A strong double-barrel low pressure system is heading into Wednesday afternoon, but unfortunately there isn't enough cold air so we'll have to deal with some low-lying mixing.
Rain in the valleys and snow in the mountains will intensify as we move past sunset Wednesday, but the rain will quickly turn to snow as temperatures drop into the low 30s overnight.
By the Thursday morning commute, a band of heavy snow will move through at a rate of 1 inch per hour at all elevations, potentially making travel difficult.
As temperatures warm during the day Thursday, the valley below 1,000 feet will return to flat rain, while snow will continue to fall in areas above 1,000 feet.
This will create a large gradient in snowfall across the region, with many of the highest mountains receiving more than a foot and in some cases nearly two feet. On the other hand, valleys below 1000 feet will yield profits on very sloping 2-4 inches.
Above the snow, strong downslope winds will increase the threat of power outages along the western slopes of the Green Mountains.
Areas such as Rutland and Middlebury could see easterly winds gusting over 105 mph Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning.
Prepare for power outages now!
Stay safe and stay informed as this storm passes.
-Skytracker Meteorologist Hayley Bouley
