Winter Storm Will Impact Morning Commute: NH Safety Officials

CONCORD, NH — With potentially 8 to 18 inches of snow heading to New Hampshire, state public safety and transportation officials are warning of potentially difficult traveling conditions on Friday.

The timeline of the storm is expected to run from 1 a.m. on Friday to 1 a.m. on Saturday. But the heaviest snowfall, with around 1 to 2 inches an hour, is predicted to occur between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. State officials acknowledged that some communities in New Hampshire and Massachusetts were still on school break — which means there are a lot of visitors in the state.

“It’s important for visitors and residents to stay informed before and during this storm,” New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Jennifer Harper said. “Have a plan ahead of time to keep you and your family safe and make sure your vehicle’s winter emergency kit is stocked.”

Officials also urged residents and visitors to delay travel, if possible.

“The timing of this storm means many people likely will be commuting for work and others could have plans for visiting the Granite State for recreation,” NHDOT Commissioner Victoria Sheehan said. “We ask that anyone who is able to defer travel until after the storm to please do so to allow our crews the time they need to remove snow from our roadways. If you must travel, check conditions before you leave, drive slow, leave ample space between your vehicle and others and don’t crowd the plow.”

Both the New Hampshire Department of Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation suggest signing up for NH Alerts at ReadyNH.gov and monitoring National Weather Service radio or broadcast weather reports to keep track of changing conditions. Ideally, they recommended, travel should be avoided during the storm. But, when driving, when it is snowing, remember to drive slowly and move over for emergency vehicles. Also, refrain from crowding plows. After a storm, clear all snow and ice from cars, including the roof, around lights, and license plates, before traveling. Also, bridges, overpasses, and exposed road areas are the most prone to slippery conditions.

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