New Hampshire residents woke up to fresh snow Friday morning, creating hazardous travel conditions across the state, according to weather reports. The overnight snowfall left a thick layer of snow on sidewalks and roadways, particularly affecting the Manchester area where temperatures hovered around 30 degrees.
The snow stopped by Friday morning, though scattered snow showers continued in some areas through the morning hours, according to meteorological reports. The wet and pasty nature of the snow made cleanup more difficult for residents and road crews.
Travel impacts were expected to diminish after 9 a.m. Friday, with conditions improving throughout the weekend. However, state officials are already preparing for a more significant weather event approaching for late Sunday night into Monday.
A major storm system is tracking toward the region, though New Hampshire appears positioned on the northern edge of the most severe impacts, according to weather forecasts. The storm initially appeared likely to miss New Hampshire entirely, but computer models shifted within the last 24 hours to show the system making a much closer pass to New England.
Southern New Hampshire faces the prospect of moderate to heavy snowfall from the approaching storm. Areas from Rochester and Concord southward could receive 4 to 8 inches of snow, with potentially higher totals expected in the lower Merrimack Valley and coastal regions, according to current forecasts.
Central New Hampshire, including areas through the White Mountains, may see lighter accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. The far northwestern zones, including areas north of Lebanon and the Great North Woods, are forecast to receive 1 to 2 inches of fluffy, powdery snow.
Wind presents an additional concern as the storm rapidly intensifies off the New England coastline. Southeastern New Hampshire could experience wind gusts approaching 40 mph Monday morning, creating wind-driven snow conditions that reduce visibility and make travel extremely difficult throughout Monday.
Coastal areas face a triple threat from the storm system. Minor coastal flooding is expected, particularly near Seabrook and Hampton Harbor, as the storm coincides with astronomical high tides. The most significant tide-related flooding risk comes during the predawn hours Monday, which could affect low-lying coastal areas.
The storm timeline shows Sunday remaining dry with no weather-related problems expected. Light snow is forecast to begin filling in across far southern New Hampshire during the predawn hours Monday, then spread northward through Monday morning.
Weather maps show intense snowfall developing across southern New England, with New Hampshire positioned just on the edge of the heaviest precipitation. The moderate snow is expected to continue through much of Monday, with southeastern New Hampshire likely experiencing snowfall until very late Monday evening.
Friday morning temperatures across the state started largely in the 20s to near 30 degrees, contributing to the accumulating snow conditions that created the morning’s travel hazards.
The approaching Monday storm represents a significant shift from earlier forecasts that showed the system tracking well south of New Hampshire. The northward adjustment in the storm’s projected path brings much of the state into the snowfall zone, though the most severe impacts remain forecast for areas south of New Hampshire.
Road crews and emergency management officials are monitoring the developing situation as the state prepares for what could be the most significant winter weather event in recent weeks. The combination of snow, wind, and coastal flooding presents multiple challenges for communities across southern and southeastern New Hampshire.
Residents are advised to prepare for difficult travel conditions Monday and to stay informed about rapidly changing weather conditions as the storm system approaches the region.
