Maine Winter Storm Alert: Heavy Inland Snow Spreads Across Portland, Bangor as Residents Urged to Focus on Health and Travel Avoidance
Portland, Maine – Heavy snow is spreading across inland and coastal Maine tonight as the same powerful storm hammering the Mid-Atlantic and southern New England pushes north, bringing widespread winter storm warnings and dangerous travel conditions. While the strongest winds remain closer to the coast, accumulating snow will impact communities from Portland to Bangor through Monday.
According to NOAA and the National Weather Service, winter storm warnings cover much of southern and central Maine, including Cumberland, Androscoggin and Penobscot counties. The storm will peak Monday as steady snowfall continues and gusty winds reduce visibility at times. Though snowfall amounts will vary, the system is part of a larger coastal storm producing significant impacts up and down the Eastern Seaboard.
Even where snowfall is lighter than coastal areas to the south, the snow will still be dense and moisture-packed. That added weight increases the physical strain of clearing driveways and sidewalks. Health officials urge residents to take frequent breaks, avoid lifting heavy shovelfuls and push snow when possible. Overexertion during snow removal can trigger serious medical emergencies, especially for older adults and those with heart or respiratory conditions. The weight of the snow may also weigh down tree limbs and power lines, leading to scattered outages in Lewiston, Augusta and surrounding towns.
Travel is strongly discouraged except for emergencies. Maine DOT warns that Interstate 95 and secondary roads may become snow-covered and slick during peak snowfall Monday. If stranded, drivers should remain inside their vehicle with a winter emergency kit.
Snow will gradually taper late Monday into Tuesday, though slick roads may linger. Additional advisories remain possible as the storm exits the region.
