MANCHESTER, NH – The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for our area for Friday night into Saturday, snow transitioning to freezing rain likely. Light ice accumulation possible Saturday morning. Then, you have about 24 hours to prepare for a Christmas Eve storm that will bring several inches of snow, making a white Christmas “a good bet” (that’s meteorologist slang for “expect accumulating snow.”)
The Weather Underground lays it out like this:
- Friday: Snow likely. High 24 degrees F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 100 percent. Snow accumulating 3 to 5 inches.
- Friday Night: Snow in the evening giving way to freezing rain overnight. Low 24F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 100 percent. 1 to 3 inches of snow and ice expected.
- Saturday: Cloudy with freezing rain expected. High around 35F. Winds light and variable. Chance of precipitation 90 percent. Rain showers in the evening, then clear overnight. Low near 30F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.
- Sunday: Snow showers early will become steadier snow overnight. Low 22F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 90 percent. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches.
- Christmas Day: Snow during the morning will give way to lingering snow showers during the afternoon. High 27F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 90 percent. 3 to 5 inches of snow expected.
Forget the bread and milk. Christmas shop now, before it’s too late!
What does all this mean? Last-minute shopping in downtown Manchester is not only possible, but will lead to 100 percent completion of your Christmas yet-to-do gift list. We made a few stops to check out the merch, and it’s amazing. In fact, there’s nothing you can’t find right in the heart of the city’s downtown:
Stocking stuffers? Pop of Color has a wide range of gift items for everyone on your list, including the pets. Stop by 816 Elm Street. Open 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Something chic for your favorite fashionable lady? Benton Shoe Co., 814 Elm St., has it all, from jewelry, clutch purses and comfy jammie pants, to designer clothing, sweaters, slacks, coats, outerwear, and much more. Store hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Candy canes, confections, and all things chocolate: You have options: Granite State Candy Shoppe, 832 Elm St., has everything you can imagine, for gifts and stocking stuffers. Dancing Lion Chocolate, 917 Elm St., has exquisite artisan treats for the chocolate connoisseur in your life. Van Otis Chocolates, 341 Elm St., prides itself on its boxed candy collections. You’ll also find ribbon candy, all the holiday standards, and their highly giftable chocolate-covered champagne bottles.
Bookery Pop-Up Holiday Shop, 844 Elm St., continues Dec. 21-23, noon to 7 p.m., with a preview of the full-blown bookstore coming in Spring of 2018. Right now you can browse a curated selection of gift-items, books, and gift cards.
With Hand and Heart Unique Gifts, 823 Elm St., has all sorts of gift items, knick-knacks, jewelry and other locally-crafted items. Store hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Runners Alley Manchester, 669 Elm St., for the dedicated runner in your life – accessories and gadgets along with the usual running shoes and gear. Store hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Indian Head Athletics, 18 Lake Ave., help your favorite student athlete gear up in style, check out the selection of balls and equipment, and the exclusive line of York Athletics footwear. Store hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Castro’s Backroom, 972 Elm St., for the stogie-lover in your life.
Gift cards to your favorite restaurant? Tickets to a show at the Palace Theatre? There’s so much more – check out Intown Manchester’s full retail guide here.
