A significant winter storm is set to impact the Northeast, bringing between 7 to 14 inches of snow across much of Maine starting Sunday evening and continuing into Monday. Forecasters predict blizzard conditions along the coast and warn of potential coastal flooding, particularly in York County.
“Tomorrow is going to be a very windy, very snowy day,” stated Jon Palmer, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service. The NWS has issued a blizzard warning for the entirety of the Maine coastline, effective from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday. With expected falling and blowing snow, visibility could drop to as low as a quarter mile, resulting in hazardous travel conditions.
Travelers in regions under the blizzard warning are advised to restrict movement to emergency situations only on Monday. Those needing to travel should carry a winter survival kit and remain with their vehicles if stranded. Additionally, wind gusts could reach up to 50 mph, further increasing the risk of power outages, marking the first blizzard warning in Maine since 2024.
Snow accumulation may vary greatly due to wind patterns; while coastal areas may receive 6 to 10 inches, drifts could lead to significant discrepancies in accumulation, ranging from just an inch to several feet in different locations. “It’s going to be very, very heavily drifted,” Palmer noted, emphasizing that snow levels will not be uniform.
Moreover, a coastal flood warning has been issued for York County from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday. The storm could generate substantial nearshore waves, resulting in beach erosion and flooding along coastal roads, particularly in flood-prone areas, where swells of 7 to 10 feet might lead to 1 to 2 feet of inundation.
Residents are urged to take precautions to protect their properties and avoid navigating through barricades or uncertain waters.
In more sheltered inland areas, including cities like Lewiston, Augusta, and Bangor, a winter storm warning is in effect, with expectations of snow and wind posing dangerous driving conditions.
In light of the extreme weather forecast, Governor Janet Mills has ordered the closure of all state offices on Monday. “This nor’easter is expected to bring heavy snow and make for difficult travel conditions,” she stated. Mills emphasized the importance of taking the storm seriously and limiting travel to ensure public safety.
Portland city officials have also implemented a parking ban from 10 p.m. on Monday evening until 6 a.m. on Tuesday. A comprehensive list of closures for schools, businesses, and government offices is available online through local news outlets. Residents are encouraged to remain safe and stay informed as the storm unfolds.