Wmur Weather: Nor'easter Threatens Friday Night Commute — Wet, Heavy Snow Could Leave Several Inches Across New Hampshire

For drivers and essential services, the immediate impact will hit on the evening commute: wmur weather forecasts point to wet, heavy snow that is likely to make roads slick and slow travel. A winter storm warning is in effect from Friday at noon until Saturday at 7 a. m., and most accumulation is expected overnight, with pockets of significant totals in some regions.

Wmur Weather: who feels it first and how travel will be affected

Commuters returning home Friday evening are the first to be affected. Snowfall rates could exceed 1 inch per hour Friday night, which increases the risk of rapidly deteriorating road conditions. Plow crews are rested and prepared, but officials are urging continued caution; wet, heavy snow that "sticks to the road" can reduce traction and slow clearing efforts once accumulation accelerates.

• Timing: Mainly Friday night into early Saturday morning; the warning window runs from Friday at noon to Saturday 7 a. m.
• Travel risk: Rapid accumulation (over 1"/hour possible) makes evening and overnight travel the most exposed period.
• Roadwork: Crews are on standby, but heavy, sticky snow can hamper plowing speed.

Here's the part that matters: even with crews ready, the combination of rapid rates and wet, heavy flakes means roads could become hazardous faster than usual.

Storm timing, totals, and where the heaviest snow could fall

Significant snowfall is expected across the state, with local variations. Observers at a high-elevation observatory are forecasting 4 to 9 inches south of Lake Winnipesaukee, while the Mount Washington Valley is expected to see 5 to 8 inches by daybreak Saturday. The official forecast shows many areas in the 6 to 8 inch range, with an outside chance that some places reach 10 to 12 inches.

Most of the snowfall is expected Friday night, and rates during that period could exceed 1 inch per hour, increasing the chance of rapid accumulation on untreated surfaces.

• South of Lake Winnipesaukee: 4–9 inches expected.
• Mount Washington Valley: 5–8 inches by daybreak Saturday expected.
• Wider forecast: many areas 6–8 inches; some pockets could reach 10–12 inches (outside chance).

What’s easy to miss is the difference between steady lighter snow and short bursts of heavy rates—those bursts are when travel becomes most dangerous and when local totals can jump quickly.

Key takeaways you can act on now:

• Plan for a slower commute Friday evening and consider delaying nonessential travel overnight.
• Expect wet, heavy snow that clings to road surfaces and can slow plows.
• Watch for rapid accumulation—more than 1 inch per hour is possible Friday night.
• Regional totals will vary; some communities may see 4–9 inches, others 6–8, with limited locations possibly reaching into the 10–12 inch range.
• Be prepared for the warning window from Friday at noon through Saturday at 7 a. m.

The real question now is how quickly those heavier bands set up overnight; confirmation will come as snowfall rates climb. Recent statements emphasize readiness but also caution, so expect roads to be slower than normal even where plows are working.

Schedule and totals are subject to change as conditions evolve. If you must be on the road, allow extra time, reduce speed, and be ready for rapidly changing visibility and accumulation.