Albany, NY – Southern Vermont is facing a period of hazardous weather tonight, with a Winter Weather Advisory warning residents of freezing rain beginning around 7 p.m. and continuing into early Sunday morning. Forecasters expect a thin but dangerous coating of ice that could quickly turn roads and sidewalks slick across the region.
Winter Weather Advisory Details for Southern Vermont
The National Weather Service office in Albany, as noted in its advisory, highlights that Bennington County and Western Windham County will see the greatest impact. Areas including Bennington, Pownal, Stamford, Woodford State Park, Stratton, and Londonderry could receive up to one-tenth of an inch of ice through late evening.
Even light icing can create sudden hazards, especially once temperatures fall below the freezing mark shortly after sunset.
Expected Travel Impacts Tonight
Forecasters warn that commuters and weekend travelers may face challenging conditions as freezing rain coats surfaces.
Key risk areas include:
- Bridges and elevated roadways that freeze first
- Unplowed or untreated back roads across the southern Green Mountains
As shared through the National Weather Service advisory, the initial glaze may appear merely wet on pavement, making icy patches difficult to detect until traction is already lost.
Communities at Higher Risk During the Evening Hours
Higher-elevation towns across southern Vermont could see slippery conditions develop earlier. The combination of cold valley air and moisture from the approaching system may heighten risks for:
- Residents traveling between mountain towns
- Visitors headed toward ski and recreation areas
- Local traffic navigating unlit rural stretches
Officials stress that even routine evening plans could be disrupted by rapidly changing surface conditions.
Timing and Duration of the Freezing Rain
Meteorologists anticipate the strongest icing between 7 p.m. and midnight, with freezing rain gradually tapering off into the early hours of Sunday.
By daybreak, temperatures are expected to rise enough to allow slow improvement across main roads. Still, driveways, sidewalks, and untreated surfaces may remain slippery until full melting occurs.
Safety Tips for Drivers and Residents
With icing expected across a wide area, residents are urged to take precautions before heading out tonight.
Helpful steps include:
- Reducing speed and avoiding sudden braking
- Allowing extra distance between vehicles
- Checking road reports before traveling
- Watching for deceptive wet-looking pavement that may actually be ice
Forecasters also note that those walking outdoors should tread carefully, as sidewalks and steps may become slick with only a thin glaze of freezing rain.
What Residents Should Expect Overnight
As freezing rain diminishes after midnight, surface temperatures will slowly rebound enough to improve driving conditions. However, sheltered or shaded areas may stay icy into early Sunday morning, especially in rural parts of Bennington and Windham counties. Any untreated surfaces could pose a slipping hazard until warming fully sets in.
Community Conditions and Local Reports
Authorities are encouraging residents to share what they’re seeing on local roads to help keep others informed. Early reports of icing or hazardous spots can help alert drivers who may be heading into affected areas.
Share your experiences in the comments below.
