUGH 18Z FRIDAY...AS OF 1730Z, A CLUSTER OF T-STORMS ARE MOVING
INTO THE NORTHERN CHAMPLAIN VALLEY AND INTO NORTHERN VERMONT.
EXPECT ADDITIONAL T-STORMS TO DEVELOP OVER THE COURSE OF THE
AFTERNOON. FOR NOW, HAVE A LOT OF VCTS IN THE TAFS, AND WILL
ATTEMPT TO BETTER TIME ANY STORMS THAT WILL IMPACT ANY TERMINALS.
WILL HAVE TO UPDATE AS NECESSARY.

LOW CONFIDENCE FORECAST. AFTER T-STORMS DIMINISH THIS EVENING,
THERE WILL STILL BE A PERIOD OF SHOWERS AND THEN ULTIMATELY SOME
FOG AND LOW CLOUDS -- ESPECIALLY NORTHERN REGIONS. SUSPECT
WIDESPREAD IFR TO DEVELOP LATE TONIGHT.

AFTER 15Z FRIDAY, EXPECT ADDITIONAL SCATTERED SHOWERS/T-STORMS TO
DEVELOP BUT OUTSIDE OF ANY PRECIPITATION, IT SHOULD BE VFR.

OUTLOOK 18Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY...
18Z FRIDAY THROUGH 00Z MONDAY...SCATTERED SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS WILL PRODUCE MVFR CONDITIONS. MAY BE LOCALLY IFR IN
PATCHY FOG OVERNIGHT. OTHERWISE VFR.
00Z MONDAY-23Z TUESDAY...PRIMARILY VFR, THOUGH SCATTERED SHOWERS POSSIBLE.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
AS OF 450 AM EDT THURSDAY...THE THREAT FOR LOCALIZED HEAVY
RAINFALL FROM STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE INCREASING THIS
AFTERNOON AND EVENING...AND AGAIN ON FRIDAY. STRONGER STORMS WILL
BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING 1 TO 2 INCHES OF RAINFALL IN A SHORT
PERIOD OF TIME...WHICH COMBINED WITH ALREADY SATURATED GROUND
CONDITIONS WILL POSE A THREAT FOR FLASH FLOODING AND RAPID RISES
ON SMALLER STREAMS AND RIVERS. THE FOCUS TODAY WILL BE ACROSS THE
NORTHERN ADIRONDACKS...SHIFTING EASTWARD TONIGHT INTO FRIDAY.
GIVEN THE CONVECTIVE NATURE OF THE PRECIP...THE EXACT TIMING AND
LOCATION OF THE HEAVIEST RAINFALL AMOUNTS IS DIFFICULT TO
FORECAST AT THIS TIME. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR ADDITIONAL
DISCUSSIONS AND STATEMENTS ON THIS UPCOMING WEATHER EVENT.

&&

.MARINE...
AS OF 345 AM EDT THURSDAY...WINDS WILL BECOME A MAJOR FACTOR ON LAKE
CHAMPLAIN TODAY AND A LAKE WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT. SOUTH WINDS
WILL INCREASE INTO THE 20 TO 30 KNOT RANGE THIS MORNING WITH WAVES
BUILDING INTO THE 3 TO 5 FOOT RANGE. SEICHE EFFECTS FROM THE WIND
WILL CAUSE THE LAKE LEVEL TO RISE TO NEAR 102.7 FEET ACROSS THE
NORTHERN HALF OF THE LAKE THURSDAY...WITH SOME EROSION TO SOUTH
FACING SHORELINES. WINDS WILL SUBSIDE SOME BY LATE AFTN /15-25
KNOTS/...THEN BECOME NORTH THIS EVENING INTO THURSDAY NIGHT WITH
PASSAGE OF A COLD FRONT FROM NORTH TO SOUTH ACROSS LAKE CHAMPLAIN.
NORTH WINDS AROUND 10 KNOTS ARE EXPECTED FOR FRIDAY.

FOR BOATERS MANY HAZARDS STILL EXIST. BREAKWATER AND OTHER ROCKS
OR OBSTRUCTIONS TO NAVIGATION MAY BE OBSCURED BY THE HIGH WATER
LEVELS ON THE LAKE. IN ADDITION...PLENTY OF DEBRIS REMAIN IN THE
LAKE...ESPECIALLY NEAR RIVER MOUTHS. LASTLY...THE NEAR-SHORE LAKE
TEMPERATURES HAVE ONLY WARMED TO AROUND 50 DEGREES...WHICH COULD
LEAD TO POTENTIAL HYPOTHERMIC CONDITIONS IF ONE WERE TO FALL INTO
THE WATER. DUE TO THE ABOVE FACTORS...RECREATIONAL BOATING IS
DISCOURAGED AT THIS TIME.

&&

.BTV WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
VT...FLASH FLOOD WATCH THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING FOR VTZ001>009-
     016>018.
NY...FLASH FLOOD WATCH THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING FOR NYZ026>031-034-
     035-087.

&&

SYNOPSIS...EVENSON
NEAR TERM...EVENSON
SHORT TERM...LAHIFF
LONG TERM...NASH
AVIATION...NASH
HYDROLOGY...BTV
MARINE...BTV

Hazardous weather outlook, May 26, 9:12 AM EST, 4 hours 35 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BURLINGTON VT
1012 AM EDT THU MAY 26 2011

NYZ026>031-034-035-087-VTZ001>009-016>018-271415-
NORTHERN ST. LAWRENCE-NORTHERN FRANKLIN-EASTERN CLINTON-
SOUTHEASTERN ST. LAWRENCE-SOUTHERN FRANKLIN-WESTERN CLINTON-
WESTERN ESSEX-EASTERN ESSEX-SOUTHWESTERN ST. LAWRENCE-GRAND ISLE-
WESTERN FRANKLIN-ORLEANS-ESSEX-WESTERN CHITTENDEN-LAMOILLE-CALEDONIA-
WASHINGTON-WESTERN ADDISON-EASTERN FRANKLIN-EASTERN CHITTENDEN-
EASTERN ADDISON-
1012 AM EDT THU MAY 26 2011

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH
FRIDAY MORNING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHERN NEW YORK...CENTRAL
VERMONT...NORTHEAST VERMONT AND NORTHWEST VERMONT.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

SCATTERED SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP ACROSS THE SAINT
LAWRENCE VALLEY AND NORTHERN ADIRONDACK MOUNTAINS OF NEW YORK BY
EARLY THIS AFTERNOON...AND MOVE INTO THE CHAMPLAIN VALLEY AND NORTHERN
VERMONT BY MID TO LATE AFTERNOON.

THESE THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING WIND GUSTS
GREATER THAN 70 MPH...LARGE HAIL...DANGEROUS LIGHTNING...AND VERY
HEAVY RAINFALL. AN ISOLATED TORNADO COULD BE POSSIBLE IN A FEW OF
THE STRONGER STORMS.

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS ALSO IN EFFECT THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT
AS ANY THUNDERSTORMS OVER NORTHERN NEW YORK AND THE NORTHERN AND
CENTRAL SECTIONS OF VERMONT WILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE 1
TO 2 INCHES OF RAIN IN A VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THIS WOULD
LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

ADDITIONAL STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS MAY REDEVELOP DURING THE
DAY FRIDAY. THE GREATEST THREAT OF SEVERE STORMS WILL SHIFT
SOUTHWARD TO INCLUDE CENTRAL AND SOUTH-CENTRAL VERMONT ON FRIDAY.
LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL FROM THUNDERSTORMS REMAINS POSSIBLE...AND
ANY PERSISTENT AREAS OF HEAVY RAIN MAY CREATE A FLASH FLOOD THREAT
FRIDAY INTO FRIDAY EVENING.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL LIKELY BE NEEDED.

VTZ010>012-019-271415-
ORANGE-WESTERN RUTLAND-WINDSOR-EASTERN RUTLAND-
1012 AM EDT THU MAY 26 2011

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR CENTRAL VERMONT AND SOUTHERN
VERMONT.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE POSSIBLY TOWARD EVENING AND ANY STORMS WOULD
HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE STRONG GUSTY WINDS...HAIL...AND VERY
HEAVY DOWNPOURS.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

ADDITIONAL STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS MAY REDEVELOP DURING THE
DAY FRIDAY. THE GREATEST THREAT OF SEVERE STORMS WILL SHIFT
SOUTHWARD TO INCLUDE CENTRAL AND SOUTH-CENTRAL VERMONT ON FRIDAY.
LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL FROM THUNDERSTORMS REMAINS POSSIBLE...AND
ANY PERSISTENT AREAS OF HEAVY RAIN MAY CREATE A FLASH FLOOD THREAT
FRIDAY INTO FRIDAY EVENING.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL LIKELY BE NEEDED.

EVENSON

In the hours before

Local storm report, May 26, 12:41 PM EST, 1 hour 6 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BURLINGTON VT
141 PM EDT THU MAY 26 2011

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0128 PM     HAIL             PERU                    44.58N  73.53W
05/26/2011  E1.00 INCH       CLINTON            NY   PUBLIC

&&

EVENT NUMBER BTV1100070

CM

Local storm report, May 26, 12:48 PM EST, 59 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BURLINGTON VT
148 PM EDT THU MAY 26 2011

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0141 PM     HAIL             PERU                    44.58N  73.53W
05/26/2011  E1.25 INCH       CLINTON            NY   PUBLIC

&&

EVENT NUMBER BTV1100071

CM

Local storm report, May 26, 1:14 PM EST, 33 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BURLINGTON VT
214 PM EDT THU MAY 26 2011

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1250 PM     TSTM WND DMG     SARANAC                 44.65N  73.74W
05/26/2011                   CLINTON            NY   PUBLIC

            TREE LIMBS DOWN AND SIME SIZE HAIL

1250 PM     HAIL             SARANAC                 44.65N  73.74W
05/26/2011  E0.75 INCH       CLINTON            NY   PUBLIC

            TREE LIMBS DOWN AND SIME SIZE HAIL

&&

EVENT NUMBER BTV1100072
EVENT NUMBER BTV1100073

NEILES

Local storm report, May 26, 1:17 PM EST, 30 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BURLINGTON VT
217 PM EDT THU MAY 26 2011

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1250 PM     HAIL             SARANAC                 44.65N  73.74W
05/26/2011  E0.75 INCH       CLINTON            NY   PUBLIC

            TREE LIMBS DOWN AND DIME SIZE HAIL

&&

CORRECTED REMARKS

EVENT NUMBER BTV1100073

NEILES

Local storm report, May 26, 1:18 PM EST, 29 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BURLINGTON VT
218 PM EDT THU MAY 26 2011

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1250 PM     TSTM WND DMG     SARANAC                 44.65N  73.74W
05/26/2011                   CLINTON            NY   PUBLIC

            TREE LIMBS DOWN AND DIME SIZE HAIL

&&

CORRECTED REMARKS

EVENT NUMBER BTV1100072

NEILES

Special weather statement, May 26, 1:30 PM EST, 17 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BURLINGTON VT
230 PM EDT THU MAY 26 2011

NYZ028>031-034-035-VTZ001-002-005-009-016>018-261900-
EASTERN ADDISON VT-EASTERN CHITTENDEN VT-EASTERN CLINTON NY-
EASTERN ESSEX NY-EASTERN FRANKLIN VT-GRAND ISLE VT-
SOUTHEASTERN ST. LAWRENCE NY-SOUTHERN FRANKLIN NY-WESTERN ADDISON VT-
WESTERN CHITTENDEN VT-WESTERN CLINTON NY-WESTERN ESSEX NY-
WESTERN FRANKLIN VT-
230 PM EDT THU MAY 26 2011

...THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOPING ACROSS THE ADIRONDACKS...

AT 229 PM EDT...THUNDERSTORMS WERE DEVELOPING NEAR LAKE PLACID
...NEWCOMB AND ST. REGIS FALLS...AND WERE MOVING NORTHEAST AT
55 MPH.

EXPECT THUNDERSTORMS TO CONTINUE TO DEVELOP ACROSS NORTHERN NEW
YORK THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON THEN MOVE INTO WESTERN VERMONT. A FEW
STORMS WILL BE SEVERE WITH WIND GUSTS OVER 60 MPH...LARGE
HAIL...EXTREMELY HEAVY RAIN AND DEADLY LIGHTNING. AN ISOLATED
TORNADO IS POSSIBLE.

GET TO SAFETY IMMEDIATELY WHEN THREATENING WEATHER APPROACHES.

A TORNADO WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM THURSDAY EVENING FOR
NORTHERN NEW YORK AND VERMONT.

WHEN YOU CAN DO SO SAFELY...PLEASE REPORT ANY SIGNIFICANT WEATHER TO
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BY CALLING TOLL FREE...1 800 8 6 3 4 2 7
9...OR BY SUBMITTING A STORM REPORT AT WEATHER.GOV/BURLINGTON.

LAT...LON 4502 7298 4388 7305 4374 7405 4379 7406
      4382 7415 4381 7422 4392 7434 4397 7426
      4411 7429 4404 7506 4413 7527 4502 7304

The radar

The Burlington radar (KCXX), 72 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 18:46 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

53 hail, 23 thunderstorm wind, 6 flash flood, 1 flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Orleans

When: May 26, 1:47 PM EST
Where: Orleans County, 0.85 mi NW of Westfield
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.890, -72.430

Quarter size hail reported.

Hail, Orleans

When: May 26, 2:00 PM EST
Where: Orleans County, 0.85 mi NW of (Efk)newport Arpt
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.910, -72.240

Dime size hail reported.

Hail, Orleans

When: May 26, 2:05 PM EST
Where: Orleans County, 0.85 mi NW of Newport
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.940, -72.210

Quarter size hail reported.

Hail, Orleans

When: May 26, 2:05 PM EST
Where: Orleans County, 2.54 mi ESE of Newport Center
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.940, -72.250

Nickel size hail reported.

Hail, Chittenden

When: May 26, 3:20 PM EST
Where: Chittenden County, 2.82 mi ENE of Champlain Arpt
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 44.570, -73.230

Quarter size hail reported by NWS employee.

Hail, Chittenden

When: May 26, 3:25 PM EST
Where: Chittenden County, 2.86 mi SW of West Milton
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.600, -73.210

Nickel size hail reported on Camp Kiniya road.

Hail, Chittenden

When: May 26, 3:26 PM EST
Where: Chittenden County, 0.69 mi N of Colchester
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.540, -73.150

Penny size hail reported.

Hail, Chittenden

When: May 26, 3:28 PM EST
Where: Chittenden County, 0.69 mi N of Colchester
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.540, -73.150

Penny to quarter size hail reported.

Hail, Chittenden

When: May 26, 3:28 PM EST
Where: Chittenden County, 0.49 mi E of Champlain Arpt
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.550, -73.270

Quarter size hail reported.

Hail, Chittenden

When: May 26, 3:35 PM EST
Where: Chittenden County, Checkerberry
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.630, -73.130

Nickel size hail reported.

Hail, Chittenden

When: May 26, 3:35 PM EST
Where: Chittenden County, Milton
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.630, -73.120

Nickel to just under quarter size hail reported.

Hail, Chittenden

When: May 26, 3:35 PM EST
Where: Chittenden County, 0.69 mi S of Checkerberry
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 44.620, -73.130

Quarter size hail reported.

Hail, Chittenden

When: May 26, 3:40 PM EST
Where: Chittenden County, Checkerberry
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.630, -73.130

Quarter size hail reported by public.

Hail, Chittenden

When: May 26, 3:45 PM EST
Where: Chittenden County, 0.85 mi NE of Milton
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.640, -73.110

Quarter size hail reported on Maplewood Drive.

Hail, Franklin

When: May 26, 4:00 PM EST
Where: Franklin County, 2.85 mi SE of Franklin
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.950, -72.880

Dime size hail reported at Lake Carmi State Park.

Hail, Franklin

When: May 26, 4:05 PM EST
Where: Franklin County, 0.85 mi SE of East Franklin
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.990, -72.810

Quarter size hail reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin

When: May 26, 4:45 PM EST
Where: Franklin County, 2.54 mi SE of Fairfax Falls
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.640, -72.970

Several dozen trees downed by thunderstorms winds.

Hail, Orleans

When: May 26, 4:48 PM EST
Where: Orleans County, 0.49 mi W of Newport Center
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.950, -72.310

Quarter size hail reported along Main street.

Hail, Franklin

When: May 26, 4:50 PM EST
Where: Franklin County, 0.49 mi E of Fairfax
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.670, -73.010

Nickel size hail reported by public.

Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin

When: May 26, 4:50 PM EST
Where: Franklin County, 2.54 mi SW of Binghamville
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.650, -72.950

Five large trees uprooted by thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chittenden

When: May 26, 4:56 PM EST
Where: Chittenden County, 3.76 mi NNE of Underhill Center
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.550, -72.870

A thunderstorm wind gust of 60 mph was recorded on Pleasant valley Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin

When: May 26, 5:00 PM EST
Where: Franklin County, 2.54 mi SE of Binghamville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.650, -72.890

Trees down by thunderstorms winds along with penny size hail.

Hail, Franklin

When: May 26, 5:00 PM EST
Where: Franklin County, 2.54 mi SE of Binghamville
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.650, -72.890

Penny size hail as well as trees downed by thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lamoille

When: May 26, 5:00 PM EST
Where: Lamoille County, 0.69 mi S of Cambridge
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.640, -72.880

Several reports of trees and power lines downed by thunderstorm winds in Cambridge and Jeffersonville.

Hail, Lamoille

When: May 26, 5:05 PM EST
Where: Lamoille County, 0.69 mi S of Hyde Park
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.590, -72.620

Dime size hail reported.

Hail, Lamoille

When: May 26, 5:05 PM EST
Where: Lamoille County, 0.69 mi N of Johnson
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.640, -72.680

Nickel size hail reported along Route 15.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lamoille

When: May 26, 5:10 PM EST
Where: Lamoille County, 0.85 mi NW of Waterville
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.690, -72.780

Damaging thunderstorms winds partially torn a roof off a barn.

Hail, Lamoille

When: May 26, 5:15 PM EST
Where: Lamoille County, 1.2 mi NW of Cadys Falls
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.580, -72.600

Nickel size hail reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lamoille

When: May 26, 5:15 PM EST
Where: Lamoille County, 0.69 mi S of Jeffersonville
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.640, -72.830

Several trees reported down by thunderstorm winds along Route 15, causing partial road closure.

Hail, Lamoille

When: May 26, 5:15 PM EST
Where: Lamoille County, 0.69 mi N of Johnson
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.640, -72.680

One and an half inch diameter hail reported as well as large 32 inch diameter tree downed by thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lamoille

When: May 26, 5:15 PM EST
Where: Lamoille County, 0.69 mi N of Johnson
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.640, -72.680

Large tree of 32 inches in diameter downed by thunderstorm winds as well as 1.5 inch diameter hail.

Hail, Lamoille

When: May 26, 5:15 PM EST
Where: Lamoille County, 0.49 mi W of East Johnson
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 44.630, -72.660

Quarter size hail reported along Collins Hill Road.

Hail, Lamoille

When: May 26, 5:18 PM EST
Where: Lamoille County, 1.2 mi SW of Cadys Falls
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.560, -72.600

Dime size hail reported.

Hail, Orleans

When: May 26, 5:20 PM EST
Where: Orleans County, 0.85 mi NW of Newport
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.940, -72.210

Quarter size hail as well as a few trees downed by thunderstorms.

Thunderstorm Wind, Orleans

When: May 26, 5:20 PM EST
Where: Orleans County, 0.85 mi NW of Newport
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.940, -72.210

A few trees downed by thunderstorms winds as well as quarter size hail.

Thunderstorm Wind, Orleans

When: May 26, 5:20 PM EST
Where: Orleans County, 3.49 mi S of Lowell
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 44.750, -72.460

Trees and power lines down along Route 100 between Lowell and Eden.

Thunderstorm Wind, Orleans

When: May 26, 5:25 PM EST
Where: Orleans County, Irasburg
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.800, -72.280

Half dozen 12-inch diameter Poplar trees downed by thunderstorm winds.

Hail, Orleans

When: May 26, 5:30 PM EST
Where: Orleans County, 0.69 mi N of Derby Center
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.960, -72.130

Quarter size hail as well as estimated wind gusts to 50 knots.

Thunderstorm Wind, Orleans

When: May 26, 5:30 PM EST
Where: Orleans County, 0.69 mi N of Derby Center
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.960, -72.130

Thunderstorm wind gust estimated at 50 knots with several branches downed and quarter size hail.

Hail, Washington

When: May 26, 5:45 PM EST
Where: Washington County, 0.5 mi W of Irasville
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.180, -72.840

Golf ball size hail along Butcher House Road, causing some minor dents in vehicles and siding.

Hail, Washington

When: May 26, 5:45 PM EST
Where: Washington County, 0.85 mi NW of Fayston
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.230, -72.880

Several reports of quarter to half dollar size hail in Fayston and Waitsfield.

Thunderstorm Wind, Washington

When: May 26, 5:46 PM EST
Where: Washington County, 0.49 mi W of Moretown
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.250, -72.760

Estimated 60 mph wind gusts with several large limbs down.

Hail, Washington

When: May 26, 5:50 PM EST
Where: Washington County, 1.98 mi W of Moretown
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.250, -72.790

Just smaller than baseball size hail reported on Quarry Drive. Some damage to vehicles, outdoor furniture and siding.

Hail, Washington

When: May 26, 5:50 PM EST
Where: Washington County, 1.47 mi SSW of Irasville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.160, -72.840

Quarter size hail reported.

Hail, Washington

When: May 26, 5:50 PM EST
Where: Washington County, 0.69 mi N of Irasville
Measured: 1 in hail
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.190, -72.830

Quarter size hail and slight vehicle damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Washington

When: May 26, 6:05 PM EST
Where: Washington County, 1.64 mi ESE of Montpelier Jct
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.240, -72.550

Trees and numerous branches down as well as power lines across Point Ridge Road and throughout Berlin.

Thunderstorm Wind, Washington

When: May 26, 6:05 PM EST
Where: Washington County, 0.68 mi SSE of Montpelier Jct
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.241, -72.574

Numerous trees down along Berlin Hill.

Hail, Washington

When: May 26, 6:15 PM EST
Where: Washington County, 0.99 mi E of (Mpv)-Montpelier Arpt
Measured: 2 in hail
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 44.200, -72.550

Local police reported hail around 2 inches in diameter, bigger than a golf ball.

Thunderstorm Wind, Washington

When: May 26, 6:15 PM EST
Where: Washington County, 0.49 mi W of Fairmont Arpt
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.270, -72.490

Large 36 inch diameter tree as well as other tree debris and power lines downed along Route 14.

Thunderstorm Wind, Washington

When: May 26, 6:15 PM EST
Where: Washington County, 1.47 mi NNE of Plainfield
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.300, -72.420

Numerous trees downed by thunderstorm winds along Taylor Farm Road in East Montpelier and Plainfield. NWS survey conducted and determined to be straight line winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Washington

When: May 26, 6:15 PM EST
Where: Washington County, 1.48 mi W of Worcester
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 44.370, -72.580

Several trees reported down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Essex

When: May 26, 6:15 PM EST
Where: Essex County, 0.49 mi W of Canaan
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.000, -71.540

Several trees and power lines downed by thunderstorm winds.

Hail, Caledonia

When: May 26, 6:15 PM EST
Where: Caledonia County, Peacham
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Post Office
Coordinates: 44.330, -72.170

Reports of dollar size hail.

Hail, Washington

When: May 26, 6:20 PM EST
Where: Washington County, Montpelier
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.270, -72.570

Quarter size hail reported by several sources in Montpelier.

Hail, Washington

When: May 26, 6:48 PM EST
Where: Washington County, 0.5 mi W of Northfield
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.150, -72.660

Dollar size hail reported.

Hail, Addison

When: May 26, 6:48 PM EST
Where: Addison County, 2.07 mi N of New Haven
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.150, -73.150

Quarter size hail reported.

Hail, Washington

When: May 26, 6:50 PM EST
Where: Washington County, 1.98 mi W of Northfield Falls
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.170, -72.690

Quarter size hail reported along Union Brook Road.

Hail, Caledonia

When: May 26, 6:50 PM EST
Where: Caledonia County, 1.47 mi NNE of Danville
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.440, -72.120

Golf ball size hail reported on Cormier street.

Hail, Washington

When: May 26, 6:52 PM EST
Where: Washington County, 2.03 mi NW of Northfield Falls
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.190, -72.680

Penny size hail reported.

Hail, Caledonia

When: May 26, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Caledonia County, 1.63 mi ENE of Passumpsic
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.390, -72.000

Half dollar size hail reported.

Hail, Caledonia

When: May 26, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Caledonia County, 0.49 mi E of St Johnsbury
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.420, -72.010

Quarter size hail reported on Costa Road.

Hail, Caledonia

When: May 26, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Caledonia County, 0.69 mi S of St Johnsbury
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.410, -72.020

Golf ball size hail and cloud to ground lightning. Some vehicle and outdoor furniture damage.

Hail, Caledonia

When: May 26, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Caledonia County, 0.69 mi N of St Johnsbury
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.430, -72.020

Golf ball size hail and vehicle damage throughout southern St. Johnsbury.

Hail, Caledonia

When: May 26, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Caledonia County, 0.85 mi SE of St Johnsbury
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.410, -72.010

Half dollar to dollar size hail on Adams Drive.

Hail, Caledonia

When: May 26, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Caledonia County, Passumpsic
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Post Office
Coordinates: 44.380, -72.030

Several reports of golf ball size hail reported to Post Office and witnessed by employees.

Hail, Caledonia

When: May 26, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Caledonia County, 2.03 mi NW of West Waterford
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.390, -71.980

Half dollar sized hail.

Hail, Caledonia

When: May 26, 7:05 PM EST
Where: Caledonia County, 0.69 mi N of West Waterford
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.380, -71.950

Golf ball size hail on Duck Pond road with some minor damage to vehicles, outdoor furniture and siding.

Hail, Washington

When: May 26, 7:10 PM EST
Where: Washington County, 0.5 mi W of Barre
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.200, -72.510

Multiple reports of quarter size hail in Barre.

Hail, Caledonia

When: May 26, 7:15 PM EST
Where: Caledonia County, 0.69 mi S of Danville
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.410, -72.130

Nickel size hail on Brainard Street.

Thunderstorm Wind, Essex

When: May 26, 7:15 PM EST
Where: Essex County, 1.78 mi NE of Miles Pond
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.466, -71.772

US Route 2 closed from Concord to NH border due to numerous trees and power lines downed by thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Essex

When: May 26, 7:15 PM EST
Where: Essex County, 0.69 mi S of Lunenburg
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 44.460, -71.680

Trees and power lines down across Route 2 in between Lunenburg, VT and Lancaster, NH.

Hail, Washington

When: May 26, 7:20 PM EST
Where: Washington County, 0.69 mi N of Irasville
Measured: 1 in hail
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.190, -72.830

Quarter size hail and minor damage to vehicle.

Flash Flood, Washington

When: May 26, 7:30 PM EST to 11:00 PM EST
Where: Washington County, 0.15 mi W of Montpelier to 0.13 mi NNW of Middlesex
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.270, -72.573

Training thunderstorms with torrential rains traveled across southwest Washington county and caused flash flooding of several roads and washouts from Moretown, Middlesex, Waitsfield, Montpelier and Berlin during the early evening. This event continued and magnified in intensity later at night, especially as it shifted east-northeast across Barre, Plainfield into Caledonia county.

Flash Flood, Addison

When: May 26, 7:30 PM EST to 11:30 PM EST
Where: Addison County, 0.41 mi N of Vergennes to 3.23 mi W of Lincoln
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.176, -73.249

Several creeks, streams overflowed their banks and caused flooding of several roads including portions of Route 116 in Monkton and Bristol, Route 17 in Bristol and Route 7 near Vergennes. Some basements of businesses and homes were flooded as well.

Hail, Caledonia

When: May 26, 7:35 PM EST
Where: Caledonia County, 0.85 mi SW of West Barnet
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.310, -72.140

Quarter to golf ball size hail reported in West Barnet.

Thunderstorm Wind, Orange

When: May 26, 7:35 PM EST
Where: Orange County, 1.9 mi WSW of Brookfield
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Park/Forest Service
Coordinates: 44.043, -72.637

Several trees down within Allis State Park.

Hail, Caledonia

When: May 26, 7:45 PM EST
Where: Caledonia County, 0.49 mi W of East Barnet
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.330, -72.040

Quarter size hail reported.

Flash Flood, Washington

When: May 26, 8:00 PM EST to May 27, 6:00 AM EST
Where: Washington County, 2.5 mi WNW of Montpelier Jct to 3.83 mi N of Woodbury
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $5.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.258, -72.629

Devastating flash flooding occurred in the towns of Berlin, Plainfield, Cabot, Marshfield, Montpelier, and Northfield. The Stevens Branch flooded much of downtown Barre, and swift water rescues were conducted for people trapped by flood waters. Many homes and businesses were flooded along Route 302 in Barre. The River Run Manor mobile home park was flooded, displacing approximately 200 persons. Multiple town roads were severely damaged, and Routes 302, 2, 14, 62, and 63 were closed in and around Barre. Plainfield suffered many road washouts, and roads were damaged in Northfield. The Winooski flooded sections of Route 2 in East Montpelier, damaging businesses.

Flash Flood, Caledonia

When: May 26, 8:37 PM EST to May 27, 6:00 AM EST
Where: Caledonia County, 5.41 mi WSW of Ricker Mills to 4.87 mi SSE of East Ryegate
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $2.5 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.196, -72.329

Devastating flash flooding resulted from over 5 inches of rainfall in just a few hours the evening of May 26. Roads were washed out in Lyndon, St. Johnsbury, Danville, Kirby, and Barnet, and swift water rescues were needed in St. Johnsbury. In Barnet, a portion of Route 5 and an adjacent railroad track were washed out by a tributary to the Passumpsic River. Portions of Route 302 were closed in Groton and Ryegate. Route 5 was flooded by the Passumpsic River from Lyndonville to Saint Johnsbury Center, and Route 2 was closed east of St. Johnsbury.

Flash Flood, Orange

When: May 26, 9:00 PM EST to May 27, 4:00 AM EST
Where: Orange County, 3.56 mi NW of Williamstown to 2.33 mi WNW of Williamstown
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $150,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 44.157, -72.580

Heavy rainfall from thunderstorms produced flash flooding that washed out several roads in Williamstown Vermont.

Flash Flood, Essex

When: May 26, 9:00 PM EST to May 27, 6:00 AM EST
Where: Essex County, 5 mi SSE of Concord to 2 mi SW of South Lunenburg
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $750,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 44.363, -71.841

Heavy rain from thunderstorms produced flash flooding in Concord and Lunenburg. Route 2 was closed through Concord and Lunenburg, and businesses were flooded in Concord.

Thunderstorm Wind, Windsor

When: May 26, 11:25 PM EST
Where: Windsor County, 0.85 mi SW of Tyson
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 43.460, -72.710

Several large tree limbs downed by thunderstorm winds and loss of power.

Flood, Washington

When: May 26, 11:44 PM EST to May 27, 10:49 AM EST
Where: Washington County, Montpelier to 2.51 mi SE of Montpelier
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 44.270, -72.570

Major flooding occurred in Montpelier Vermont. The river gage on the Winooski at Montpelier VT crested above 17.5 feet, the second highest on record. Homes and businesses were evacuated, and many downtown businesses suffered damage. Streets in downtown Montpelier flooded, including State Street, Bailey Avenue, and Elm Street.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Vermont in 2011 Every state in 2011 This day in weather history Warnings in Vermont, May 2011

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 312899, 312900, 312901, 312902, 312903, 312905, 312906, 312907, 312908, 312909, 312912, 312915, 312916, 312914, 312917, 312971, 312975, 312919, 312923, 312967, 312977, 312938, 312939, 312940, 312920, 312921, 312974, 312924, 312928, 312931, 312932, 312943, 312922, 312925, 312927, 312937, 312934, 312930, 312978, 312933, and more.