Burlington, Vt. – Gusty winds and hail could disrupt travel and outdoor plans across Vermont Saturday as a severe thunderstorm watch blankets much of the state until 8 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 277 includes 14 counties—from Bennington and Windham in the south to Franklin, Essex, and Orleans in the north. Damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph and quarter-size hail are possible with these storms, which may rapidly intensify through the afternoon and early evening.
Chittenden, Rutland, and Washington counties are among the more populated areas under the watch, with potential impacts to major roadways including I-89 and Route 7. Lightning and sudden downpours may also affect outdoor events and power lines. Emergency officials advise Vermonters to secure loose items, avoid open fields or tall trees during storms, and prepare for possible outages.
This is Vermont’s first statewide thunderstorm watch of the season, signaling a transition into more active spring weather. The watch remains in effect until 8 p.m., with additional warnings or updates possible as storms develop.
