Slow-moving showers and scattered thunderstorms that began Thursday morning are expected to continue throughout the afternoon and evening, which could lead to flooding in low lying areas in the state.
Some parts of the state may see no precipitation while other areas may see 1 to 3 inches of rain or more, said Matthew Clay, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Burlington office.
The National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm and flooding warnings for Vermont, and meteorologists expect up to 60 miles per hour wind and quarter-sized hail, particularly in the northwestern portion of the state and Lamoille County.
Clay said the weather conditions could bring localized lightning, torrential rain, and “some gusty to damaging winds.”
“All the thunderstorms today are going to be capable of producing very heavy rain and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning,” Clay said.
The storm is forecast to move eastward across the state Thursday afternoon and evening, with the most severe conditions expected to hit between 3 and 8 p.m., he said.
While watching for flash flooding, Clay said the weather service has only observed standing water flood conditions in areas in the state, which are flood conditions that are slower developing and less life-threatening.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Seth Kutikoff said the weather event predicted is not a cause for high alarm as it is a “typical type of thunderstorm that we get at least a few times a year.” Hot conditions are expected to follow in the coming week, he said.
He also recommended that people in Vermont remain near shelter areas throughout Thursday and stay aware of rain and wind conditions.
“I just recommend people to stay calm,” Kutikoff said. “We’re not expecting any high end impacts.”
