Burlington, VT – A dangerous freezing rain event is unfolding across Vermont and northern New York Sunday evening, with significant ice accumulation and strong winds expected to create hazardous travel conditions and the potential for isolated power outages through Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, precipitation will overspread northern New York and Vermont between 7 and 11 p.m. Sunday, quickly transitioning to freezing rain. The icing threat will continue overnight and persist into the Monday morning commute, particularly across central and northern Vermont and the Champlain Valley.
Forecast ice accumulations range from 0.25 to 0.50 inches, with some of the highest totals expected in central and eastern Vermont, including areas near Montpelier, St. Johnsbury, Rutland, Chelsea, Lebanon, and Springfield. Portions of northern New York, including St. Lawrence and Franklin counties, may also see impactful icing.
In addition to ice, strong winds will worsen impacts. Wind gusts are forecast to reach 35 to 50 mph from late Sunday night through Monday morning. The combination of ice-coated trees and gusty winds could lead to downed branches, sporadic power outages, and blocked roadways.
Road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly as untreated surfaces become ice-covered. Officials warn that travel could become dangerous to nearly impossible at times, especially overnight and early Monday. Residents are urged to delay travel if possible and allow extra time if driving is unavoidable.
The National Weather Service emphasizes that even small changes in temperature could affect ice amounts, but confidence is increasing that significant impacts are likely across much of the region.
Conditions should gradually improve later Monday as temperatures rise and precipitation tapers off, though lingering slick spots and residual power disruptions may persist.
Residents are encouraged to monitor weather.gov, local forecasts, and emergency alerts for the latest updates.
