KEENE, NH – The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for much of the weekend in the Monadnock Region.

The watch will go into effect at 7:00 Saturday evening and is set to expire at 7:00 Sunday evening. According to the alert, heavy snow is possible with periods of moderate to occasionally heavy snowfall. That can lower visibility for drivers and create dangerous road conditions, so those who do venture out should use caution.

Drivers should also keep in mind that New Hampshire State law requires you to clean all snow and ice off of your vehicle, including from the roof, before you hit the road. Jessica’s Law was passed in 2002 and stems from an incident in Peterborough where Jessica Smith was killed when ice from a tractor trailer hit a box truck, then her car.

Drivers who violate the law can face a fine of up to $500 for a first offense, and up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses.

The City of Keene’s Public Works Department is prepared to run winter operations through Sunday evening. Roadways and priority sidewalks will be plowed and sanded/salted. Residents are reminded that if you have a basketball hoop in the city right-of-way to remove it to avoid damage to the hoop at the city’s equipment.

There’s a sand pile available at the Public Works office at 350 Marlboro Street for Keene residents, just be sure to bring your own bucket and shovel.

The NWS is predicting at least 6 inches of snow in some areas, and WKBK Staff Meteorologist Pat Pagano agrees. Most locally, the city of Keene is expecting about 8-12″ of plowable snow.