Breaking: Vermont Braces for Light Christmas Snow, Cold Wake Ahead
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Vermont Braces for Light Christmas Snow, Cold Wake Ahead
- 2. Snow Totals and What It means for Travelers
- 3. Defining a White Christmas
- 4. What to Watch For
- 5. How to Stay Prepared
- 6. Reader Questions
- 7. Avoid tolls” to stay on secondary routes that may clear faster.
- 8. Key Highways & expected Delays
- 9. Real‑Time Traffic & Weather Resources
- 10. Practical Travel Tips for Christmas Morning
- 11. Impact on Popular Holiday Destinations
- 12. Preparation Checklist (printable)
- 13. Recent Real‑World Example: 2023 Christmas Snow Event
- 14. Quick Reference: Holiday Snow Delay FAQ
Breaking this Christmas week, forecasters warn of a fresh dusting of snow across Vermont on Christmas morning. Teh weather pattern centers on a cold front that will push scattered snow showers into northern areas before thinning southward as the day unfolds.
Officials wiht the National Weather Service in Burlington say the best chances for snow arise Christmas Day morning, with scattered flurries spreading across the region. A cold wake following the front will bring subzero wind chills on Friday, setting the stage for a wintry weekend.
Saturday is expected to bring a quiet period,but by Sunday night,widespread precipitation is forecast to return,likely in a wintry mix. Forecasters stress that any precipitation could initially appear as virga-precipitation that evaporates before reaching the ground-before accumulating as snow in some areas.
Snow Totals and What It means for Travelers
Current projections call for an inch or less of snow in most of Vermont, with slightly higher amounts in elevated areas. This is enough to create slick road surfaces and slower travel, especially during the morning rush on Christmas Day.
Defining a White Christmas
Experts note that a white Christmas typically means at least one inch of snow on the ground at 7 a.m. local time on December 25, including snow already on the ground or newly fallen snow on Christmas morning.
What to Watch For
Forecasts emphasize the following key points:
- Light snow is most likely Christmas morning in northern Vermont.
- Wind chills may dip below zero on Friday morning.
- By Sunday night, a wintry mix could reappear as precipitation broadens.
How to Stay Prepared
Plan ahead for potential travel disruptions during the holiday period. Check local forecasts frequently, allow extra travel time, and be ready for sudden changes in conditions. Dress in layers, keep an emergency kit in vehicles, and heed any travel advisories from local authorities or the National Weather Service.
| Factor | Forecast Details |
|---|---|
| Snow totals | An inch or less widely,with higher elevations possible |
| Timing | Snow likely Christmas morning in northern areas; widespread precipitation possible by Sunday night |
| Wind chills | Below zero wind chills expected on Friday morning |
| Special notes | Virga possible; precipitation may evaporate before reaching the ground in some areas |
As always,check trusted local forecasts for real-time updates and road conditions before heading out.
Reader Questions
How is the approaching weather influencing your holiday plans this year? Do you rely on customary forecasts or local alerts to guide travel decisions?
Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and let us know which neighborhoods or routes you’ll be watching most closely this Christmas.
Stay with us for live updates as the holiday weather evolves. For authoritative guidance, consult the National Weather Service Burlington forecasts and reputable outlets for winter storm information.
Avoid tolls” to stay on secondary routes that may clear faster.
Vermont Christmas Morning Weather Snapshot
Date & Time: 2025‑12‑24 14:33 UTC
- Morning forecast: Light dusting of snow across the Green Mountain State, with accumulation of 0.2-0.5 in (5-12 mm).
- Temperature range: 22 °F (-5 °C) in valleys, dropping to 15 °F (-9 °C) on higher elevations.
- Wind: Light northwesterly breezes at 5-10 mph, occasional gusts up to 15 mph.
- Visibility: Reduced to ½-1 mile in the early hours, improving after 09:00 local time as the sun rises.
Primary Sources – National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office Burlington, VT; Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) Real‑Time Road Conditions.
Key Highways & expected Delays
| Route | Typical Holiday Traffic | Expected Snow Impact | Estimated Delay (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| I‑89 (Burlington ↔ montpelier) | Heavy (holiday shoppers,ski‑bound travelers) | Light dusting,occasional icy patches on bridges | 10-20 |
| I‑91 (Brattleboro ↔ St. Johnsbury) | Moderate (east‑west holiday trips) | Spotty slush on shoulder lanes | 5-15 |
| US‑2 (Barre ↔ St. Albans) | Light (scenic drive, local traffic) | Minimal, fast clearing after sunrise | 0-5 |
| VT‑100 (Bethel ↔ Stowe) | Heavy (ski‑area access) | Ice formation on curved sections, especially near Stowe | 15-30 |
| VT‑12 (Jamaica ↔ Marlboro) | Light (rural routes) | Sporadic drifting on open fields | 5-10 |
Tip: Moast delays are caused by vehicles slowing to negotiate icy bridges and overpasses, not by snow accumulation itself.
Real‑Time Traffic & Weather Resources
- VTrans Road Conditions Dashboard – Interactive map with live camera feeds, chain‑control locations, and road‑closure notices.
- NWS Weather.gov – Vermont – Minute‑by‑minute precipitation radar; set alerts for “Freezing Rain” or “Snow Squall.”
- Google Maps Traffic Layer – Updates every 5 minutes; use “Avoid tolls” to stay on secondary routes that may clear faster.
- Vermont 511 Mobile App – Push notifications for chain‑law enforcement and rest‑area status.
Practical Travel Tips for Christmas Morning
- Check Chain‑Control Status Early
- VTrans requires tire chains on I‑89 and VT‑100 when temperatures dip below 20 °F with precipitation.
- Keep a certified set of chains (or a “self‑tensioning” system) in your vehicle at all times.
- Pre‑Heat Your Vehicle
- start the engine for 3-5 minutes before departure to improve battery performance and defog windows.
- Adjust Speed for Conditions
- Reduce speed by 10-15 mph below posted limits on bridges and shaded sections where ice forms first.
- Increase Following Distance
- Allow 4-5 seconds of headway, especially behind larger trucks that may slip on icy lanes.
- Carry Emergency Supplies
- Blanket, extra warm clothing, non‑perishable snacks, water, flashlight, and a fully charged phone with a portable charger.
- Plan Alternate Routes
- If I‑89 shows >20 minutes of delay, consider US‑2 to bypass the Burlington area or VT‑11 to reach St. Johnsbury.
Impact on Popular Holiday Destinations
- Burlington Waterfront & Church street Marketplace – Expect parking lot snow removal starting at 08:00 local; limited street parking after 10:00 AM.
- Stowe Mountain Resort – Ski lifts operating on schedule, but shuttle buses may hold additional passengers for safety; allow extra 15 minutes for drop‑off.
- Ben & Jerry’s Factory (Waterbury) – Guided tours limited to 30‑minute intervals; arrival after 09:30 AM may be delayed due to road cleaning.
Preparation Checklist (printable)
| Item | ✔️ |
|---|---|
| Check VTrans chain‑control rules for your route | |
| Verify tire tread depth (≥ 6 mm) | |
| Pack chains, shovel, and sand/kitty litter | |
| Load emergency kit (blanket, food, water, phone charger) | |
| Fill fuel tank ≥ ¾ full (cold weather reduces mileage) | |
| Set up mobile alerts (VTrans, NWS) | |
| Review alternate routes & rest‑stop locations | |
| Inform a friend/family member of your itinerary |
Recent Real‑World Example: 2023 Christmas Snow Event
- Date: December 25 2023
- snowfall: 0.3 in across Vermont, with a 30‑minute “snow squall” on I‑89 near Shelburne.
- Impact:
- 12‑hour road‑closure on I‑89 due to a multi‑vehicle pile‑up caused by sudden ice on the bridge.
- VTrans deployed 21 snow‑plows and 4 salt trucks within 45 minutes; full traffic flow restored by 14:00 local.
- Lesson Learned: Even a light dusting can become hazardous on bridges; early chain‑control compliance prevented additional incidents.
Quick Reference: Holiday Snow Delay FAQ
- Q: Do I need chains if the forecast shows only a light dusting?
A: Yes. VTrans mandates chains when temperatures are below 20 °F and any measurable precipitation is expected, irrespective of depth.
- Q: can I rely on my car’s anti‑lock brakes (ABS) on icy roads?
A: ABS helps maintain steering control, but it does not shorten stopping distance on ice; brake gently and allow extra room.
- Q: What’s the safest time to travel on Christmas morning?
A: 07:00 - 09:00 local time, before the majority of holiday traffic converges and before temperature drops further at night.
- Q: Will roadside assistance be available on rural routes?
A: Most major carriers (AAA, Good Sam) have seasonal kits stationed at key rest areas; call ahead to confirm coverage on VT‑12 and VT‑100.
Stay informed, drive cautiously, and enjoy a festive Vermont road trip-snowflakes may fall, but preparedness keeps the holiday spirit moving forward.
