Thursday, January 26, 2012

Snow then Freezing Rain Threat Tonight

Snow began as expected just after 6pm this evening. A coating to an inch or so of snow is expected for many throughout the region this evening. With temperatures right around freezing, the roadways should be able to maintain some warmth, meaning that driving should not be significantly impacted. Warmth will begin to invade areas just above the surface, changing the precipitation type from snow to sleet to freezing rain in between 9pm and midnight.

Temperatures will remain within a degree or two of freezing for quite some time overnight while rain is falling. Consequently, rain falling will freeze on contact with the ground. This should not last for too long in the Atkinson/Salem/Methuen/Lawrence area. Nonetheless, a light glaze of ice may make things slippery overnight.  The true concern is from Manchester and Concord west and north, including the Monadnock Region. Here, freezing rain may occur for a prolonged period of time resulting in a more significant glaze (up to one-quarter or one-third of an inch).  This would be enough to cause some scattered power outages.  Power companies seem to be aware of this threat and have been tweeting they are prepared.

By morning, temperatures should be above freezing for everyone south of Concord. There may be some lingering slick spots (particularly if we see an extended period of freezing rain), though the morning commute will only be impacted by plain rain.

Check back for very important updates!