How much snow will nor'easter bring to Seacoast NH, Maine? Here's what we know

Up to a foot of snow is expected to drop in most of Seacoast New Hampshire and southern York County, Maine in a nor’easter set to arrive Tuesday and last more than a day. Some inland areas could see more than a foot.

The National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, projects high snowfall totals will combine with high wind gusts throughout the region, leading to potential flooding along the coastline and possible power outages.

Meteorologist Jon Palmer said Monday precipitation will begin as rain in the overnight hours heading into Tuesday before transitioning to snow in both New Hampshire and Maine.

How much snow in NH Seacoast and Maine? Depends where you live

In Portsmouth and the majority of the Seacoast, 8-12 inches of snow is expected, while interior York County, including Sanford, and northern Strafford County in New Hampshire, may get 12-18 inches.

“We definitely think there’s going to be some issues with power outages because this snow that’s going to fall is expected to be wet and heavy,” Palmer said. “It’ll create a situation where snow will stick onto the branches pretty easily and a lot of tree branches and limbs could come down on wires.”

The Isles of Shoals and “other marine areas off the coast of New Hampshire,” Palmer said, could get 2-6 inches.

Most Seacoast towns appeared poised to hold elections as planned

Town Meeting elections scheduled for Tuesday, March 14 appeared likely to go ahead as planned in most greater Seacoast towns, despite the storm.

Elections remained scheduled for Tuesday, March 14 in Exeter and Hampton area towns, as well as Greenland, Rye and Newington, as of mid-afternoon Monday. All towns offered absentee voting to all voters Monday to allow people to vote ahead of the storm.

The New Hampshire secretary of state said dozens of towns in New Hampshire postponed elections until March 28, citing a state law that allows rescheduling elections when there is a National Weather Service warning.

Locally, Barrington announced its election would move to Tuesday, March 28, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. at the town's middle school. Durham, Lee and Madbury made the same decision to postpone until March 28. Durham has no contested races on its ballot. South Hampton, which is part of the Winnacunnet school district, had also postponed its election, according to the secretary of state.

Town Meeting 2023:Seacoast towns offer Monday absentee ballot voting ahead of storm

Maine Gov. Janet Mills closes state offices Tuesday

Maine Gov. Janet Mills has directed all State of Maine offices closed Tuesday, March 14, 2023.

“The storm arriving tomorrow is expected to create dangerous driving conditions, especially during the morning and evening commutes,” said Governor Janet Mills. “I encourage Maine people to stay off the roads if they can, plan for extra time if traveling, and give plenty of space to road crews and first responders working hard to keep us safe.”

When is worst of storm expected in Seacoast?

Palmer said snow is anticipated to hit the area throughout Tuesday and overnight into Wednesday, tapering off around 8 a.m., though scattered rain or snow showers could persist Wednesday.

Wind gusts are projected to be strongest from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday with gusts along the Maine and New Hampshire coastline possibly hitting 50 mph, Palmer said. In Strafford County and parts of interior Rockingham County, winds could hit 35 to 40 mph.

Ocean waves could soar to 15 or 20 feet high, creating splashover in some communities.

“There is a threat for coastal flooding,” Palmer said.

Another storm could arrive Friday throughout the region, Palmer said, though early forecasts indicate it will be mainly rain.

Utility companies say they're preparing for storm

A notice from Unitil on Monday morning stated it would be opening its regional emergency operation centers on Tuesday and recommended customers prepare with flashlights and batteries, portable chargers, batteries for mobile devices, bottled water, canned foods, a can opener and a first aid kit.

“We are currently expecting a long duration event, with hazardous conditions possible for a 36-hour period as this storm passes to our east,” Unitil spokesperson Alec O’Meara said in a prepared statement. “Crews will be restoring power where possible and when conditions allow, and we will be working with first responders to address public safety issues as they arise throughout the event.”

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Eversource stated it is "prepositioning equipment and line and tree crews at its work centers around the state to respond to any damage or outages caused by this storm," as well as bringing in out-of-state crews to assist.

Parking bans in Seacoast area

Rochester: City announced ban would begin Monday at 11 p.m. and last until Tuesday at 7 a.m.

Somersworth: No on-street parking will be allowed city wide from 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 14 until 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 15.

This story will be updated.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Seacoast NH, Maine nor'easter: Here's how much snow to expect