A Blizzard Warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) expired at 6 p.m. as wind-driven snowfall moved eastward and out of Lincoln County.
Earlier in the day the NWS had forecast a more optimistic track for the storm, with the Blizzard Warning set to end at 3 p.m. Even after the snowfall diminishes sometime this evening, travel will continue to remain dangerous as high winds linger in the area blowing and drifting fresh snowfall, according to the NWS.
Winds from the northwest are forecast to have a sustained velocity of 20-30 mph and gusts to over 40 mph, according to the NWS. These conditions will tend to re-cover plowed roads with wind-blown snow.
Reports of power outages in Lincoln County were continuing to come in to Central Maine Power Service (CMP). Outages were reported in Nobleboro, Waldoboro and Jefferson at the time of this posting, but the outages were not widespread.
Snowfall totals range from 10 to 18 inches through most of the area, with slightly smaller totals on the tips of Lincoln County peninsulas, according to forecasters.
All things considered, Lincoln County weathered the storm system well, according to numerous reports. While some minor traffic collisions occurred, most drivers seemed to stay off the roads during the worst parts of the event. Schools were already out for the day, and many other public locations announced closures or cancellations. A structure fire was reported in Nobleboro, and while the snowy conditions may have made the firefighters’ job more challenging, the fire (due to a faulty dryer) was not storm related.
Those who may find themselves in trouble would be travelers attempting leave or return to Lincoln County. Numerous flights were either cancelled or delayed at the Portland Jetport (PWM) at the time of this posting. Those expecting arriving travelers, or planning on airline travel, may want to check the PWM arrival and departures webpage at http://www.portlandjetport.org/arrivals_departures.
Likewise, the DownEaster train running from Portland to Boston has recently returned to service following a weather-related shutdown early Monday, according to the Amtrak website. However, train service south of Maine is still spotty, according to reports
The Lincoln County News website will continue to monitor the progress of this event and post any additional information here as soon as it becomes available.
