New England Faces Significant Ice Storm From Sunday to Tuesday With Widespread Icing, Travel Hazards, and Expanded Ice Accumulation Forecast
NEW ENGLAND — Updated overnight modeling shows a larger and earlier-arriving ice storm expected to impact New England from Sunday evening through Tuesday, with widespread icing, scattered power outages, and hazardous travel conditions likely across much of the region.
Ice Arrives Earlier and Covers a Wider Area
Forecasters report that freezing rain and ice accretion totals have expanded, with models pushing the onset earlier than initially projected. Frozen precipitation is expected to enter the region around 7 p.m. Sunday, spreading west to east and continuing through early Monday morning.
Most of New England—excluding the Cape, Islands, and parts of southern Connecticut and Rhode Island—will experience significant icing, while snow and mixed precipitation will blanket much of Maine. Areas affected by frozen mix may wake to a crunchy, icy surface that persists well into Monday.
Scattered Power Outages Likely
With widespread icing expected, meteorologists warn that scattered power outages are likely, especially where ice accumulates on tree limbs and power lines. Even modest ice buildup can cause branches to sag and break, particularly during overnight hours when temperatures hold below freezing.
Utility crews are preparing for disruptions, though forecasters caution that early response may be slowed by road conditions and limited truck capacity to keep up with rapid icing.
Worst Travel Conditions Expected Overnight Into Monday
The most dangerous travel window will occur overnight Sunday through Monday morning, when fresh ice creates slick, untreated surfaces across highways, secondary roads, and residential areas.
Forecasters strongly advise residents to avoid travel Monday morning unless absolutely necessary. Allowing road crews time to apply salt and de-icing materials will significantly improve conditions by midday. Some communities may experience multiple rounds of freezing precipitation, extending hazardous conditions into Tuesday.
Snow Accumulation For Northern Areas
While freezing rain dominates much of the region, northern parts of New England—especially central and northern Maine—are expected to see snow accumulation between Monday and Tuesday. Forecast maps show 2–6 inches, with higher totals possible in elevated terrain. These areas may also experience snow squalls and reduced visibility as the system continues to progress.
Residents Encouraged to Plan Ahead
Forecasters emphasize that this storm is part of a multi-day event, requiring preparation for:
- Extended icing across large portions of New England
- Delayed road treatment Monday morning
- Potential school delays or cancellations
- Power outages due to ice accumulation
Residents are urged to stock essential items, stay off roads during peak icing, and monitor local weather updates. For ongoing coverage and community reports, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
