Vermont Storms Trigger Disaster Declaration

The president on Friday signed a disaster declaration for a series of violent thunderstorms that swept through northern Vermont last month.

The declaration means Caledonia, Grand Isle, and Lamoille counties are eligible for federal assistance to repair damage.

The July 18 storms, including a tornado, knocked down trees, ripped off roofs and caused flooding.

About 14,000 households lost power.

The National Weather Service said that wind gusts in parts of Grand Isle County were reported to have reached 70 miles an hour, just short of a category 1 hurricane.