UPDATE: NH DOT Drops Highway Speeds to 45 mph

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation has dropped speeds on Granite State highways due to the snowstorm, according to alerts on Twitter.

Speeds on the Everett Turnpike, both the south and northbound sides, have been reduced to 45 mph between Nashua and Concord. Speeds on I-89, on both sides, from Concord to Vermont, have also been reduced to 45 mph.

During the last hour, numerous crashes have been reported from Hopkinton to Rochester, according to alerts online.

Weekend snow totals have been revised up slightly from earlier this week as the trajectory of the storm dipped south. Through 1 a.m. on Sunday, anywhere from two to four inches of snow, with higher amounts in the Lakes Region and White Mountains, are expected.

In a press statement issued at 10:20 a.m. on Jan. 16. 2016, Lt. Nicole Armaganian of the NHSP, stated that there were numerous vehicles off the road and crashes in the northern areas of NH, Central, and the Seacoast.

“The New Hampshire State Police would like to remind drivers that road travel is anticipated to be the greatest hazard from this storm,” she noted. “ We would like to remind everyone to limit road travel for Saturday day and all the way into the evening hours to allow our partners from the Department of Transportation to clear and treat the roads. If you must be on the roadways, please slow down and allow extra space between your vehicle and others. Winter conditions call for different driving tactics. When there is ice and snow…please, take it slow! Slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering, and slower braking.”

Armaganian warns that drivers should keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Driving in a snowstorm is not the time to be driving while distracted.

“When sharing the roads with a plow truck, please, don’t crowd the plow. Don’t travel beside a plow truck for long periods of time. A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted; you may see them, but they may not see you. Before venturing out, please make sure you’ve cleared the snow off all of your vehicle’s windows and lights, to include your brake lights and turn signals. And ALWAYS buckle up! The best place to be during a snow storm is not on the roadways. But if you must be driving, please give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely. It’s not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation.”