Flash freeze will make roads dangerous tonight, Vermont officials warn

April McCullum, Burlington Free Press
·3 min read

Vermonters should be prepared for prolonged power outages and a rapid drop in temperatures on Friday evening causing treacherous ice, state officials said Friday.

Gov. Phil Scott and utility officials urged people to stay off the roads if possible, and especially to complete any travel by Friday afternoon.

"You need to be where you are going to be tonight by 4 p.m.," said Vermont Public Safety Commissioner Jen Morrison in a Friday news conference that was broadcast by WCAX. "After that, all bets are off and you are taking a tremendous risk by being on the roads after the temperature drops."

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Forecasts indicated temperatures would quickly drop below freezing Friday afternoon and evening.

Earlier in the day, high winds downed trees and power lines. Meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Burlington said they recorded a 70 mph wind gust at their facility at Burlington International Airport, tying 1954's Hurricane Hazel for the second-highest wind gust ever recorded in Burlington.

The multiple adverse weather conditions threatened holiday plans during Hanukkah and just before the Christmas weekend.

"I know changing travel plans is a lot to ask during the holiday, but we need to keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles and utility crews," the governor said.

Power outages in Vermont a 'multiday event'

Thousands of utility customers were without power Friday afternoon, including approximately 8,000 properties in Chittenden County, and power companies warned that safety concerns would slow restoration efforts.

"This is a multiday event," said Rebecca Towne, CEO of Vermont Electric Coop, at the Friday morning press conference. "Today will be slow going, and I want to make sure that folks know if they are out of power today, it is likely you will be out of power for more than one day. Hope for the best, plan for the worst."

A rainbow appears over Williston power lines in the midst of a major wind and rain storm that caused outages Dec. 23, 2022. Officials said to expect a flash freeze Friday evening.
A rainbow appears over Williston power lines in the midst of a major wind and rain storm that caused outages Dec. 23, 2022. Officials said to expect a flash freeze Friday evening.

State officials urged people to make sure they have a plan for their own safety, and to check in on elderly and vulnerable neighbors.

Vermont power outage map:Check for power outages in your area

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Resources and tips for Vermonters

  • If it is too cold in your home and you need where to go, check with your town offices, visit vem.vermont.gov for a list of shelters and warming shelters, or call 211 for a referral.

  • Sign up for alerts about the storm at vtalert.gov.

  • Stay away from downed power lines and trees, said Green Mountain Power CEO Mari McClure, and do not attempt to remove them yourself.

  • If you must use a generator, place it outside — not in the garage or other indoor spaces. Keep the generator away from windows and doors. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal.

  • Ensure heating vents are clear of snow.

Contact Staff Writer April McCullum at amccullum@freepressmedia.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont storm: Wind, power outages, flash freeze coming