Coastal Rockingham County, New Hampshire – Heavy snowfall and rapidly deteriorating travel conditions are impacting the New Hampshire Seacoast as a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through Saturday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect until 6 p.m. EST for coastal Rockingham County, including Portsmouth, Hampton, Seabrook, Rye, North Hampton, Hampton Falls, and Greenland. Forecasters expect total snow accumulations of 5 to 9 inches, with the potential for localized higher totals where snow bands persist.
The National Weather Service warns that snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible from late morning through the afternoon, particularly near the New Hampshire Seacoast. These intense snowfall rates can lead to rapid accumulation, quickly covering roads and sharply reducing visibility.
Travel impacts are expected along Interstate 95, Route 1, Route 101, Route 33, and U.S. Route 4, as well as local roads serving coastal communities. Periods of moderate to heavy snow combined with low visibility may create extremely dangerous driving conditions, even for experienced winter drivers.
Officials caution that conditions may change rapidly over short distances as snow bands develop and shift. Untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses are especially likely to become slick and hazardous during heavier bursts of snow.
Residents are strongly encouraged to delay all non-essential travel until conditions improve later this evening. Those who must drive should use extreme caution, reduce speed, increase following distance, and carry emergency supplies such as food, water, and a flashlight.
Road conditions across New Hampshire can be monitored through NewEngland511.org, which provides real-time updates for major highways and secondary roads.
For commuters, delivery drivers, and coastal residents, the most dangerous conditions are expected from late morning through mid-afternoon, before snowfall tapers off toward early evening.
Residents should continue to monitor official forecasts and warnings as the winter storm continues to impact the Seacoast region.
