Weather
Vermont Flood Disaster: 99 Years Since 84 Died in Historic Storm
Burlington, VT – Ninety nine years ago this week, Vermont experienced one of the most devastating natural disasters in its history when relentless rainfall triggered catastrophic flooding, destroyed b
By Caleb Mercer · 2026-11-02T20:09:29.989Z
Burlington, VT – Ninety nine years ago this week, Vermont experienced one of the most devastating natural disasters in its history when relentless rainfall triggered catastrophic flooding, destroyed bridges and homes, and claimed 84 lives, including the state's lieutenant governor.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, the historic flood unfolded Nov. 3 4, 1927, after a powerful cold front interacted with moisture from the remnants of a tropical storm that originated near Cuba.
The combination produced widespread rainfall totals of 4 to more than 8 inches across Vermont, overwhelming rivers and streams already swollen by an exceptionally wet October.
The disaster killed 84 people, including Lt. Gov. S. Hollister Jackson , and remains widely regarded as Vermont's worst natural disaster since the late 1800s.
Nearly 1,300 bridges were lost as floodwaters swept through communities, cutting off transportation routes and isolating residents.
Homes, barns, businesses and other buildings were destroyed, while livestock and farm animals drowned in the rapidly rising waters.
The National Weather Service estimates that the flooding caused between $30 million and $35 million in damage at the time.
Adjusted for inflation, that amount represents approximately $600 million to $700 million in 2026 dollars , according to the agency's anniversary summary.
Officials noted that Vermont's landscape in 1927 was considerably different from today, with more farmland and fewer trees.
Those conditions made the terrain particularly vulnerable to rapid runoff during intense rainfall.
The disaster affected communities throughout the state, leaving behind destroyed infrastructure and widespread devastation that would take years to repair.
As Vermont marks the 99th anniversary Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 3 4, the National Weather Service is highlighting the historic event as a reminder of the destructive power of extreme rainfall.
The anniversary also underscores the importance of flood preparedness in a state where mountainous terrain and river valleys can intensify the effects of heavy precipitation.