Burlington, Vermont – A strengthening winter storm is expected to bring several inches of snow across northern New York and Vermont beginning Friday morning, creating increasingly hazardous travel conditions along I-89, I-91, Route 7 and U.S. 2 through Friday evening. The heaviest snowfall is positioned to hit during the Friday commute, raising the likelihood of slowdowns, snow-covered highways and reduced visibility across the Champlain Valley and into the Green Mountains.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, the Winter Storm Watch goes into effect at 10 a.m. Friday and continues until 10 a.m. Saturday. Snow totals of 4–9 inches are possible across the watch area, with 2–6 inches expected to broaden southward into central Vermont. Forecasters note that snowfall rates may intensify quickly late Friday afternoon, creating abrupt changes in road conditions on I-89 between Richmond and Waterbury, and on U.S. 4 near Rutland.
Drivers heading toward Middlebury, St. Albans and Saranac Lake should prepare for rapidly diminishing traction as temperatures fall during the evening. Mountain corridors—including the Route 108 pass and higher elevations east of Burlington—may experience even more challenging conditions as blowing snow develops overnight.
Transportation crews are planning early pretreatment, but heavy bursts during the evening may outpace plowing efforts. Officials urge residents to allow extended travel time and to keep emergency kits in vehicles, especially if traveling after sunset.
The storm is expected to taper early Saturday, though lingering snow showers may continue across western slopes. Additional updates are likely as newer model runs refine snowfall placement and intensity.
