BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - One of the worst natural disasters in Vermont history struck on this day in 2011.

Tropical storm Irene slowly churned northward over the length of the Green Mountains, dumping a whopping 11 inches of rain.

That water raced down mountains, overwhelming culverts, washing away roads, bridges, and homes.

Six people were killed, and the damage was spread across dozens of communities.

Thousands of people were forced from their homes. Two hundred bridges and 500 miles of roads were destroyed.

The entire Waterbury state office complex was so badly damaged that it would be torn down.

The total cost of the damage statewide was estimated at over $700 million.

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