Winter Storm Expected to Hit New England This Weekend

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A winter storm is expected to impact New England this weekend, leading to a First Alert Weather Day on Sunday. The storm will bring a mix of rain, freezing rain, and snow starting Saturday evening and extending into Sunday.

Winter weather advisories have been issued for areas in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. In New York, advisories take effect at 4 p.m. Saturday and will last until 1 a.m. Sunday. In Vermont and New Hampshire, the advisories start at 7 p.m. Saturday and continue until 7 a.m. Sunday. Travelers can anticipate slippery conditions during these hours.

Precipitation will begin in northern New York around 4-6 p.m. Saturday, reaching the Vermont border by 8 p.m. While most areas can expect a mix of rain or freezing rain, the Champlain Valley is likely to see rain first. The weather will shift to rain overnight into Sunday morning, with snow flurries expected to linger into Monday.

Temperatures are predicted to drop throughout Sunday. The warmest time will be just before midnight on Sunday, followed by a decline into the 30s during the day. By Sunday morning, ice accumulations could reach a tenth of an inch in some locations, particularly in the Adirondacks and Green Mountains.

Snow accumulation projections indicate that northern mountain summits might receive up to a foot of snow, while mid-slopes will see around 3-6 inches. Localized areas in the Northeast Kingdom may receive 1-3 inches, whereas valleys and southern Vermont could see just coatings to one or two inches.

The icy conditions will make untreated roadways hazardous, particularly on Sunday morning. Officials recommend having salt or sand ready to manage the risk of slipping. As the snow continues throughout Sunday, travel in the mountains is expected to become dangerous.

In Bangor, Maine, a similar weather pattern will unfold, with clear skies on Saturday being replaced by a wintry mix on Sunday. Advisories for Western and Northern Maine have been issued, anticipating snow and a rain/snow mix as a low-pressure system moves through.

Overall, residents are urged to stay informed about the evolving weather situation and make plans accordingly as alerts may be issued closer to the event.