Most of Connecticut can expect rain and wind Friday, but higher elevations in the northwest part of the state can expect some heavy wet snow.
The National Weather Service said Friday morning that portions of the Litchfield Hills in northwest Connecticut can expect total snow accumulation of 5 to 10 inches, although some forecasted totals have been reduced. Snow could mix with or change to rain in those areas.
(1/2) As expected, this event was going to be elevation dependent with surface temps being critical for some valley areas. Thus far, mild air has won across valley areas from the Hudson Valley and points east. Snowfall totals have been reduced as a result. #nywx #vtwx #mawx #ctwx pic.twitter.com/CiX0ztILsV
— NWS Albany (@NWSAlbany) December 16, 2022
Slick travel conditions and power outages are possible in northwestern Connecticut, said Garett Argianas, Connecticut Public’s meteorologist.
Argianas said "some downpours are possible this morning," but the rain "will let up a bit this afternoon."
“Watch out for large puddles and maybe some slushy spots for the Friday morning commute," Argianas said. “Roads will be slick in the hills.”
In a special weather statement, the NWS says most of Hartford County will experience rain during the day Friday and into Friday evening, but the northwest corner of the county, where elevations are at or above 1,000 feet, could get heavy wet snow.
“Snow accumulations of 3-6 inches are possible in this small area of the county, including the town of Hartland. Higher amounts are possible toward the Litchfield and Hampden county lines,” the agency said.
Rain is predicted along the coast with high winds possible in some communities. The NWS is maintaining a real-time list of watches, warnings and weather advisories for Connecticut.
A wind advisory is in effect for coastal areas, where gusts could reach 50 mph. Argianas said minor coastal flooding is expected this afternoon.
Heavier concentrations of snow are expected in New York state, southern Vermont and western Massachusetts, according to the weather service. In those locations, winds could gust as high as 40 mph.
Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches expected across southern Vermont with localized totals of 18 to 28 inches possible within the highest elevations of the southern Green Mountains and northern Berkshires.