Severe Storm Risk Across Vermont on Thursday

Warm, humid conditions raise chances for strong thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:43pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and green, with a small farmhouse or barn dwarfed by a vast, turbulent sky filled with ominous storm clouds, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of nature.A looming storm system threatens to unleash its power over a rural Vermont landscape, underscoring the region's vulnerability to severe weather.Burlington Today

The National Weather Service has issued a slight risk of severe weather across parts of Vermont, including Rutland, Windsor, Bennington, and Windham Counties, as well as southern Essex County in New York and parts of Sullivan and Grafton Counties in New Hampshire. Thunderstorms are expected to develop in the afternoon and evening hours, with the potential for damaging winds, small hail, and even a brief tornado.

Why it matters

Severe thunderstorms can pose a threat to public safety, causing property damage, power outages, and dangerous driving conditions. The weather service is urging residents in the affected areas to monitor the forecast and be prepared to take shelter if necessary.

The details

The Storm Prediction Center has placed the region under a level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather, meaning scattered severe storms are possible. The main threats include strong, potentially damaging winds and small hail. There is also a low chance of a brief tornado touchdown. Heavy downpours could lead to ponding on roads, but widespread flooding is not expected.

  • Thunderstorms are expected to develop after 3 p.m. on Thursday.
  • The highest risk for severe storms will be between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  • Isolated rain showers may continue into the overnight hours, but will taper off by Friday morning.

The players

Storm Prediction Center

The Storm Prediction Center is a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that issues forecasts and assessments for severe weather threats across the United States.

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What’s next

Residents in the affected areas should monitor the weather forecast and be prepared to seek shelter if severe storms develop. The National Weather Service will continue to provide updates on the storm system throughout the day.

The takeaway

This severe storm risk highlights the importance of being weather-aware and prepared for potential hazardous conditions, especially during the spring and summer months when thunderstorms are more common in the region.