Caribou, ME – Travel along the Downeast coastline could become impossible by late Monday morning as 55 mph wind gusts whip heavy snow into whiteout conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, a Blizzard Warning remains in effect from 7 a.m. Monday until 7 a.m. Tuesday for Coastal Hancock and Coastal Washington counties. Snow totals between 7 and 12 inches are expected, with the strongest winds Monday afternoon and evening. Gusts may reach 55 mph, creating widespread blowing snow and near-zero visibility.
Roads along U.S. Route 1 from Ellsworth to Machias and Route 3 near Bar Harbor will likely deteriorate quickly after 10 a.m. Conditions are expected to worsen during the afternoon, making the Monday evening commute extremely dangerous. Open coastal stretches in Eastport, Perry and Cherryfield face the highest risk for drifting snow and sudden whiteouts.
Strong winds combined with heavy snowfall may down tree limbs and cause scattered power outages across Hancock and Washington counties.
Officials urge residents to avoid travel once conditions deteriorate. If travel is unavoidable, carry a winter survival kit and stay with your vehicle if stranded. Road conditions can be monitored at newengland511.org. Blizzard conditions may persist through early Tuesday morning before winds gradually ease.
