Caribou, Maine – Blizzard warning threatens coastal Maine with heavy snow and 50 mph winds.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, a Blizzard Warning is in effect from 7 a.m. Monday to 7 a.m. Tuesday for Coastal Hancock and Coastal Washington counties, including Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, Machias, Eastport and surrounding communities.
Forecasters expect total snow accumulations between 7 and 12 inches, with the heaviest snowfall rates reaching around 1 inch per hour Monday afternoon and evening. Winds are forecast to gust as high as 50 mph, creating widespread blowing and drifting snow.
The most dangerous conditions are expected Monday afternoon into Monday evening, when strong winds combine with steady snowfall to produce near-whiteout conditions. Travel could become very difficult or nearly impossible, particularly along coastal roadways and exposed routes. Conditions are expected to deteriorate toward the end of the Monday morning commute, with extremely hazardous travel likely for the evening commute.
The National Weather Service warns that falling and blowing snow may significantly reduce visibility. Isolated power outages are also possible due to strong wind gusts.
Officials urge residents to avoid travel if possible. Those who must travel should carry a winter survival kit and remain with their vehicle if stranded. Updated road conditions across Maine are available at newengland511.org.
A Blizzard Warning indicates severe winter weather with sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater, combined with falling and blowing snow reducing visibility to one-quarter mile or less for at least three hours.
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