Another winter headache is on the way for Wednesday and Thursday, in the form of heavy snow, wind, sleet and freezing rain. Winter Storm Warnings have been posted by the National Weather Service for all of Maine with the exception of coastal York County, where a Winter Weather Advisory is in place.
The storm carries the likelihood of bad visibility, travel disruption and potential for power outages. It will bring heavy snow to the mountains, foothills and northern areas, with a mixed bag of precipitation to the south and coast, including some sleet, freezing rain and rain.
The storm will move in Wednesday as early as 8:00 am in the western Mountains, and later in the afternoon in eastern Maine. It will wind down Thursday from noon in the west until around 6:00 pm in the east. Southern and coastal sections that see mixed precipitation during the day on Wednesday will transition back to all snow Wednesday night.
The type and amount of precipitation received will differ depending on where you are; the nearer the coast, the greater the likelihood of snow mixing with sleet, freezing rain and rain. Check the specific forecast for your area.
Latest Forecasts
- Latest Winter Storm statement from NWS Gray (southern and western Maine)
- Latest Winter Storm statement from NWS Caribou (northern and eastern Maine)
Extreme caution is advised on the roads, as slippery road conditions and low visibility are expected.
Stay informed
Check weather updates often, as changes in the track and intensity of the weather system may mean changes in the forecast for your location. Listen to your radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio, or visit one of the websites above for weather reports and emergency information as the storm progresses.
Stay Safe on the Road:
As in all winter storms, if you can stay off the roads, do so. If you must drive, check road conditions before you set out, and observe MaineDOT's safe driving tips.
- 511 Maine, DOT's Travel Information Service or dial 5-1-1
- Sign up for road condition updates from MaineDOT
- MaineDOT's Winter Driving Tips
- Safe Driving basics:
- Drive only if necessary,
- Reduce your speed,
- Stay a safe distance behind other cars and
- "Don't crowd the plow."
For much more information on emergency preparedness in winter and all seasons, visit Maine Prepares.
After the storm
- As always, check on any neighbors and friends who might need help dealing with the storm.
- To help stay warm, eat regularly and drink ample fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- If you lose power, and use a generator, use it ONLY outdoors, never in a basement or attached garage. Carbon monoxide kills.
- Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.
- Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. Before you go out to shovel snow, do some stretches to limber up.
- Clear snow from your roof while it is still loose.
- Clear snow away from all chimneys and vents to prevent carbon monoxide buildup inside your house.
- Clear snow away from outside fuel storage tanks, and the filler pipes for your oil tank
- Offer to help neighbors and friends who may need help shoveling out
On the Bright Side ...
Spring officially arrives a week from Thursday.
