Maine Covered in Season’s First Major Snowfall
Maine experienced its first major snowfall of the season on Tuesday, creating slick roads and prompting closures across the state. As residents navigated the winter weather, forecasters estimated that coastal areas would see 3-6 inches of snow, while inland regions could accumulate over 8 inches by the evening.
Weather Conditions and Snowfall Reports
By early evening, heavy snow was still falling at a rate of up to an inch per hour. The National Weather Service provided reports indicating varying amounts across Maine:
- Fryeburg: 6 inches
- Lewiston area: 5.9 inches
- Portland International Jetport: 2.1 inches
- Other regions in southern Maine: 2-5.5 inches
- Baileyville: 5.5 inches
- Grand Lake Stream: 5.3 inches
- Springfield: 5 inches
- Presque Isle: 4.1 inches
- Cary, Calais, and Lincoln: 4 inches
Local Experiences with the Snow
Residents embraced the snowy landscape with mixed reactions. For many newcomers, like Alexia Harger, it was their first encounter with snow. Harger, a recent transplant from Florida, strolled through downtown Portland, captured by the winter wonderland.
“I’m really enjoying it,” Harger stated while walking her dog, Kygo.
In Lewiston, Kaitlyn Curtis joined her emotional support dog, Moth, for a snowy walk. Moth sported pink booties to protect his paws from the cold and salt.
Community Impact and Closures
The storm caused widespread disruptions, leading to the closure of schools, municipal offices, and various food banks. Some municipalities chose to postpone scheduled meetings, while others, like Hallowell and Lewiston, continued as planned.
- Harrison Food Bank: Closed; will deliver food Wednesday
- Saco Food Pantry and First County Food Pantry: Temporary closures or limited hours
Traffic Conditions and Safety Precautions
The Maine Turnpike authority reduced speed limits to 45 mph to improve safety during the snowstorm. Unfortunately, this led to numerous accidents throughout the day, with Maine State Police responding to approximately 50 incidents by the evening.
Overnight parking bans were implemented in major cities such as Portland, Biddeford, and Lewiston. Despite the weather, the two primary utility companies reported minimal electrical outages.
Flight Delays and Service Updates
Travel was also affected, with at least 22 flights at Portland Jetport experiencing delays by late afternoon. However, none were canceled, offering some relief for travelers during the inclement weather.
The first significant snowfall of the season in Maine marked a classic winter scene for many, combining beauty with challenges for the state’s residents. As the snowfall continued into the evening, communities worked to adapt to the wintry conditions.
