Maine – Snow piles quickly along curbs and rooftops as visibility drops and plows struggle to keep pace. The air feels dense and biting, and conditions continue to deteriorate as a powerful winter storm presses across northern New England today.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through this evening for much of southwest and central Maine, as well as large portions of New Hampshire. Heavy snow continues, with widespread totals between 12 and 18 inches expected. Isolated amounts near 2 feet remain possible, especially from coastal southwest Maine into southern New Hampshire. Snowfall rates may reach 2 to 3 inches per hour at times, significantly reducing visibility.
Across Portland, Biddeford, and Lewiston, roads are snow-covered and slick despite ongoing treatment. Travel along I-95 and Route 1 has slowed sharply as blowing snow creates near-whiteout bursts. In New Hampshire, conditions are similar from Manchester to Concord, where secondary roads are becoming increasingly difficult to navigate. Officials strongly discourage travel during periods of heavy snow.
As the storm winds down later today, colder air tightens its grip. Temperatures plunge tonight and remain well below freezing through midweek. Any clearing during daylight hours may be followed by flash freezing after sunset, increasing the risk of icy roads through Wednesday morning.
Later this week, skies trend brighter, but the cold lingers into Friday. Looking ahead, 6–10 day outlooks point to drier conditions returning across New England, while colder-than-normal temperatures persist even as much warmer air builds across the Southeast.
Five-Day Outlook for Portland, ME
• Today: Heavy snow, high near 21°F
• Tuesday: Increasing clouds, high near 20°F
• Wednesday: Sunny and cold, high near 22°F
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 19°F
• Friday: Sunny and cold, high near 17°F
