Vermonters, get ready for a wild weather ride this weekend! Strong winds will be howling through the state, bringing the risk of power outages and tricky travel conditions. Meanwhile, melting ice on our rivers could lead to sudden flooding in some areas. And as if that wasn’t enough—Daylight Saving Time kicks in on Sunday, so we’re all losing an hour of sleep.
Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the storm (and the clock).
Hold Onto Your Hats: Strong Winds Incoming
Starting Saturday afternoon, we’re in for some serious gusts. Winds will blow at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching 50 mph or more in some areas. That means:
Possible Power Outages – Downed trees and power lines could leave some of us in the dark. Charge up your phones, find those flashlights, and have some extra blankets ready.
Tricky Travel – If you’re hitting the road, be ready for sudden gusts, especially on open highways and bridges. And if you drive a truck or high-profile vehicle? Take it slow—this wind is no joke.
Secure Your Stuff – Outdoor furniture, garbage cans, holiday decorations—bring them inside or tie them down unless you want to see them flying into your neighbor’s yard.
The winds will be strongest Saturday night into Sunday morning, then finally calm down by late Sunday.
Ice Jams & Flooding: A Hidden Weekend Hazard
Spring is creeping in, which means ice on Vermont’s rivers is starting to break apart. When chunks of ice get stuck in narrow spots, they create a dam, causing water to rise fast—sometimes within minutes.
If you live near a river or stream, keep a close eye on the water levels. Even if your area isn’t normally prone to flooding, ice jams can cause unpredictable surges.
Watch out on the roads! Flooded streets can pop up out of nowhere. If you see water covering a roadway, turn around, don’t drive through it.
Stay tuned to local alerts. If authorities issue flood warnings, don’t ignore them! Being prepared now can save you a lot of stress later.
Daylight Saving Time: The Clock Springs Forward!
As if the weather wasn’t enough, Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00 AM on Sunday—so don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night!
Yes, we’re losing an hour of sleep, but look on the bright side—literally! Longer evenings are on their way.
This is also the perfect time to:
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – Replace old batteries and make sure everything’s working.
Adjust your sleep schedule – If you’re someone who struggles with time changes, try going to bed a little earlier on Saturday.
Reset your timers – If you have automatic lights, thermostats, or appliances set on timers, make sure they match the new time.
Weekend Forecast
Saturday, March 9 – Cloudy and breezy. High: 30°F (-1°C), Low: 18°F (-8°C). Strong winds kick in later in the day.
Sunday, March 10 – Mostly cloudy, chance of snow flurries in the afternoon. High: 32°F (0°C), Low: 22°F (-6°C). Winds finally calm down by the evening.
