Hurricanes risk in Vermont

Hurricanes and tropical storms in Vermont

Vermont is an inland Northeast state, so it does not experience hurricane landfalls or coastal storm surge. Its hurricane risk comes from the remnants of tropical systems that move north from the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. These systems can still carry enormous amounts of moisture, and when they interact with Vermont's mountains and narrow valleys, they can produce intense rainfall and severe flooding far from the coast.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and the peak risk for Vermont usually comes from late summer into autumn. Tropical systems can affect the state in any of those months, but the most dangerous setup is a slow-moving remnant storm that stalls over or near the Green Mountains. In that situation, rain can fall for hours, overwhelm small streams, and send water rushing into communities.

Exposure varies across the state. Communities along rivers and in floodplains are most at risk, including places near the Winooski, Lamoille, White, Ottauquechee, and Connecticut rivers. Steep hillsides and mountain hollows face landslide and debris-flow risk when soils become saturated. Higher elevations and exposed ridges can see strong wind, while valleys can flood even when the storm itself has weakened. Roads, bridges, culverts, and driveways may be washed out, isolating homes. Vermont Emergency Management and the NOAA National Hurricane Center track these threats.

How it affects homes

For most Vermont homeowners, the main hurricane-related damage comes from water, not wind. Floodwaters can enter basements, crawl spaces, and first floors; damage foundations; ruin furnaces, water heaters, and electrical panels; and contaminate wells and septic systems. Fast-moving water can erode riverbanks and undermine slabs or piers. Even shallow flooding can destroy drywall, insulation, flooring, and personal belongings, and lingering moisture can lead to mold.

Wind is a secondary but real concern. Remnant tropical storms can topple shallow-rooted trees, send branches onto roofs, and tear off shingles, siding, and gutters. Downed trees and wires can block driveways and roads, cause multi-day power outages, and make it unsafe to stay in a home without heat, water, or medical support. Heavy rain can also cause sewer backups and sump-pump failures.

Insurance works differently for these hazards. A standard homeowners policy often covers wind damage and some falling-tree damage, but it generally does not cover flood damage. Flood coverage is usually purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer, and it typically has a 30-day waiting period. Ask your agent exactly how your policy treats flood, surface water, sewer backup, and wind. Keep a home inventory and receipts, and store copies somewhere safe. For official guidance, see Ready.gov - Hurricanes and FEMA Hurricane Preparedness.

How to prepare your home

Because Vermont's hurricane risk is mainly a flood and wind risk, prepare for both. Start with your flood risk, then reduce the chance that water, wind, or debris can enter or damage your home.

• Know your flood risk. Check FEMA flood maps and local planning or zoning offices. Ask whether your road or bridge has flooded before and where water would go if a nearby stream overflowed.
• Buy flood insurance early. Most flood policies have a 30-day waiting period, so do not wait for a storm forecast. Renters and homeowners can insure contents and buildings.
• Keep water away from the foundation. Clean gutters and downspouts, extend downspouts at least several feet from the house, and grade soil so it slopes away from the foundation.
• Protect basements and low areas. Install a sump pump with a battery backup, consider a backflow valve to prevent sewer backups, and elevate furnaces, water heaters, and electrical panels above expected flood levels when possible.
• Anchor and secure outside items. Store or tie down propane tanks, generators, lawn furniture, trash cans, and anything else that could become a projectile in high wind.
• Reduce wind damage. Inspect and repair roof shingles, flashing, and soffits. Trim dead branches and remove trees that could fall on the house, but hire a professional for dangerous trees near power lines.
• Document your property. Take photos or video of each room, serial numbers, and receipts. Store digital copies in the cloud and a paper copy in a waterproof container.
• Make an emergency plan. Identify safe evacuation routes that do not cross flood-prone roads or bridges. Plan for pets, medications, and family members with mobility needs.
• Build a supply kit. Include water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, first aid supplies, and chargers. Follow Ready.gov for a full list.
• Prepare for power outages. Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or near windows. Use it outdoors, away from doors and vents, and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Frequently asked questions

Does Vermont get hurricanes?

Vermont does not get direct hurricane landfalls because it has no coastline. However, the remnants of hurricanes and tropical storms can reach the state and cause serious flooding, landslides, and wind damage. The National Hurricane Center tracks these systems, and Vermont Emergency Management issues state-specific alerts and guidance.

When is hurricane season in Vermont?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Vermont can be affected by remnant tropical systems during that entire period, but the risk is often highest from late summer through autumn. Heavy rain and flooding can happen even if the storm has been downgraded to a tropical depression or post-tropical cyclone.

Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage in Vermont?

It depends on the cause of the damage. Wind damage, including some fallen-tree damage, is often covered by standard homeowners insurance, but flood damage is generally excluded. Flood coverage must be purchased separately, usually through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer, and it typically takes 30 days to go into effect. Review your policy with your agent before a storm threatens.

Official resources

• Vermont Emergency Management
• NOAA National Hurricane Center
• Ready.gov - Hurricanes
• FEMA Hurricane Preparedness