Full Notification

NWS provided the below information on the potential winter storm to affect the area from late today into early tomorrow morning. Attached is the storm total forecast for this event.

An elongated area of low pressure, or trough, is forecast to develop over parts of the area this evening and continue into early Thursday.

These types of troughs are notoriously hard to predict, and can often be very localized in nature. Even slight shifts in location of 10 to 20 miles could mean significant differences in snowfall from town to town.

This trough will eventually sweep northeast up the coastline, and combine with a developing low pressure in the Gulf of Maine. This low pressure will bring snow to central and western Maine late Thursday into early Friday before tapering off.

* Temperatures: Temps are expected to be milder than recent weeks, with mainly teens and 20s even tonight. But still cold enough for the snow to be light and fluffy.

* Winds: Winds are expected to mainly be on the lighter side. Early Friday gusty westerly winds will increase to around 20 to 25 mph.

* Snowfall: We expect snowfall to occur in mainly two parts. The first will develop this evening and overnight. This will be a part of the trough mentioned earlier. Winter storm watches have been expanded to include much of central and northern New Hampshire. In general 4 to 8 inches of snow is expected, with the possibility for heavier amounts where the trough sets up and remains nearly stationary.

The exact location of heaviest snowfall remains uncertain, but focus is beginning to narrow on the area between Portsmouth, NH and Portland, ME inland to the foothills. In this zone localized amounts of a foot or more are possible. In addition, snowfall rates could approach 1 to 3 inches per hour at times and may linger into the morning commute Thursday. However, because of the uncertainty in axis of this heavy snowfall, watches will likely remain in effect for longer than is typical. The temperatures will still be cold enough for light and fluffy snow. Snowfall is expected to start around sunset, the evening commute may be slightly impacted for northern NH. The precipitation will begin to taper off overnight. The morning commute should be less of an issue. Sporadic snow showers are still possible throughout the day, but the heavies snowfall will move through after midnight tonight.

*Watches/Warnings: Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Coos, Carroll, Northern Grafton, Belknap, and Strafford Counties through Thursday evening.

This Weekend: The second round of snowfall will come from the developing low pressure in the Gulf of Maine. This event will primarily impact the State of Maine. Higher elevations, mountainous areas in NH may see additional snowfall. Winter storm watches have also been expanded across central and west central Maine to cover this snowfall. The potential for some heavier snow around Penobscot Bay exists closer to the center of the developing low pressure.

Non-resident property owners should make arrangements to have their homes and roofs inspected and shoveled off to prevent damage and collapse from the weight of and additional snowfall.

PLEASE NOTE- emergency service workers are unable to conduct the inspections and maintenance, you must contact a neighbor or contractor for these services.