Portland, Maine – Drivers along I-95 and I-295 have hours to prepare before snowfall intensifies and turns the Friday evening commute into a slow crawl, with up to 8 inches possible by late Friday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray, plowable snow will spread into southern New Hampshire Friday afternoon, then expand across much of Maine through Friday night. Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories are in effect for much of the region. Snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour during the evening, especially across southern and central Maine.
The heaviest totals are expected from Portland south and west toward the New Hampshire border, including York, Cumberland and Androscoggin counties. Widespread totals of 6 to 8 inches are likely near the Maine Turnpike and US-1 corridor, with 4 to 6 inches common farther north toward Augusta and Lewiston. Wet snow may mix in at the onset across southern New Hampshire before changing to steadier snowfall.
Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly after 3 p.m. Friday, with visibility dropping below a half mile during heavier bursts. Roads, bridges and overpasses along I-95 and I-295 will become snow-covered and slick in time for the evening commute.
Residents should allow extra travel time, slow down and avoid unnecessary trips during peak snowfall. Charge devices and check for updated road conditions before heading out. Snow tapers early Saturday morning, but plow crews will continue clearing roads into the weekend.
