Winter Storm Warning: 2+ Feet Of Snow Possibly Coming To Some Parts Of New Hampshire

GRAY, ME — In the past 48 hours, the snow prediction models by some forecasters have inched up a bit, leading to speculation that some parts of New Hampshire could receive more than a foot of snow — with some towns receiving possibly more than two feet.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning on Monday morning, stating a nor’easter was heading into the state beginning at 8 p.m. and was expected to deliver at least 10 inches of heavy, wet snow, possibly as much as 18, in central and southern New Hampshire, with higher amounts in other communities.

“Rapidly strengthening low pressure will approach southern New England tonight, with snow overspreading the area through Tuesday morning,” the NWS alert stated. “Greatest snowfall will likely fall at higher terrain across the Monadnocks, Sunapee, the Ossippees, and White Mountains. At lower elevations, snow may be heavy and wet, resulting in possible snow load impacts and power outages.”

Following the storm, wind gusts were expected — as high as 40 mph, which would probably lead to power outages in Western and Central Hillsborough, Merrimack, Sullivan, and Cheshire counties. Low visibility on roadways was expected, creating dangerous driving conditions.

The weather warning was active until 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

AccuWeather.com called the nor’easter “robust,” agreeing that the average snowfall would probably be in the 6- to 18-inch range for much of the state. But, forecasters added, a StormMax alert warned up to 36 inches of snow could be possible in some parts of New Hampshire.

Wind gusts between 40 and 70 mph were expected — with the higher gusts expected on the Seacoast.

Eversource, the state’s largest utility, said Sunday it was preparing for the storm by prepositioning equipment and line and tree crews at its work centers to respond to any damage or outages caused by this storm. Out-of-state crews were also prepared to assist.

“We began monitoring this storm last week using several weather services and continue to closely watch its path and will adjust our plan as needed,” Eversource New Hampshire President of Electric Operations Doug Foley said. “The heavy, wet snow and hazardous winds forecasted have the potential to bring down trees and branches onto electric lines and equipment, causing damage and power outages. The hazardous conditions can also make travel challenging for our crews, so we’re staging extra staff and equipment in our work centers across the state to ensure we’re ready to respond as quickly as possible to whatever this storm brings.”

Unitil also said it was preparing for the storm, by lining up more crews, in light of the prediction of wind gusts and heavy, wet snow. .

“We are currently expecting a long-duration event, with hazardous conditions possible for a 36 hour period as this storm passes to our east,” Unitil Media Relations Manager Alec O’Meara said. “Crews will be restoring power where possible and when conditions allow, and we will be working with first responders to address public safety issues as they arise throughout the event.”

O’Meara said residents should prepare by checking and making an inventory of flashlights and fresh batteries, portable chargers and supplemental batteries for mobile devices, bottled water, canned foods, and a manual can opener, and a first aid kit.

The latest weather conditions can be found on the front page of every Patch.com site in the United States, including the 14 New Hampshire Patch news and community websites covering Amherst, Bedford, Concord, Exeter, Hampton, Londonderry, Manchester, Merrimack, Milford, Nashua, North Hampton, Portsmouth, Salem, Windham, and Across NH. Local weather reports for New Hampshire are posted on Sundays and Thursdays. Alerts are published when needed.

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