CONCORD, N.H. – New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management is urging residents and visitors to be prepared as the first significant winter storm of the season is forecasted to impact the state tonight through Tuesday.
Two waves of snow is expected to arrive tonight and last into Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), causing significant snow accumulation for parts of the state over a prolonged period of time. The first wave of moderate to heavy snow will be tonight into Monday morning and will affect the commute in southern and central parts of NH. The second round of snow will be Monday night into Tuesday morning.
The NWS has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Cheshire, Hillsborough, Sullivan, Merrimack, Rockingham and Strafford counties from 4:00 P.M. tonight through 7:00 A.M. Tuesday.
The NWS has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Belknap, Grafton and Carroll counties from 4:00 P.M. tonight through 7:00 A.M. Tuesday.
“During the storm, only travel if absolutely necessary,” New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Jennifer Harper said. “Once the storm begins, travel will be hazardous. If you must travel, remember to clear snow and ice from your vehicle, slow down, allow extra time for travel, and leave plenty of space between vehicles.”
Some sleet could mix along the coast Monday night and Tuesday.
Snow totals through Tuesday:
· Southern and Coastal NH: 12-18”
· Central NH: 6-12”
· Northern NH: 2-6”
Harper provides these additional reminders:
· Slow down and move over for emergency vehicles.
· Do not crowd the plows or emergency 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 icy conditions.
· Visit ReadyNH.gov to learn more preparedness tips to help you and your family stay safe.
Take time now to prepare. Director Harper encourages everyone to plan ahead for disasters. The core steps toward preparedness is (1) make an emergency kit, (2) have a family emergency plan, and (3) stay informed by signing up for NH Alerts. Download templates and instructions for each of these preparedness steps online at ReadyNH.gov
Defined by the NWS, Winter Storm Warnings are issued for a significant winter weather event including snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow or a combination of these hazards. Travel will become difficult or impossible in some situations. Delay your travel plans until conditions improve.
Defined by the NWS, Winter Weather Advisories are issued when snow, blowing snow, ice, sleet, or a combination of these wintry elements is expected but conditions should not be hazardous enough to meet warning criteria. Be prepared for winter driving conditions and possible travel difficulties. Use caution when driving.
About NH HSEM:
NH Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) provides a coordinated, integrated program for state-wide emergency management and homeland security, including coordination of the state response to emergencies, strategic and operational all-hazards planning; community preparedness; exercise and training; and grants planning and program management. HSEM is a division within the NH Department of Safety and is the state-level equivalent of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Follow NH HSEM on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NH_HSEM and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NH.HSEM. Also, sign up for NH Alerts to receive emergency information via your mobile and landline phones, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from NH HSEM. To learn more about NH Alerts and other preparedness tools, visit www.readynh.gov or call HSEM at (603) 271-2231.