Road travel was dicey across New England Thursday morning after a storm pushing through the region created snowy or otherwise slick road conditions, leading to dozens of crashes in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
There was even a snow plow fire in Westborough, Massachusetts — no one was hurt, but plows were in demand, with more than two inches of snow falling there.
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Westborough Engine 2 is operating at a snow plow fire in the apartment complex at 25 Connector Road. Fire knocked down. No injuries. pic.twitter.com/RhFWD4dFyK
— Westborough Fire Dept (@WestboroughFire) December 5, 2024
New Hampshire State Police said troopers responded to 26 crashes and vehicles off the road between 9 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. Thursday. During that time, troopers also assisted with seven disabled vehicles.
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A crash on Interstate 93 in Windham closed the left northbound lane of travel near mile marker 7 shortly after 7 a.m. Thursday. State police later said all lanes were open. It was unclear if anyone was injured.
State police have emphasized driving slowly and cautiously, urging drivers not to underestimate the snowy road conditions.
In Massachusetts, the state Department of Transportation reported a number of crashes Thursday morning, including a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 495 southbound in Hopkinton that closed the Exit 54A ramp for ice treatment.
There is also a crash involving multiple vehicles on Interstate 90 southbound in Ludlow. All lanes at Exit 59 were closed, and drivers were told to expect delays.
In Mansfield, there was a rollover crash with entrapment on I-495 southbound at mile marker 33.2, MassDOT said. The two left lanes in the area were closed as of 10 a.m.
According to MassDOT, all highway districts are in snow and ice response. More than 1,000 pieces of equipment are out on the roadways plowing and treating.
Additionally, there are travel restrictions on I-90 east and westbound. The speed limit was reduced to 40 mph from the New York line to mile marker 41 in Westfield.
MassDOT is asking drivers to go slow and not crowd any plows.
Aside from the crashes, storm damage has been reported across the region, including in Ware where there was a downed tree blocking one direction on Route 9 at Wildflower Road. There's two-way traffic in the opposite direction. Delays are to be expected, MassDOT said.
Large branches were down in Sturbridge and Hampden, as well.
State police had been warning drivers ahead of the storm's arrival to be careful, noting that slick and snowy roads are treacherous.
Vermont State Police said roads would be slippery, telling drivers to slow down, buckle up and allow extra travel time.
The rain and snow continue into mid-morning before sweeping quickly offshore Thursday. Our final round of weather will be some fast-moving squalls that pop up at random through midday. These will be elusive, so not everyone will see them.
The tricky travel Thursday morning is why hundreds of schools across the region were either closed or delayed today, including Worcester Public Schools.
Everyone is reminded to stay weather aware on the roadways. Safe travels!
