A moderately strong upper level disturbance ahead of a surface cold front moved across southern Quebec during the afternoon and evening hours of July 4th. These disturbances moved into a warm and unstable air mass and developed thunderstorms in southern Quebec, which moved across northeast Vermont during the afternoon hours and the Champlain Valley during the evening.
Both episodes contained widespread wind damage and frequent lightning. In the afternoon, the communities of Walden, Cabot, West Danville and Danville were most affected. During the evening storms, significant damage occurred in the Champlain Valley in communities like Colchester, Burlington, South Burlington, Essex and Hinesburg. A wind gust of 65 knots was observed at Diamond Island on Lake Champlain and 55 knots was observed at the NWS office at Burlington Int'l airport.
Despite the holiday festivities, no serious injuries were reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in WASHINGTON, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 19:10:00 to 04-JUL-12 19:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: MONTPELIER
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several reports of scattered trees and power lines downed by thunderstorm winds in Montpelier/Barre/Berlin.

Heavy Rain in CHITTENDEN, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 18:00:00 to 04-JUL-12 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHAMPLAIN ARPT
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Thunderstorms produced over two inches of rain in less than an hour over the Burlington metropolitan area. Storm drains were quickly overwhelmed in the older heavily urbanized areas of the city. Low lying intersections of Willard, Manhattan, Main, and King Streets were inundated. Basements of businesses on the corner of Main Street and Winsooki Avenue, as well as Winooski Avenue and King Street were flooded.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHITTENDEN, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 18:00:00 to 04-JUL-12 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: WEST MILTON
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Numerous 3-4 foot diameter maple trees downed by thunderstorm winds in Sand Bar state park. Several picnic tables crushed or lifted elsewhere and damaged and traffic blocked along Route 2.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHITTENDEN, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 18:08:00 to 04-JUL-12 18:13:00 (EST-5)
Location: COLCHESTER
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Several reports of scattered trees and branches down across the village section of Colchester.

Thunderstorm Wind in WASHINGTON, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 19:15:00 to 04-JUL-12 19:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: BERLIN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several trees down cross Exit 6 along Interstate 89 southbound.

Thunderstorm Wind in WASHINGTON, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 18:40:00 to 04-JUL-12 18:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: NORTHFIELD
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several trees downed in Northfield.

Thunderstorm Wind in ADDISON, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 19:27:00 to 04-JUL-12 19:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: WEST ADDISON
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees down along Route 125 near the Addison Vermont - Crown Point New York Bridge in West Addison as well as Route 17 in Addison.

Thunderstorm Wind in ADDISON, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 19:30:00 to 04-JUL-12 19:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: BRIDPORT
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Dozens of trees down along Route 125 between Bridport and West Addison.

Thunderstorm Wind in ADDISON, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 19:30:00 to 04-JUL-12 19:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: MIDDLEBURY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Several reports of large branches and trees down along portions of Route 125, 30.

Thunderstorm Wind in ADDISON, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 19:38:00 to 04-JUL-12 19:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: LEICESTER
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Several trees down in and around Leicester.

Hail in WASHINGTON, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 17:35:00 to 04-JUL-12 17:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: NORTHFIELD
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Dime size hail reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in WASHINGTON, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 16:30:00 to 04-JUL-12 16:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: WOODBURY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A 40 foot spruce tree and other large branches downed by thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHITTENDEN, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 18:18:00 to 04-JUL-12 18:28:00 (EST-5)
Location: SOUTH BURLINGTON
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Widespread large trees and branches fell by thunderstorm winds throughout South Burlington with power lines, vehicle and structural damage as well and road closures.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHITTENDEN, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 18:00:00 to 04-JUL-12 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: MILTON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Scattered reports of tree damage in Milton along Route 7 and Route 2.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHITTENDEN, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 18:05:00 to 04-JUL-12 18:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHAMPLAIN ARPT
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 60.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Widespread large tree damage, downed power lines and some structural damage across Mallets Bay and Porters Point sections.  also some damage to docks and boats on Mallets Bay.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHITTENDEN, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 18:22:00 to 04-JUL-12 18:27:00 (EST-5)
Location: (BTV)BURLINGTON ARPT
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Measured wind gusts of 55 knots by ASOS and neighboring tree damage as well.

Thunderstorm Wind in ADDISON, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 19:09:00 to 04-JUL-12 19:09:00 (EST-5)
Location: VERGENNES ARPT
Magnitude: 65.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Measured wind gust of 65 knots at Diamond Island, measured by the Vermont Monitoring Cooperative supported by University of Vermont.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHITTENDEN, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 18:22:00 to 04-JUL-12 18:27:00 (EST-5)
Location: (BTV)BURLINGTON ARPT
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Utility pole fell atop of a small aircraft at Burlington International Airport.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHITTENDEN, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 18:37:00 to 04-JUL-12 18:42:00 (EST-5)
Location: RHODE IS CORNERS
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous trees and branches fell by thunderstorm winds along with some power lines, especially along Texas Hill road.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHITTENDEN, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 18:28:00 to 04-JUL-12 18:32:00 (EST-5)
Location: ESSEX JCT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Numerous branches and trees fell by thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHITTENDEN, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 18:32:00 to 04-JUL-12 18:37:00 (EST-5)
Location: HINESBURG
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous branches and trees fell by thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHITTENDEN, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 18:32:00 to 04-JUL-12 18:37:00 (EST-5)
Location: SHELBURNE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous trees and branches fell by thunderstorm winds along with some power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind in CALEDONIA, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 15:06:00 to 04-JUL-12 15:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: EAST HARDWICK
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Several reports of trees down and on power lines in Hardwick.

Thunderstorm Wind in CALEDONIA, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 15:20:00 to 04-JUL-12 15:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: NOYESVILLE
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Microburst caused wide path of damage from Craftsbury, Cabot, Hardwick, Walden and Danville. The greatest damage was in Walden, especially along Route 15 and side roads such as Maple Lane, Cobbs road, Bricketts Crossing. A substantial downburst occurred on the western portion of Lyford Pond with numerous trees flattened, uprooted and falling on power lines, vehicles, home and camps. The strongest winds are estimated at 70 knots with 50 to 60 knots elsewhere.

Thunderstorm Wind in CALEDONIA, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 15:30:00 to 04-JUL-12 15:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: DANVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several trees and a few downed power lines down across Danville.

Thunderstorm Wind in CALEDONIA, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 15:40:00 to 04-JUL-12 15:42:00 (EST-5)
Location: PEACHAM
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several trees and a few downed power lines down.

Thunderstorm Wind in CALEDONIA, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 16:00:00 to 04-JUL-12 16:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: EAST RYEGATE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several trees downed by thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in CALEDONIA, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 15:50:00 to 04-JUL-12 15:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: BARNET CENTER
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several large limbs down on Cloud Brook road with scattered trees and power lines throughout the area.

Hail in CALEDONIA, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 15:18:00 to 04-JUL-12 15:18:00 (EST-5)
Location: WALDEN
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several reports of one inch hail and damaging winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in ORLEANS, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 14:45:00 to 04-JUL-12 14:47:00 (EST-5)
Location: CRAFTSBURY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Several reports of large trees down, including Daniels and Creek roads.

Thunderstorm Wind in ORLEANS, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 14:45:00 to 04-JUL-12 14:48:00 (EST-5)
Location: CRAFTSBURY COMMON
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Farmstand overturned and other damage in Craftsbury Common.

Thunderstorm Wind in ORANGE, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 16:12:00 to 04-JUL-12 16:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: NEWBURY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several trees down along Route 5.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRAND ISLE, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 18:00:00 to 04-JUL-12 18:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: KEELER BAY
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 10.00K
Reported by: Public

Numerous trees and power lines down on Kibbie road and throughout South Hero. Some light tree damage to apple orchards on South street.

Lightning in GRAND ISLE, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 17:50:00 to 04-JUL-12 17:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: GRAND ISLE
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Lightning struck the United Methodist Church and caused a small structure fire.

Thunderstorm Wind in FRANKLIN, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 14:15:00 to 04-JUL-12 14:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: SWANTON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Several large branches down, including on a power line.

Thunderstorm Wind in CALEDONIA, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 15:25:00 to 04-JUL-12 15:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: WEST DANVILLE
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Dozens of trees down, including on vehicles, camps and power lines. Several light boats flipped over on Joe's Pond. Damage was widespread on the north and east shores with lighter damage elsewhere.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHITTENDEN, VERMONT
From 04-JUL-12 18:08:00 to 04-JUL-12 18:18:00 (EST-5)
Location: BURLINGTON
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 125.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Widespread large trees and branches fell by thunderstorm winds throughout the city from the New North End to the southern border with South Burlington. Power lines, vehicle and structural damage as well.