Massive Winter Storm to Slam New Hampshire- Here’s What You Need to Know!

New Hampshire residents are being urged to prepare for a powerful winter storm set to hit the region this weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for parts of central and northern New Hampshire, warning of heavy snowfall, sleet, and freezing rain starting late Friday night and lasting through Saturday evening. This storm is expected to bring several inches of snow, particularly in the White Mountains and Great North Woods, before transitioning into a hazardous mix of ice and rain. While snowfall totals will vary across the state, the combination of ice accumulation and gusty winds raises concerns about power outages and extremely dangerous travel conditions.

What to Expect

• Significant Snowfall: The northern regions, including areas near the White Mountains, could see several inches of snow before the precipitation changes to sleet and freezing rain.

• Ice Accumulation Risk: Central parts of the state may experience ice buildup, which could weigh down trees and power lines, leading to potential outages.

• Treacherous Roads: As temperatures fluctuate, roads—especially bridges and overpasses—are expected to become slick and hazardous, making travel dangerous. Visibility will also be reduced due to heavy snowfall.

How This Storm Will Play Out

The storm is expected to move in late Friday night or early Saturday morning. Initially, most areas will see snowfall, but as temperatures hover around freezing, central and southern regions will transition to a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain. By Saturday night into Sunday, rising temperatures may bring some relief, particularly in the southern half of the state, where precipitation could change to rain. However, northern areas will likely remain locked in freezing conditions, prolonging the ice and snow impact.

How to Stay Safe

With a storm of this magnitude, safety should be the top priority. Here’s what you can do to stay prepared:

• Avoid Travel if possible, especially during the storm’s peak. Roads will be icy, and visibility could drop to near zero at times.

• Prepare an Emergency Kit with essentials like non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, and blankets in case of power outages.

• Stay Updated with weather reports from the National Weather Service and local news stations. Conditions can change rapidly, and it’s crucial to have the latest information.

• Charge Your Devices ahead of time to ensure you have access to communication in case of power disruptions.

Final Thoughts

This winter storm has the potential to bring significant disruptions, especially for those in northern and central New Hampshire. Whether you’re staying home or must be on the road, exercise extreme caution and prepare for severe winter conditions. With snow, ice, and strong winds in the forecast, residents should take this storm seriously and get ready for a rough weekend ahead.