Weather
Vermont Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Ice Jam Flooding
Montpelier, VT – Ice covered roads, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly turn a Vermont winter storm into a dangerous situation. As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Tuesd
By Grant Holloway · 2026-10-27T07:44:33.077Z
Montpelier, VT – Ice covered roads, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly turn a Vermont winter storm into a dangerous situation. As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Tuesday, October 27, residents are being reminded that freezing rain and river ice jams pose two serious threats during the colder months.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , freezing rain occurs when liquid precipitation freezes upon contact with surfaces at or below freezing. Ice accumulation can make travel hazardous, damage trees and power lines, and leave communities without electricity.
How Much Ice Can Cause Serious Problems? Even small amounts of ice can make untreated roads, bridges and sidewalks dangerously slippery. Accumulations approaching half an inch can cause significant tree damage and power outages, especially in Vermont's heavily wooded and mountainous areas.
Drivers using Interstate 89, Interstate 91, Interstate 93 and rural mountain roads should exercise extreme caution when freezing rain is forecast.
Ice Jams Can Trigger Dangerous Winter Flooding Another winter hazard develops when river ice collects and restricts water flow, causing water levels to rise rapidly upstream.
Sudden winter thaws, heavy rain and rapid snowmelt can increase ice jam flooding risks, particularly when frozen ground prevents water from soaking into the soil.
Communities along the Winooski, Lamoille, Missisquoi, White and Connecticut rivers can experience ice jam concerns during winter warmups.
How Vermont Residents Can Prepare Before winter weather arrives, residents should take several important precautions:
Prepare emergency supplies, including flashlights, batteries and blankets. Charge phones and plan for possible extended power outages. Avoid unnecessary travel during significant freezing rain. Stay away from downed power lines and unstable river ice. Never drive through flooded roads. Residents can monitor weather alerts and river conditions through the NWS Burlington office and NWS Albany office , which serve different portions of Vermont.
Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31 , highlighting the importance of preparing before ice storms and winter flooding threaten Vermont communities.