An occluded surface low was across the Mid-Atlantic states during May 5th. This storm was supported by very strong winds aloft, in excess of 60-70 knots at 5000 feet that moved across eastern New York and western New England in the late afternoon hours. Much of the period, a cold rain accounted for a stable airmass that prevented these winds to reach the surface.
However, the combination of a meso-scale area of low pressure and a small gravity wave created an imbalance that allowed these strong winds to sporadically reach the surface for less than 30 minutes. Damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 to 80 mph touched down in portions of Bennington and Rutland counties in Vermont. Significant tree, power pole and some structural damage to roofs were reported in Rutland town, Rutland City, Ira and Wells.
Other wind gusts in excess of 50 mph were observed across the western slopes of Vermont's Green Mountains as well as the higher terrain of Orange, Windsor and Caledonia counties. Statewide nearly 20,000 customers lost power with more than 17,000 in Rutland county.

High Wind in WESTERN RUTLAND, VERMONT
From 05-MAY-17 15:45:00 to 05-MAY-17 16:30:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 64.00 MG
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Measured wind gust of 74 mph in Wells, VT and 54 knots at Rutland Airport in Clarendon before losing power. Hundreds of trees downed, uprooted or snapped across Rutland Town and Rutland City as well as some neighboring communities like Pawlet and Ira. More than 3 dozen utility poles damaged and partial roof structures torn off in some businesses. Lots of trees on roofs and vehicles with more than 17,000 customers without power.

Strong Wind in EASTERN ADDISON, VERMONT
From 05-MAY-17 16:00:00 to 05-MAY-17 16:30:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

Several wind gusts estimated to be 45-50 mph occurred sporadically across the higher elevations of the foothills of the western slopes of the Green Mountains. This resulted in a few dozen customers without power.

Strong Wind in EASTERN CHITTENDEN, VERMONT
From 05-MAY-17 16:00:00 to 05-MAY-17 16:30:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

Several wind gusts estimated to be 45-55 mph occurred sporadically across the higher elevations of the foothills of the western slopes of the Green Mountains. This resulted in a few hundred customers without power.

Strong Wind in EASTERN RUTLAND, VERMONT
From 05-MAY-17 15:45:00 to 05-MAY-17 16:30:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

Several wind gusts estimated to be 50-55 mph occurred sporadically across the higher elevations of the foothills of the western slopes of the Green Mountains. This resulted in several hundred customers without power. The main damage occurred just west of the region.

Strong Wind in ORANGE, VERMONT
From 05-MAY-17 16:15:00 to 05-MAY-17 16:45:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

Several wind gusts estimated to be 50-55 mph with a few possibly higher occurred sporadically across the higher elevations. This resulted in more than a thousand customers without power due to trees on power lines.

Strong Wind in WINDSOR, VERMONT
From 05-MAY-17 16:00:00 to 05-MAY-17 16:30:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

Several wind gusts estimated to be 45-55 mph occurred sporadically across the higher elevations. This resulted in up to one thousand customers without power due to trees on power lines.

Strong Wind in ESSEX, VERMONT
From 05-MAY-17 16:15:00 to 05-MAY-17 16:45:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

Several wind gusts estimated to be 45-55 mph occurred sporadically across the higher elevations. This resulted in several hundred customers without power.

Strong Wind in CALEDONIA, VERMONT
From 05-MAY-17 16:15:00 to 05-MAY-17 16:45:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

Several wind gusts estimated to be 50-55 mph occurred sporadically across the higher elevations of Caledonia county. This resulted in a few hundred customers without power.