CONCORD, N.H. – New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management is urging residents and visitors to be prepared as a complex and relatively long duration winter weather event will affect the state tonight through Tuesday.
The NWS has issued a Winter Storm Warning for parts of Cheshire, Hillsborough, Merrimack, and Sullivan counties from 7:00 P.M. tonight until 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday. Heavy mixed precipitation is expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 8 inches and ice accumulations of around one-tenth of an inch to four-tenths of an inch is expected.
The NWS has issued a Winter Storm Watch for parts of Belknap, Carroll, Coos, Grafton, and Strafford counties from this evening through Tuesday afternoon. Heavy mixed precipitation is possible with total snow accumulations of over 6 inches and ice accumulations of around one-tenth of an inch possible
The NWS has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for parts of Hillsborough and Rockingham counties from 7:00 P.M. tonight until 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday. Mixed precipitation is expected. Total accumulations of 2 to 6 inches and ice accumulations of up to two-tenths of an inch are expected.
Travel could be very difficult, or nearly impossible, at times and slippery road conditions will affect both the Monday morning and evening commutes. If you must travel, have an emergency kit with food, water, and a flashlight in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
“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.”
Due to the heavy, mixed precipitation, power outages and tree damage are likely. If you lose power, be sure to report the outage to your utility provider every 24-hours until your service is restored.
New Hampshire Utility Provider Telephone Numbers:
Eversource........................ 1-800-662-7764
Liberty Utilities................ 1-800-375-7413
NH Electric Co-op............ 1-800-343-6432
Unitil Capital Area............ 1-800-852-3339
Unitil Seacoast Region...... 1-800-582-7276
If you see downed power lines, stay away and call 9-1-1.
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 are:
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