Burlington, Vermont – Slick travel could develop along I-89 and Route 7 starting Thursday, Feb. 26, as a wetter late-winter pattern raises the risk for freezing rain and strong winds across Vermont through Monday, March 2.
According to NOAA’s 6- to 10-day outlook issued Friday, above-normal precipitation is favored across New England during the Thursday-to-Monday stretch. With temperatures hovering close to seasonal averages, even minor swings around 32 degrees could lead to periods of freezing rain, especially during overnight hours and early morning commutes.
Statewide impacts may focus on elevated roadways and mountain corridors. In Burlington, bridges along I-189 and stretches near Lake Champlain could ice over first if light accumulation develops. Montpelier and Barre sit in a zone where rain may briefly switch to freezing rain before changing back, while higher elevations along the Green Mountains, including Smugglers’ Notch and Killington, carry the greatest icing concern.
Wind risk increases late in the period. Gusts between 40 and 50 mph are possible across exposed ridgelines and open valleys, which could down tree limbs and trigger scattered outages, especially if ice adds extra weight to branches.
Residents should secure outdoor items, charge essential devices, and allow extra time for travel during peak icing windows. The unsettled pattern holds through March 2, and additional advisories may be issued as systems approach.
