A Tale Of Dueling Forecasts: AccuWeather Says 12-18 Inches Of Snow, NWS Says 6-Plus: NH Weekend Weather

CONCORD, NH — Forecasters at the National Weather Service have issued hazardous weather outlooks, including a cold weather advisory and a winter storm watch for this weekend, but are cautious about snow and ice accumulations as a monster storm moves into the Northeast.

NWS forecasters said Friday morning to expect 6 inches or more of snow for most of the Granite State. The forecasters at AccuWeather.com, however, have increased their accumulation predictions overnight, suggesting regions of southern New Hampshire and the Seacoast could receive between 12 and 18 inches of snow while points between, up to the Lakes Region, should receive 6 and 12 inches. On WMUR-TV Thursday night, forecasters were suggesting 10 inches of snow from the Lakes Region south. On Friday morning, they, too, had increased their predictions to 12 to 18 inches from the White Mountains south.

Which forecast is accurate is anyone’s guess.

But all forecasters agree on the need to prepare for emergencies and stay off roads during the winter storm watch hours, which run from 1 p.m. on Sunday to 7 p.m. on Monday.

“Even light snowfall amounts can accumulate on roads and cause dangerous driving conditions due to snow-covered roads,” an NWS alert stated. “The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes.”

All travel should be delayed, “if possible,” forecasters said. And, if you have to drive, use extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility and other factors.

“Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination,” a watch alert stated. “Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order.”

AccuWeather.com’s Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said air travel early next week was “likely to be a nightmare,” adding, “travel chaos may ensue, making it very challenging for air passengers to make their way to their destinations, perhaps for days on end, as the U.S. air system is impacted by the major storm and then begins the slow recovery process.”

Also on Friday morning, NWS forecasters warned of “very cold wind chills,” as much as 25 degrees below zero, from 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday. The wind chill could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

“Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures,” the alert stated. “Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.”

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