URGENT UPDATE: A significant winter storm has blanketed many areas of Maine, creating treacherous commuting conditions and leading to widespread school closures this Wednesday morning. As a result of the wintry mix, including snow and sleet, officials report that over hundreds of schools across the state, including districts in Biddeford, Brunswick, Gorham, Lewiston, and Portland, are closed.
Motorists should brace for delays as speeds on the entire Maine Turnpike have been reduced to 45 mph due to hazardous conditions. The Maine Turnpike Authority has prohibited wide loads while the alert remains in effect, further complicating travel plans.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is urging drivers to exercise extreme caution. A winter weather advisory is in effect across much of the state this morning, with mixed precipitation forecasted to create slippery roads. The advisory is set to last until 10 a.m. in south-central and southwest Maine, including interior Cumberland County, where snow accumulations of 2 to 3 inches are anticipated.
Areas in Hancock, Washington, and Penobscot counties are also under a winter weather advisory issued by the NWS’s Caribou office. This alert will remain active until 3 p.m. Wednesday, warning residents of mixed precipitation and below-freezing temperatures, with the potential for freezing rain affecting travel throughout the day.
As communities deal with the impact of this winter weather, local officials remind residents to stay updated and informed. The situation is developing, and more closures and delays could follow as conditions evolve. Stay tuned for further updates as we monitor this urgent winter storm.
