© 2026 New Hampshire Public Radio

Persons with disabilities who need assistance accessing NHPR's FCC public files, please contact us at publicfile@nhpr.org.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Donate your unwanted vehicle to NHPR and help fund this vital state-wide service.

Storm update: Freezing rain causes thousands of power outages, slick roads across NH

The winter storm warning and advisories from the National Weather Service for Monday, Dec. 29, 2025.
The winter storm warning and advisories from the National Weather Service for Monday, Dec. 29, 2025.

This page will be updated throughout the day on Monday as the storm progresses.

Freezing rain from a winter storm resulted in thousands of power outages, and slick driving conditions in central and northern New Hampshire on Monday.

Utility line crews worked overnight to restore service to tens of thousands of customers. By Tuesday morning, the estimated number of outages fell below 3,000.

Eversource reported about 1,200, and New Hampshire Electric Co-op had about 1,600 at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

A winter storm warning was in effect through Monday at 7 p.m. in Grafton, Carroll, Sullivan, Merrimack, and Belknap counties.

The National Weather Service reported that ice accumulations could be more than a quarter of an inch in some areas, and wind gusts could cause additional hazards to power lines and roads.

Police responded to multiple car accidents Monday.

Resources and outage maps:

Vanessa Palange, a spokesperson with the New Hampshire Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said once the rain and sleet move out this afternoon, there is the possibility of some re-freezing on roads this evening.

“The temperatures are definitely going to drop,” she said. “There are going to be some strong winds this evening. But it is a matter of what happens this afternoon before determining whether there is still a lot of ice on branches, on power lines, or whether it stays warm enough long enough to actually dry things out.”

There were numerous reports of trees or branches falling on power lines by midday.

Robert Buxton, director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, reminded Granite Staters to stay away from any downed utility wries and call 911. “Utility crews are out working hard to restore outages as they happen. If you come across a crew on the road, give them room to work.”

Emergency managers are also urging generator safety. Tips include to never run a generator inside a building or enclosed space, and to keep them 20 feet away from buildings with the exhaust pointed away.

A map showing possible ice accumulations in New Hampshire on Dec. 29, 2025.
A map showing possible ice accumulations in New Hampshire on Dec. 29, 2025.

The forecast calls for the storm to wrap up later today with a period of snow with light accumulations. The Mount Washington Observatory reports the region south of the White Mountains could see strong wind gusts into Monday evening.

This post was first published Monday, Dec. 29, at 10:55 a.m.

Top stories of the day, every day - subscribe today!

* indicates required

Related Content

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.