First winter storm expected to bring 6-10 inches of snow

The first big winter storm is rolling into the region, and it's anticipated to dump 6 to 10 inches of snow along with it. 

Areas of central and southern New Hampshire are anticipated to be the hardest hit, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, said Monday morning. 

The storm, formed a few days ago when a trough — an area of cold air moving southward — came down from Canada, and converged with a low-pressure system in the southern United States, and developed into what’s called a “coastal low” system.

“We’re looking at a winter storm tomorrow,” Meteorologist Jon Palmer said. 

Snowfall and accumulation is expected to begin early on Tuesday morning, and could be quite heavy. It’s supposed to move out of the Lakes Region at some point on Tuesday night. Portions of northern New Hampshire may get hit, too, along with areas in south-central, southwest and western Maine. 

While it’s the first serious storm of the winter, Palmer said it’s not necessarily unique. 

“This appears to be a relatively routine event for December,” he said.

There could be another round of snow squalls on Thursday, too, right on the heels of the storm, and another weather system is a possibility for next weekend, though it's too early to make accurate predictions. 

Heavy snowfall Tuesday could impact travel, particularly on the roads. Road conditions may deteriorate and visibility will likely be reduced. Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous, according to the National Weather Service. Visibility could drop below a quarter-mile, due to falling and wind-blown snow. 

Periods of moderate and heavy snowfall will combine with low visibility to create hazardous driving conditions, with impacts possible on the Tuesday morning and evening commutes. 

“It’s important to see what the impacts are with these types of storms,” Palmer said, recommending travel on Tuesday afternoon be avoided.

Drivers are reminded to delay travel, if possible, and drive with extreme caution if a delay isn’t possible. If possible, consider bringing a winter storm kit along with you. Items to bring along include tire chains, jumper cables, a flashlight, a shovel, blankets and extra clothing.

“Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded,” a NWS warning reads.

“If you can avoid traveling on the roads, do so,” Palmer said.  

The winter storm has already prompted changes in Laconia.

A meeting of the Belknap County Delegation, scheduled for Tuesday night, has been postponed until Tuesday, Dec. 9, due to inclement weather. 

The meeting, where the county delegation is anticipated to discuss the budget proposed by county commissioners, is at 6 p.m. at the County Complex, 34 County Drive in Laconia. 

The delegation comprises all of those elected to represent Belknap County at the Statehouse. The county commission comprises three elected officials: Peter Spanos, Glen Waring and Stephen Hodges. Each year, the commissioners draft a proposed budget in consultation with county department heads. Then, the state representatives review the proposal and offer amendments and recommendations, before ultimately adopting a budget for the next fiscal year. 

The proposed budget includes an increase in total expenses of 7.8%, with 7.6% of it to be raised by taxes, according to the meeting notice. 

Expenses in the 2025 budget totaled $37.6 million, and the 2026 budget proposal includes $40.5 million in expenses. Proposed operating revenue is up 3.8%, from $13.9 million, to $14.4 million. The amount to be raised by taxes would increase 7.6%, from $22.4 million to $24.1 million in the proposed budget.

The meeting is open to the public and will also be streamed live online. A public hearing will be held following the commissioners' budget presentation, according to the meeting notice.