MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A prolonged period of extreme cold followed by a potentially significant snowstorm is expected to impact Cheshire County, New Hampshire, and the Brattleboro, Vermont, area through Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters are warning of dangerous wind chills, heavy snowfall, hazardous travel and potential power disruptions, prompting municipalities across the Monadnock Region and southeastern Vermont to activate warming shelters, issue parking bans and urge residents to prepare now.

This page will be updated as conditions change.

Weather Timeline and Impacts

  • Extreme Cold (Friday Night–Saturday Morning)

  • Cold Weather Advisory in effect

  • Wind chills as low as 25 to 30 degrees below zero

  • Frostbite possible on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes

Snowstorm (Sunday Afternoon–Monday Evening)

  • Winter Storm Watch in effect

  • More than 12 inches of snow possible

  • Heavy snowfall rates and blowing snow

  • Dangerous travel conditions likely during both Monday commutes

Officials strongly recommend limiting travel during the storm to reduce roadside emergencies and allow crews to safely clear roads.

Live Updates

Friday, Jan. 23 | Afternoon
Municipal public works departments across Cheshire County report crews are preparing equipment ahead of the storm. Residents are urged to move vehicles off streets ahead of parking bans.

Friday, Jan. 23 | Midday
The National Weather Service confirms dangerous overnight wind chills and continues to monitor storm track and snowfall totals for Sunday into Monday.

Ongoing: This section will be updated with road conditions, shelter openings, school or municipal closures, and emergency alerts.

Warming Shelters and Overnight Resources

Cheshire County

Keene Overnight Warming Shelter

  • United Church of Christ, Central Square, Keene

  • Operated with Hundred Nights

  • Open nightly through the end of March

  • Intake: 9–10 p.m. | Exit: 7 a.m.

Rindge Warming Shelter

  • Location: Rindge Recreation Department

  • Available during the storm as needed

  • Access by calling:

    • Rindge Police: 603-899-5009

    • Cheshire County Dispatch: 603-355-2000

Troy/Fitzwilliam Warming Station

  • Samuel E. Paul Community Center, 61 South St., Troy

  • Available during the storm if power or heat is lost

  • Call 603-355-2000 to arrange access or transportation

Chesterfield Warming Center (Saturday Only)

  • Chesterfield Town Office, OEM Room

  • Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

  • Limited snacks and water available

  • Bring chargers; no pet facilities on site

Brattleboro, VT Area

Groundworks Collaborative

  • 40 overnight beds available

  • Drop-in center open 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

  • Call 802-302-8300 for assistance

Beloved Community Winter Shelter

  • 18 Town Crier Dr., Brattleboro

  • 15 beds available Friday and Saturday nights

  • Open 8 p.m.–8 a.m.

  • Call 802-332-6678 for availability

Brattleboro officials are urging residents to check on neighbors and vulnerable community members as temperatures plunge.

Parking Bans and Travel Restrictions

Keene

A Winter Weather Parking Ban begins Sunday, Jan. 25, at noon, and remains in effect until further notice.

  • All on-street parking prohibited

  • Vehicles interfering with snow removal may be towed

Overnight parking during the ban:

  • Sunday night: Gilbo East or Elm Street lots

  • Monday night: Commercial Street lot

Residents can sign up for parking ban notifications via text or email through the City of Keene or monitor KeeneNH.gov and social media.

Safety and Preparedness Guidance

Extreme Cold Safety

  • Limit time outdoors

  • Dress in loose, layered clothing

  • Wear hats, gloves and face protection

  • Watch for frostbite and hypothermia symptoms

Heating Safety

  • Keep space heaters at least three feet from flammable materials

  • Never use ovens or stovetops for heat

  • Keep vents and chimneys clear

  • Allow faucets to drip to prevent frozen pipes

Travel Safety

  • Avoid travel during peak storm conditions

  • Carry emergency supplies in vehicles

  • Slow down and give plow crews plenty of space

Pet and Animal Safety

Animal welfare groups warn that extreme cold is dangerous for pets and stray animals.

  • Bring pets indoors whenever possible

  • Provide dry bedding and unfrozen water for outdoor animals

  • Consider leaving barns, sheds or garages slightly open for animals seeking shelter

  • Contact authorities if an animal appears in distress

Emergency Information

  • Emergencies: Call 911

  • Road conditions: Check NH DOT updates

  • Weather alerts: Monitor National Weather Service forecasts

  • Preparedness tips: Ready.gov/winter-ready

This story will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.