Gray, ME – Hazardous winter weather is impacting much of Maine and New Hampshire today, with snow squalls, extreme cold, and a potential winter storm expected to affect travel and daily routines through early next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray, an Arctic front is moving through the region Friday afternoon, bringing scattered snow showers and brief snow squalls. These squalls may rapidly reduce visibility and create slick road conditions from the mountains to the coast, especially during the evening commute.
Much colder air settles in tonight and continues through Saturday night. Forecasters warn that dangerously cold wind chills will peak overnight into Saturday morning, particularly across the northern woods and higher elevations. Wind chill values between -20°F and -40°F are expected in northern Maine and the mountains, with northwest wind gusts reaching 25 to 35 mph.
An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect for northern regions through 10 a.m. Saturday, while coastal and southern areas are under a Cold Weather Advisory. Frostbite on exposed skin may occur in as little as 30 minutes, prompting officials to urge residents to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and bring pets inside.
Attention then turns to a developing winter storm. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for southern Maine and parts of New Hampshire from Sunday through Monday. The system is expected to bring accumulating snow beginning Sunday afternoon and lasting into Monday evening. The storm is forecast to be all snow, with the highest totals possible across southern New Hampshire and far southwestern Maine due to favorable snow ratios.
Gusty winds behind the storm may lead to blowing and drifting snow into Tuesday, with cold conditions persisting into early next week.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts closely and allow extra time for travel during periods of snow and extreme cold.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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