Burlington, Vermont – Drivers across northern New York and Vermont could face slick travel by Thursday evening as rain transitions to freezing rain, sleet, and snow, potentially creating icy roads along I-89, I-87, US 7, and Route 4 through the Friday morning commute.
The transition to mixed precipitation is expected during the evening hours as colder air moves into the region, allowing wet roadways to freeze in spots just as nighttime travel increases.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, the most active period of precipitation is expected between 7 p.m. Thursday and 7 a.m. Friday, when freezing rain may produce up to 0.10 inches of ice across parts of the St. Lawrence Valley and central to southern Vermont. Additional snow and sleet accumulations ranging from a dusting to 2 inches may also occur in some areas overnight.
Communities across Burlington, Montpelier, and Rutland may see light icing on untreated roads and bridges late Thursday evening. Travel along I-89 between Burlington and Montpelier could become hazardous where temperatures drop below freezing, especially on elevated surfaces and rural roads.
Farther west in northern New York, areas including Massena, Potsdam, and Gouverneur may also see brief freezing rain that creates slick spots along Route 11 and I-87 late Thursday night.
Motorists should slow down on untreated roads, allow extra time for the Friday morning commute, and watch for icy conditions on bridges and overpasses where freezing occurs first.
Temperatures are expected to rise significantly by Saturday, bringing much warmer air across the region with highs climbing into the upper 40s and even mid-50s, which should help melt lingering ice and snow after the overnight wintry mix.
