CONCORD, N.H. – New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management reminds residents and visitors of New Hampshire to be prepared for a long duration mixed precipitation event that will impact the state Thursday into Friday. A lull is possible Thursday afternoon before a second round of precipitation intensifies overnight and continues into Friday afternoon and evening.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Gray, Maine issued a Winter Storm Warning for parts of Coos, Grafton and Carroll counties from 7:00 A.M. tomorrow until 10:00 P.M. on Friday. Heavy snow is expected in Coos County with total accumulations of 9 to 16 inches. Parts of Grafton and Carroll counties should expect heavy mixed precipitation with total snow accumulations of 6 to 9 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze.

The NWS has issued a Winter Storm Watch for parts of Coos, Belknap, Strafford, Grafton, Rockingham and Carroll Counties from 7:00 A.M. tomorrow until 10:00 P.M. on Friday. Heavy mixed precipitation is possible with total snow accumulations of 2 to 7 inches and ice accumulations of around one-tenth of an inch.

The NWS issued a Winter Weather Advisory for parts of Hillsborough, Cheshire, Merrimack, Rockingham, Strafford, and Sullivan counties from 4:00 A.M. tomorrow until 10:00 P.M. on Friday. Mixed precipitation is expected with total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches and ice accumulations of around one-tenth of an inch.

“Once the storm begins, travel will be difficult,” NH Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Jennifer Harper said. “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.”

No widespread power outages are expected.

Director 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 food, 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.