Winter's Knocking: New Hampshire Braces for Major Snowstorm

Well, folks, it looks like Mother Nature is gearing up to deliver a classic New England winter wallop right across New Hampshire. We're talking about a significant snow event that's poised to sweep through the state, bringing with it a hefty dose of winter wonderland – and some challenging conditions, too. Get ready, because it’s going to be quite a ride from late Tuesday afternoon right through Wednesday morning.

Let's talk timing, because that's what everyone really wants to know, right? We expect those first flakes to start drifting down, especially in southern and central parts of the state, sometime between 2 PM and 4 PM on Tuesday. Initially, it'll likely be light, almost a teaser, but don't let that fool you. Things are going to get serious pretty quickly as the evening progresses.

As we move into the late afternoon and evening hours, say from 5 PM to 9 PM, the snow will really begin to intensify. This is when travel is going to start getting tricky. Expect accumulation rates to pick up, and roads will quickly become slick and snow-covered. It’s definitely a good idea to wrap up any errands early and be home before dark, if you can help it.

The true heart of the storm, the period of heaviest snowfall, is projected for Tuesday night, roughly from 9 PM until 2 AM Wednesday. This is when we could see snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, particularly across central and southern New Hampshire. That’s a lot of snow in a short amount of time, you know? It’s the kind of intensity that can quickly bury cars and make visibility incredibly poor. This will be the absolute worst time for travel, so please, if you don't absolutely have to be out, stay safe at home.

As Wednesday morning dawns, between 2 AM and 7 AM, the snow will start to taper off, moving from west to east. While the heaviest stuff will be done, we’ll still see lighter snow and lingering flurries, adding a bit more to those already impressive totals. By the time most folks are waking up and getting ready for their day, the major accumulation phase should be winding down, leaving behind a truly transformed landscape.

Now, for the numbers, because everyone loves to talk inches! Southern New Hampshire and the Seacoast are looking at some significant totals, likely in the 8 to 14-inch range, with some localized spots potentially seeing a bit more if the banding sets up just right. As you head further north into central New Hampshire, accumulations could be anywhere from 6 to 10 inches. Up in the northernmost parts of the state, the forecast is a bit lighter, probably 4 to 7 inches, but still enough to make for some beautiful, powdery conditions – and maybe a bit of shoveling!

Beyond the pretty white stuff, there are real impacts to consider. Travel, as we've said, will be challenging, if not downright dangerous, during the peak of the storm. Plan for delays and consider whether your journey is truly essential. Power outages are always a possibility with heavy, wet snow, so it’s wise to charge your devices and have an emergency kit handy. And please, give those snowplows plenty of space to do their vital work. They’re out there for all of us.

So, there you have it. A good old-fashioned New Hampshire snowstorm is on its way. Take a moment to prepare, stay warm, and maybe even enjoy the beauty of it all from a cozy spot indoors. Be safe out there, everyone!