NH State Officials: Prepare For Saturday-Sunday Winter Storm

CONCORD, NH — The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the entire state of New Hampshire.

The warning runs from 1 p.m. on Saturday through 11 a.m. on Sunday. Heavy snow is expected with total accumulations of somewhere between 4 and 7 inches, according to the NWS.

“Travel could be very difficult due to low visibility and snow-covered roads,” an alert on Saturday said. “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.”

The latest update pushed back the timeline of the storm by about four hours when compared with Friday’s alert.

The worst driving conditions are expected on Saturday evening. The NWS said the latest road conditions for any state can be obtained by calling 511.

AccuWeather forecasters, however, believe storm totals will be anywhere from 6 to 12 inches in most of New Hampshire. Coastal Rockingham County will receive 3 to 6 inches. The White Mountains could receive 15 inches of snow, forecasters said.

Prepare For Storm: NH Officials

Whether 4 inches, 8, or even 12 or 15, state officials are asking Granite Staters to prepare either way.

“Be prepared before this storm arrives,” New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Jennifer Harper said. “Take time now to prepare your family. Know what to do and have the things you need to stay safe. Learn more about emergency preparedness at ReadyNH.gov.”

Because of road conditions, residents should avoid driving, if possible.

“We are recommending only essential travel,” Department of Transportation Commissioner Victoria Sheehan stated. “The timing of this storm on the weekend before the Christmas holiday may mean postponing last-minute visits and shopping trips until after the storm has ended and crews have finished clearing roadways. If travel is necessary, please remove all ice and snow from your vehicle, go slow and drive for conditions, allow extra time to reach your destination. Leave plenty of space between cars and don’t crowd the plow.”

Harper and Sheehan provide these additional winter weather reminders:

• Visit ReadyNH.gov to learn more preparedness tips to help you and your family stay safe.
• Monitor National Weather Service radio or broadcast weather reports to keep track of changing conditions.
• Slow down and move over for emergency vehicles and crews.
• Clear all snow and ice off your car, including your roof, around lights, and license plates before traveling.
• Bridges, overpasses, and exposed road areas are the most prone to slippery conditions.

The core steps toward preparedness are:

1. Stay informed by signing up for NH Alerts.
2. Make an emergency kit.
3. Have a family emergency plan.
4. Get involved in your community.

The latest weather conditions can be found on the front page of every Patch.com site in the United States including the 12 New Hampshire Patch news and community websites (Amherst, Bedford, Concord, Exeter, Hampton, Londonderry, Merrimack, Milford, Nashua, North Hampton, Portsmouth, Salem, and Windham). Local weather reports for New Hampshire are posted on Sundays and Thursdays. Alerts are published when needed.

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