Burlington, Vermont – A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Burlington area and surrounding regions as a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is expected to move in this evening and persist overnight into Sunday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, the advisory is valid from 5 p.m. Saturday until 10 a.m. Sunday for portions of northern New York and central to southern Vermont. Forecasters say precipitation will begin as snow for some areas before transitioning to sleet and freezing rain overnight as warmer air moves in aloft.
While uncertainty remains regarding the exact timing and placement of precipitation types, confidence is high that periods of freezing rain will occur within the advisory area. Ice accumulations around one-tenth of an inch are possible in parts of central and southern Vermont, which could lead to slick road surfaces and difficult travel conditions.
Snowfall totals are expected to be light to moderate, generally ranging from 1 to 3 inches, with locally higher amounts possible in higher elevations. However, officials stress that ice accumulation poses the greater hazard, especially during the overnight hours when surface temperatures remain below freezing.
The National Weather Service warns that travel may become hazardous this evening, overnight, and into early Sunday, particularly on untreated roads, bridges, and mountain passes. Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra time, and check road conditions before traveling. Residents are encouraged to monitor newengland511.org or 511ny.org for the latest travel updates.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve Sunday morning as precipitation tapers off and temperatures slowly rise above freezing in some areas.
This alert may be especially relevant for overnight workers, early-morning travelers, and anyone driving in hilly or rural areas around Burlington and central Vermont.
