by Albany, NY – Hundreds of thousands of residents in the Northeast have been urged to exercise extreme caution on roadways this weekend as freezing rain and mixed precipitation are expected to create slick and dangerous driving conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that the heaviest freezing rain will occur overnight on Saturday, transitioning to snow on Sunday as colder temperatures move in.
According to NWS meteorologist Maureen Hastings, travelers across New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire should prepare for hazardous conditions ahead of the busy holiday travel period. Winter weather advisories affecting large portions of the region aim to alert the public to slippery roads, sidewalks, and potential power outages.
New York State Winter Weather Advisories
In Northern New York, the NWS Albany office has issued a winter weather advisory covering Hamilton, Bennington, Windham, Warren, and Fulton counties. Residents in areas such as Bolton Landing, Sabattis, Warrensburg, Long Lake, Wells, Hoffmeister, Hague, North River, North Creek, Caroga Lake, and Johnsburg should anticipate freezing rain with ice accumulations ranging from a light glaze up to one-tenth of an inch.
The advisory is set to remain in effect from 4 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday, emphasizing the risk of slippery surfaces on roads, bridges, and driveways.
Vermont Winter Travel Concerns
NWS Burlington has issued advisories for Franklin, St. Lawrence, Clinton, and Essex counties, with cities including St. Johnsbury and Montpelier among those affected. Residents can expect up to two-tenths of an inch of ice along with snow accumulations of up to one inch, beginning 7 p.m. Saturday and continuing through 7 a.m. Sunday in some areas. Officials warn that even light snowfall combined with ice can make roads treacherous.
New Hampshire Winter Weather Advisory
In New Hampshire, the NWS Gray, Maine office has issued warnings for Carroll, Grafton, and Coos counties, impacting towns including Conway, York Pond, Holderness, Woodstock, Bethlehem, Lyme, Milan, and Albany. The advisory is scheduled from Saturday night through Sunday morning, highlighting the risk of icy roads, slippery sidewalks, and hazardous bridges.
Officials stress that untreated side roads are particularly dangerous, and even small amounts of snow and ice can create treacherous conditions for both drivers and pedestrians.
Safety Recommendations From Authorities
The NWS is urging residents to:
- Slow down while driving and allow extra travel time.
- Prepare vehicles with emergency kits, including blankets, water, and flashlights.
- Exercise caution on walkways, stairs, and driveways, as thin ice layers increase the risk of falls and injury.
NWS Gray, Maine, stated:
“Difficult travel conditions are possible due to icy road conditions, especially on untreated side roads. Even light snowfall amounts can accumulate and cause dangerous driving conditions.”
NWS Burlington, Vermont, added:
“Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. Watch your steps on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways, as surfaces could be icy and slippery.”
Monitoring Continues
Weather advisories remain in effect into Sunday morning, with authorities closely monitoring conditions as the freezing rain transitions to snow. Residents are encouraged to follow updates from the NWS and local emergency management agencies for the latest guidance on travel safety.
Are you preparing for winter travel this weekend? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below, and let us know how you stay safe during icy conditions in the Northeast.
