A First Alert Weather Day has been issued across Vermont and northern New York as widespread freezing rain is expected to create dangerous travel conditions and the potential for power outages from Sunday night into Monday. Forecasters warn that the most significant icing will affect areas along and east of the Green Mountains, the Adirondacks, and the St. Lawrence Valley.
Ice Storm Warning in Effect Through Monday Afternoon
An Ice Storm Warning is in place through 4 p.m. Monday for:
- Essex, Lamoille, Caledonia, Orange, Windsor & Washington Counties (Vermont)
- Northern Franklin & Essex Counties (New York)
These areas will face the longest duration of freezing rain and the highest ice totals, creating the greatest risk for tree damage and scattered outages.
Timeline: When Freezing Rain Arrives and Ends
Freezing rain will spread southwest to northeast across the region Sunday evening. Most communities will see precipitation begin between 8 p.m. and midnight.
The heaviest icing — and the most dangerous travel — will occur between midnight and 7 a.m. Monday, directly impacting the Monday morning commute.
Temperatures will rise above freezing at varying times Monday:
- Champlain Valley, Rutland & Bennington valleys: Warm above freezing by mid-morning; freezing rain changes to rain sooner with lower ice totals.
- Green Mountains, Adirondacks, St. Lawrence Valley: Cold air lingers longer, extending icy conditions into midday Monday.
Monday Afternoon: Brief Warm-Up Before Another Cold Blast
By Monday afternoon, temperatures will climb into the mid-30s to low 40s, allowing freezing rain to turn to plain rain. However, a sharp cold front will move in Monday evening, dropping temperatures quickly and bringing:
- Scattered snow showers
- Westerly wind gusts 25–40 mph, with isolated 50 mph gusts in the St. Lawrence Valley
- Temperatures falling back below freezing by late Monday
By Tuesday morning, temperatures will drop into the upper single digits to mid-teens, with sub-zero wind chills.
Ice Accumulation Totals
- Ice Storm Warning areas:
Widespread totals over 0.25 inches, with some locations seeing over 0.50 inches of ice. - Western & southeastern Vermont, parts of Orleans County:
Lower totals between 0.10 and 0.25 inches, enough to glaze roads and driveways but less threatening to trees and powerlines.
Expected Impacts
- Slippery and hazardous roads from Sunday night through Monday morning
- Difficult travel conditions during the Monday morning commute
- Risk of scattered power outages, especially along and east of the Green Mountains and in the St. Lawrence Valley
- Additional outages possible Monday evening as winds increase and leftover ice stresses trees and lines
How to Prepare
Residents are urged to take precautions:
- Charge electronic devices ahead of possible outages
- Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets, and emergency supplies close
- Download weather alert apps for continued updates
- Avoid travel overnight and early Monday; if you must go out, drive slowly and allow extra time
- Check on neighbors, especially with extreme cold returning Tuesday morning
Summary
A significant freezing rain event is set to impact Vermont and northern New York from Sunday night into Monday, creating dangerous travel, ice accumulation, and power outage risks. Conditions will improve by midday Monday before another surge of Arctic air arrives Monday night. Stay updated with the latest weather alerts and regional forecasts at HonkNews.com.