Bangor, Maine – Drivers across central and Downeast Maine have less than 24 hours to prepare for a winter storm that could drop up to 11 inches of snow and slam the coast with 50 mph wind gusts by daybreak Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 7 a.m. Monday until 7 a.m. Tuesday for Southern Penobscot, Interior and Coastal Hancock, Central and Coastal Washington, and Northern Washington counties. Forecasters expect widespread snowfall totals between 7 and 11 inches, with blowing snow significantly reducing visibility, especially along the Downeast coastline.
The heaviest snow will fall during the Monday morning commute and continue into the evening drive, creating hazardous conditions on I-95 through Bangor and Orono, Route 1 along the coast, and secondary roads in Ellsworth, Machias and Calais. Gusts up to 50 mph near Bar Harbor and Eastport could snap tree limbs and trigger scattered power outages, while inland communities such as Old Town and Brewer may see gusts closer to 40 mph.
Maine DOT crews will treat major highways, but officials urge drivers to avoid non-essential travel, carry emergency supplies and check conditions at newengland511.org before heading out.
Snow tapers early Tuesday, but warnings remain in effect through 7 a.m., and additional advisories could follow if blowing snow lingers.
