A storm that was supposed to swing south of Lincoln County has already dropped 3.5 inches of snow on the Bristol peninsula, and a Winter Storm Watch has already been issued regarding another storm expected to arrive Sun. afternoon, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The Fri. storm is forecast to add another 2-4 inches of snow to what has been accumulating since the event began in the late afternoon hours, according to the NWS. The original forecast regarding the storm was for several inches to a dusting for Lincoln County, with most of the heavy snowfall piling up on points south. However, radar images monitored on intellicast.com at the time of this posting show Lincoln County just north of center in a very active system.
With the arrival of snowflakes during the Fri. evening commute, there were numerous minor traffic accidents, but no major incidents have been reported at the time of this posting. A structure fire in Pittsfield just north of Lincoln County shut down Rt. 27 in the evening hours due to road icing from water used to extinguish the blaze, according to the Maine State Police. Firefighters from Whitefield assisted in knocking the fire down. Rt. 27 has since reopened, according to reports.
The Fri. snowstorm is forecast to continue through the night and move out in the morning hours, according to the NWS, which never did issue any alerts regarding the weather system.
Meanwhile on Fri. afternoon, the NWS issued a notably early Winter Weather Advisory regarding a storm expected to bring snowfall and high winds to Lincoln County beginning Sun. afternoon and continuing through Sun. night. The Winter Weather Advisory was later upgraded Fri. night at 8:22 p.m. to a Winter Storm Watch. The forecast indicates that periods of snow will continue through Mon., according to the NWS.
The NWS forecast for the Sun. storm cites “the potential for significant snow, sleet, or ice accumulations.” However, most forecasters are calling only for snow with the storm, and this prediction is backed up by forecast high temps never exceeding the upper 20’s.
Sustained winds of 20-30 mph from the east-northeast are forecast to accompany the Sun. storm, according to the NWS.
The Lincoln County News website will continue to monitor the progress of these storms and post any additional information here as soon as it becomes available.