CONCORD, N.H. – The National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, has issued Winter Storm Warnings for Southern New Hampshire from Monday evening through Wednesday afternoon. The New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) urges residents and visitors to take action.

• Cheshire, Merrimack, Rockingham, Strafford and Sullivan counties and Western Hillsborough County are under a Winter Storm Warning from 8 p.m. Monday to 8 a.m. Wednesday. Total snow accumulations are expected between 10 and 18 inches. Wind gusts could reach 40 mph.
• Belknap, Rockingham and Strafford counties as well as Eastern Hillsborough and Southern Carroll counties are under a Winter Storm Warning from 5 a.m. Tuesday to noon Wednesday with total snow accumulations expected between 6 and 12 inches. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph.
• Grafton County and Southern Coos and Northern Carroll counties are under a Winter Storm Watch on Monday evening through Wednesday morning with total snow accumulations of up to 12 inches possible.

A Winter Storm Watch means the event is possible and is an opportunity to get prepared. As the event becomes imminent, a watch will normally be upgraded to either a warning or an advisory. A Winter Storm Warning means take action; confidence in the winter storm’s impact is high and the storm is imminent or ongoing.

“Take some time to prepare yourself and your family,” said HSEM Director Robert Buxton. “Stay informed by listening to local weather reports and signing up for NH Alerts. If you must travel, make sure your vehicle’s emergency kit is well stocked and includes a flashlight, food, water and a blanket.”

There is also a potential for power outages from the strong winds with this storm. Report power outages to your utility provider every 24 hours until it is restored:

Eversource                                         1-800-662-7764

Liberty Utilities                                 1-855-349-9455

NH Electric Co-Op                            1-800-343-6432

Unitil                                                     1-888-301-7700

Director Buxton provides these additional winter weather reminders:

• Visit ReadyNH.gov to learn more preparedness tips to help you and your family stay safe, including information on making a family emergency plan and building an emergency kit.
• Consider working or schooling from home so that crews can safely clear the roads.
• Slow down and move over for emergency vehicles and never crowd the plow.
• Clear all snow and ice off your car, including your roof, around lights, and license plates before traveling.
• Bridges, overpasses, and exposed road areas are the most prone to slippery conditions.
• Find the latest road conditions at newengland511.org.
• Plan two ways out of your home in case of emergency.
• Clear the driveway and front walk from ice and snow. This will provide easy access to your home.
• Only use a generator that has been wired to the building electrical service by a professional electrician.
• Do not run a generator in the garage, even if the door is open, because carbon monoxide can still build up to very dangerous levels, very quickly.
• Make sure your house number can be seen from the street. If you need help, emergency responders will be able to find you.
• Stay away from downed wires and call 9-1-1.
• Be ready if the heat stops working. Use extra layers of clothes and blankets to stay warm. If you use an emergency heat source, keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away.
• Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room. Also turn them off when you go to bed.
• Use flashlights, rather than candles, for emergency lighting.
• Check on neighbors and others who may need help.