New Hampshire Braces for Winter Storm This Weekend
CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire is preparing for a winter storm set to impact the region this weekend, with a winter storm watch issued starting late Friday night. The National Weather Service warns that while the Southern Tier and Seacoast may only see a light dusting, much of the state will experience significant mixed precipitation.
According to the National Weather Service, locations from Concord northward are expected to receive over 6 inches of snow in the mountains, combined with possible sleet accumulations of up to half an inch. Snowfall rates could exceed an inch per hour Saturday morning, particularly in northern areas.
“Interior areas south of the mountains will likely experience extended periods of freezing rain,” said Meteorologist Dan at New Hampshire Public Radio. “This could lead to hazardous travel conditions and other issues.”
The storm is anticipated to persist throughout Saturday, with advisories effective until 8 p.m. Forecasters predict a significant wintry mix, which could complicate travel and create potential power outages.
In addition, western Maine is also on alert as the highest totals of snow and sleet are expected to occur in that region, with projections of up to 8 inches by the weekend’s end. Sleet and snowfall amounts are expected to range from 2 to 5 inches across much of coastal Maine.
The storm will begin late Friday as all snow before transitioning into sleet and a wintry mix as the day progresses. Sunday will bring a second wave of wintry precipitation, likely in the form of freezing rain and sleet, before a gradual shift to rain occurs along the coastline.
“The heaviest ice accumulations, which have the greatest potential for power outages, will be concentrated in western Maine and New Hampshire,” explained Dan. “The combination of ice and heavy wet snow could jeopardize power lines and tree branches.”
As the storm nears its end, most areas will transition to rain by Monday morning, although interior regions may still experience icy conditions. The forecast suggests a warm-up later in the day, with some areas in southern Maine possibly reaching up to 60 degrees.
Looking ahead, a quieter weather pattern is expected to follow on Tuesday and Wednesday, although another storm may approach by Thursday, currently predicted to be primarily rain.
