Weather
New Hampshire Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Power Outage Risks
Concord, NH – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across New Hampshire. As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Tuesday, Oc
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-10-27T07:45:00.655Z
Concord, NH – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across New Hampshire. As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Tuesday, October 27, residents are being reminded that freezing rain and river ice jams pose two serious threats during the winter months.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , freezing rain occurs when liquid precipitation freezes on contact with surfaces at or below freezing. Accumulating ice can make travel hazardous, damage trees and power lines, and leave thousands without electricity during major storms.
How Much Ice Can Cause Serious Problems? Even a thin coating of ice can make untreated roads, bridges and sidewalks extremely slippery. Accumulations approaching half an inch can cause significant tree damage and widespread electrical disruptions.
Drivers traveling Interstate 93, Interstate 89, Interstate 95 and mountainous routes through the White Mountains should exercise extreme caution when freezing rain is forecast.
Ice Jams Can Trigger Sudden Winter Flooding Another dangerous winter threat develops when river ice accumulates and restricts water flow, potentially causing rapid flooding upstream.
Winter thaws, heavy rainfall and melting snow can increase this risk, especially when frozen ground prevents water from soaking into the soil.
Communities along the Merrimack, Connecticut, Saco and Pemigewasset rivers can face ice jam flooding during winter warmups.
How New Hampshire Residents Can Prepare Before severe winter weather arrives, residents should take several precautions:
Stock emergency supplies, including flashlights, batteries and blankets. Charge phones and prepare for possible extended power outages. Avoid unnecessary travel during significant freezing rain. Stay away from downed power lines and unstable river ice. Never drive through flooded roadways. Residents can monitor official forecasts and river conditions through the NWS Gray/Portland office and NWS Boston/Norton office , which cover different parts of New Hampshire.
Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31 , emphasizing the importance of preparing before ice storms and winter flooding threaten communities statewide.