Weather
Vermont Snow History: October Storms Brought Up to 19 Inches
Burlington, VT – October may still bring autumn colors across Vermont, but some of the region's most memorable early season snowstorms have delivered more than a foot of accumulation, damaged property
By Wesley Grant · 2026-10-20T03:06:08.970Z
Burlington, VT – October may still bring autumn colors across Vermont, but some of the region's most memorable early season snowstorms have delivered more than a foot of accumulation, damaged property and disrupted communities before winter officially begins.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, several significant October snowfall events across northern Vermont and northern New York demonstrate how quickly conditions can change during the fall to winter transition.
The agency highlighted these historical storms ahead of its annual Winter Weather Preparedness Week, reminding residents that substantial snowfall can occur before November.
October Storm Once Dropped 19 Inches One notable storm struck October 25 26, 2005, bringing heavy, wet snow to portions of Vermont and northern New York.
The National Weather Service reported snowfall totals reaching 19 inches in Killington, 16.5 inches in Barton, 14.8 inches in Underhill and 14 inches in Cambridge.
The storm caused nearly $1 million in property damage across Vermont and approximately $290,000 in northern New York.
Another powerful system developed October 28 29, 2008, when a strong nor'easter moved through the Connecticut River Valley.
That storm produced significant mountain snowfall and scattered power outages across the region.
Does Vermont Usually See October Snow? Snowfall during October is not unusual in northern Vermont, particularly at higher elevations.
National Weather Service climate records from Waterbury show measurable snowfall in 11 of the 17 years examined since 2010.
However, forecasters noted that larger October snowfall events are generally more likely toward the end of the month, with accumulation concentrated in mountainous terrain.
Lower elevations frequently experience lighter snowfall or none at all.
The agency's historical review is intended to promote seasonal preparedness and does not represent a forecast for another major snowstorm this week.
Residents can monitor changing weather conditions and winter advisories through the National Weather Service Burlington office .