Key Highlights
- Hundreds of thousands of residents in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire are being warned about hazardous winter conditions.
- The National Weather Service expects heavy freezing rain on Saturday night followed by snow on Sunday.
- Travel advisories are in effect for multiple counties across the Northeast region.
- Residents and travelers are urged to prepare for slippery roads, sidewalks, and potential power outages.
Freezing Rain Alert: Travelers and Residents in Three States on High Alert
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued travel warnings for hundreds of thousands of residents across the Northeastern United States. A significant winter weather event is expected to hit New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire this weekend, with freezing rain forecasted to coat local roadways and increase the risk of accidents.
Weather Forecast Details
The NWS predicts that the heaviest freezing rain will occur overnight on Saturday. As temperatures drop on Sunday, precipitation is expected to switch mainly to snow. According to Maureen Hastings, a meteorologist with the NWS, these conditions present early-season challenges for transportation and public safety, especially ahead of the busy holiday travel period.
“Difficult travel conditions are possible due to icy road conditions,” warned an NWS advisory from Gray, Maine. “This is especially true on untreated side roads. Even light snowfall amounts can accumulate on roads and cause dangerous driving conditions.”
Regional Warnings
The NWS Albany office has issued a winter weather advisory for Hamilton, Bennington, Windham, Warren, and Fulton counties in New York. Freezing rain is projected with ice accumulations ranging from a light glaze to one tenth of an inch. The advisory is scheduled from 4 p.m.
Saturday until 1 a.m. Sunday, impacting areas such as Bolton Landing, Sabattis, Warrensburg, Long Lake, Wells, Hoffmeister, Hague, North River, North Creek, Caroga Lake, and Johnsburg.
NWS Burlington has issued advisories for Franklin, St. Lawrence, Clinton, and Essex counties in Vermont.
These regions are expected to receive up to two tenths of an inch of ice and as much as one inch of snow. The advisory begins at 7 p.m. Saturday and extends through 7 a.m.
Sunday, affecting cities like St. Johnsbury and Montpelier.
New Hampshire’s warnings were issued by the NWS office in Gray, Maine, covering Carroll, Grafton, and Coos counties. This includes cities such as Conway, York Pond, Holderness, Woodstock, Bethlehem, Lyme, Milan, and Albany. The advisory goes into effect on Saturday night and remains through Sunday morning.
Precautionary Measures
Travelers are advised to anticipate hazardous road conditions due to the freezing rain and snow. Authorities urge caution for both motorists and pedestrians:
- Drivers should slow down, allow extra travel time, and equip vehicles with emergency kits.
- Pedestrians are reminded that thin layers of ice on walkways can be dangerous, so watch your first few steps when going outside.
The weather advisories remain in effect into Sunday morning. Residents are encouraged to closely follow updates from the NWS and local emergency management agencies for real-time information. By taking these precautions, people can help ensure a safer journey through this challenging winter weather event.
