Updated 1/30 at 4:09 p.m. – Latest NWS bulletin warns that heaviest snowfall for the Friday storm will arrive in evening and night-time hours.
Precipitation was falling as wet snow, ice or rain as a weak storm gained strength while passing through Lincoln County mid-day on Friday. Fluctuating temps are forecast to bring more mixed precipitation through the early afternoon as the storm intensifies, then the precipitation should change over to all snowfall as temps slide lower in the evening, according to forecasters. The most intense snowfall is forecast in the late afternoon and evening hours, according to the National Weather Service.
While the precipitation mix made for treacherous driving, reports of traffic incidents were low, perhaps meaning that residents were staying home. Area schools closed early.
High winds are forecast to become a factor on Saturday as the storm begins to move out, with sustained wind velocities in the 25 mph range, according to the NWS. When these winds begin to hit tree limbs and wires covered with heavy snow or ice, power outages may occur. There were no outages reported in Lincoln County in the 12:13 p.m. update from Central Maine Power.
Total snowfall accumulation from this event is forecast at 8 to 14 inches, and a Winter Storm Warning is in effect through 10 a.m. Saturday, according to the NWS.
The Lincoln County News will continue to follow the progress of this event and post any additional information here as soon as it is obtained.
