Late winter nor'easter moving into Maine
Mar. 14—A strong late winter storm that moved into Maine early Tuesday is expected to deliver snow and high winds throughout the day and into Wednesday.
The slow-moving nor'easter, packing wind gusts of up to 50 mph, was gearing up by daybreak with rain along the coast and a wintery mix inland. By mid-morning, it was snowing steadily across much of York County.
Parts of southern New England could receive more than 2 feet of snow, but Maine will miss out on those high totals. Portland is expected to receive up to 10 inches of wet, heavy snow, while other areas of the state could top a foot of snow by the time the storm wraps up on Wednesday.
"It is going to be a long event," National Weather Service meteorologist Hunter Tubbs said. "It is going to do a loop over Maine, prolonging the amount of time that it will be here."
A winter storm warning is in effect until noon Wednesday for southern, central and Downeast Maine. Northern areas are under a storm warning.
The weather service warned people to prepare for power outages because of the wet, heavy snow and wind gusts that could reach 50 mph along the coast.
"We are closely monitoring a long duration winter storm that will be moving into our area tonight. To prepare, we are pre-staging additional line and vegetation management crews across our service territory," CMP spokesperson Jon Breed said Monday. "This winter season has brought Maine several storms of this nature, with fallen trees and vehicle accidents being a common cause for power outages. With strong winds and wet snow expected, we urge caution if you need to travel on Tuesday and Wednesday as conditions will be hazardous."
The storm prompted a slew of delays and cancellations. Anticipating heavy snow by lunchtime, many school districts in southern Maine either canceled classes for the day or called for a remote learning day.
Courts in Cumberland and York counties are closed, as are many town offices and libraries. Gov. Janet Mills ordered all state offices closed on Tuesday and encouraged Mainers to not drive unless they have to.
"The storm arriving tomorrow is expected to create dangerous driving conditions, especially during the morning and evening commutes," Mills said in a statement issued Monday. "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."
The speed limit is reduced to 45 mph on the Maine Turnpike from the New Hampshire line to Exit 53 in Falmouth.
Anyone planning to travel by plane, train or bus should plan to check schedules before leaving home.
More than a dozen flights in and out of the Portland International Jetport have been canceled and more delays and cancelations are expected as the storm intensifies over New England.
Concord Coach Lines will close its Bangor bus terminal at 12:45 p.m. and several trips between Portland and Boston have already been canceled. The Amtrak Downeaster also canceled four trips on Tuesday.
Portland declared a citywide parking ban from 10 p.m. Tuesday through 6 am. Wednesday. Other communities with parking bans include Scarborough, Falmouth, Gorham, Old Orchard Beach, Sanford and Cape Elizabeth.
This story will be updated.
