First responders urge safe driving after state police respond to dozens of crashes overnight

State Troopers responded to dozens of vehicular crashes Sunday night and into Monday morning during a severe winter weather event, a spokesperson wrote in a press statement Monday morning. 

Sections of multiple interstate highways and roadways were closed temporarily as a result of numerous crashes during the storm that dumped large accumulations of snow on the Lakes Region and beyond. 

State Police responded to 98 reported crashes and vehicles off the road between 3 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. Monday. They also responded to 18 reported disabled vehicles during the storm. Many of the crashes involved three or more vehicles, according to the press release, and there were no serious injuries reported. 

Laconia firefighter Cole Poth said Monday the best advice to drivers navigating Granite State roadways is to travel at a slow rate of speed, maintain a good following distance and to remember to use winter tires. 

Between 6 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Monday, sections of Interstates 95 and 93, the Spaulding Turnpike, Route 101 and the F.E. Everett Turnpike were temporarily closed, but all have since reopened. 

Conditions can change quickly during winter weather events, State Police say, and drivers who choose to travel are encouraged to maintain safe speeds that allow for increased reaction times. Drivers should keep an appropriate distance from other vehicles, including plow trucks, to avoid collisions. 

State law also requires drivers to afford plenty of space for emergency vehicles on the side of the road and to clear their vehicles of ice and snow before driving. Violators are subject to fines or additional penalties for subsequent offenses.

And state agencies are warning residents to prepare for continued cold temperatures.

The New Hampshire Department of Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said in a press statement Monday morning that extreme cold could fall this week.

Arctic air will be the coldest to hit the region since 2022, according to the National Weather Service station in Gray, Maine. Overnight temperatures from Monday to Thursday could feel like double-digits below zero. Authorities advise residents to be cautious when conducting activities outdoors. 

“As extreme cold temperatures move into our state tomorrow, I urge Granite Staters to stay inside whenever possible and take steps to keep themselves, their families, and their pets safe and warm,” Gov. Kelly Ayotte said, according to the press statement.

“Thank you to all of our emergency management personnel, first responders and road crews who are working around-the-clock to keep our state safe.”

When wind chill values are near minus 25 degrees, frostbite can occur within 15 minutes. When figures reach minus 30 degrees, hypothermia can occur in around 10 minutes. 

Those in need of shelter are encouraged to call 211 to locate the nearest open and available site.  

Lakes Region Mental Health Center, in a message on their social media page on Monday afternoon, said the Belknap County Warming Center will be open from 4 to 7 p.m. through Friday, Jan. 24, and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 25-26. Those with questions are encouraged to contact Fitts at 603-581-4807.

“Stay safe by limiting your time outdoors during the extreme cold,” Emergency Management Director Robert Buxton said in a press release.

“If you have to travel, make sure your vehicle’s emergency kit is stocked. Check on your neighbors and those who may be more vulnerable to the cold.”