If you live in Vermont, snow comes with the territory. When looking back through history at our worst winter storms, the “Storm Of The Century” in 1993 had a huge impact and the Great Blizzard of 1888 went down in history books all over New England, too. But the biggest snowstorm title doesn’t belong to either of these giants. Surprisingly, Vermont’s largest single snowfall took place in January of 2010.
An unexpected winter storm dumped 33.1 inches of snow on Burlington and other record-breaking totals around the state on January 2nd and 3rd of 2010.
Premiere Photo/Flickr
The forecast was for a mere 8-14 inches, but a low-pressure storm over Nova Scotia changed things dramatically.
Paul Moody/Flickr The storm moved into the area, bringing lower temperatures, extra moisture, and strong winds, resulting in a huge surprise snowfall.
While the inches piled up, the snow itself was light and fluffy, making it seem like child’s play for most Vermonters.
Peter Sheik/Flickr
Heavy and wet snow can be hard to remove and cause accidents, but this storm was easily manageable despite its large amount.
Paul Moody/Flickr
In Vermont during the past decade, only five winter storms have exceeded 15 inches in accumulation.
Flickr/Collin Parker The storm of January 2010 was the largest.
Most Vermonters were able to carry on pretty much business as usual, with most children heading right back to school on Monday.
C.C. Chapman/Flickr To say we’re experts in dealing with winter weather is an understatement, right?
This heavy snowfall just after New Year’s day set snowfall records…
Oliver Hine/Flickr …but those that call the Green Mountain State home just took it in stride.
What did you do during Vermont’s biggest snowfall? Share your experiences and photos in the comments section. Check out this previous article to take a look at more of the Green Mountain State’s epic snowstorms.
Premiere Photo/Flickr
Paul Moody/Flickr
The storm moved into the area, bringing lower temperatures, extra moisture, and strong winds, resulting in a huge surprise snowfall.
Peter Sheik/Flickr
Flickr/Collin Parker
The storm of January 2010 was the largest.
C.C. Chapman/Flickr
To say we’re experts in dealing with winter weather is an understatement, right?
Oliver Hine/Flickr
…but those that call the Green Mountain State home just took it in stride.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Vermont’s Largest Snowfall October 30, 2021 Tori Jane What is winter in Vermont like? Vermont is one of those places that, if you don’t like the cold, you shouldn’t visit during the winter. They tend to be freezing, if not frigid, and very snowy; in some parts of the state, winter literally seems to last for half the year, as the snowpack lasts for six months and well into the summer before it fades (only to fall again within just a few months of the last of the last year’s melt). It has the sixth-coldest winters in the United States, and given that we have 50 states in the union (and one of them is Alaska), that says quite a bit. The average high temperature during the day in Vermont is often just 12 degrees; the lows often dip below zero. Snowfall in Vermont is remarkable; the state tends to see anywhere from 80 to 100 inches of snow annually. January is the coldest (and darkest) month, with about five hours of daylight per day. If you’re not a fan of hardcore winters, this state is probably not for you. If you’re a winter fanatic, congratulations: you’ve hit the jackpot. Read more about our most epic snowstorms here. Are there any common natural disasters in Vermont? The most common disasters in Vermont are certainly blizzards and ice storms. The Great Blizzard of 1888 covered the state in the white stuff, and more than 400 people across New England lost their lives. Blizzards often cause millions in damage and cost human lives; ice storms can be even worse. Vermont does not, however, see things like tornadoes; in fact, there has only ever been a single tornado recorded in all of Vermont’s history. Drought is a common issue as well, and on the opposite of the spectrum, the state occasionally sees some significant flooding. High winds – often associated with snow and ice storms as well as cold fronts – are another concern.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Vermont’s Largest Snowfall
October 30, 2021
Tori Jane
What is winter in Vermont like? Vermont is one of those places that, if you don’t like the cold, you shouldn’t visit during the winter. They tend to be freezing, if not frigid, and very snowy; in some parts of the state, winter literally seems to last for half the year, as the snowpack lasts for six months and well into the summer before it fades (only to fall again within just a few months of the last of the last year’s melt). It has the sixth-coldest winters in the United States, and given that we have 50 states in the union (and one of them is Alaska), that says quite a bit. The average high temperature during the day in Vermont is often just 12 degrees; the lows often dip below zero. Snowfall in Vermont is remarkable; the state tends to see anywhere from 80 to 100 inches of snow annually. January is the coldest (and darkest) month, with about five hours of daylight per day. If you’re not a fan of hardcore winters, this state is probably not for you. If you’re a winter fanatic, congratulations: you’ve hit the jackpot. Read more about our most epic snowstorms here. Are there any common natural disasters in Vermont? The most common disasters in Vermont are certainly blizzards and ice storms. The Great Blizzard of 1888 covered the state in the white stuff, and more than 400 people across New England lost their lives. Blizzards often cause millions in damage and cost human lives; ice storms can be even worse. Vermont does not, however, see things like tornadoes; in fact, there has only ever been a single tornado recorded in all of Vermont’s history. Drought is a common issue as well, and on the opposite of the spectrum, the state occasionally sees some significant flooding. High winds – often associated with snow and ice storms as well as cold fronts – are another concern.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Vermont is one of those places that, if you don’t like the cold, you shouldn’t visit during the winter. They tend to be freezing, if not frigid, and very snowy; in some parts of the state, winter literally seems to last for half the year, as the snowpack lasts for six months and well into the summer before it fades (only to fall again within just a few months of the last of the last year’s melt). It has the sixth-coldest winters in the United States, and given that we have 50 states in the union (and one of them is Alaska), that says quite a bit. The average high temperature during the day in Vermont is often just 12 degrees; the lows often dip below zero. Snowfall in Vermont is remarkable; the state tends to see anywhere from 80 to 100 inches of snow annually. January is the coldest (and darkest) month, with about five hours of daylight per day. If you’re not a fan of hardcore winters, this state is probably not for you. If you’re a winter fanatic, congratulations: you’ve hit the jackpot. Read more about our most epic snowstorms here.
Are there any common natural disasters in Vermont?
The most common disasters in Vermont are certainly blizzards and ice storms. The Great Blizzard of 1888 covered the state in the white stuff, and more than 400 people across New England lost their lives. Blizzards often cause millions in damage and cost human lives; ice storms can be even worse. Vermont does not, however, see things like tornadoes; in fact, there has only ever been a single tornado recorded in all of Vermont’s history. Drought is a common issue as well, and on the opposite of the spectrum, the state occasionally sees some significant flooding. High winds – often associated with snow and ice storms as well as cold fronts – are another concern.
