A powerful winter storm is set to impact northern Vermont and New York from New Year’s Eve through Friday. Heavy, elevation-dependent snowfall will begin late tonight, with strong winds and plunging temperatures making travel hazardous. Snowfall rates could reach 1 inch per hour in southern Vermont during the early hours of New Year’s Day, creating treacherous conditions.
As a coastal low intensifies off New Jersey and tracks through southern New England, areas like the Champlain Valley may see 2-3 inches of snow, while higher elevations in the Green and Adirondack Mountains could receive up to 7 inches. Winds gusting 30-50 mph will cause drifting snow, especially on eastern slopes. Expect conditions to worsen through Thursday night as temperatures drop into the 20s.