Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect across parts of eastern New York, western Massachusetts, and southern Vermont early Thursday, with accumulating snow and the potential for brief snow squalls creating hazardous travel conditions on New Year’s Day.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, advisories continue through the morning hours for Hamilton County in New York, Northern Berkshire County in Massachusetts, Bennington County and western Windham County in Vermont. Expiration times range from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. EST, depending on location.
Forecasters expect additional snow accumulations generally ranging from 2 to 5 inches, with localized totals up to 6 inches along the spine of the southern Green Mountains. In western Windham County, Vermont, snow totals of 3 to 5 inches are forecast before conditions improve later this morning.
The National Weather Service warned that an arctic cold front moving through the region early Thursday may trigger snow squalls, especially during the pre-dawn and early morning hours. These squalls can produce sudden bursts of heavy snow, briefly reducing visibility to near zero and rapidly coating roadways.
Roads, bridges, and overpasses are expected to become slick and hazardous, particularly in higher elevations and upslope areas. Officials emphasized that even where snowfall rates are light, sudden whiteout conditions are possible within snow squalls, increasing the risk of crashes.
Impacted communities include Pittsfield, North Adams, Bennington, Londonderry, Stratton, Wells, Long Lake, and surrounding rural and mountain areas. Travel impacts are most likely on secondary roads, mountain passes, and less-traveled routes.
Drivers are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions. Motorists encountering a snow squall are advised to reduce speed immediately and use headlights.
While snowfall is expected to taper later this morning, lingering slick spots may persist into mid-morning, particularly in shaded areas and at higher elevations.
