Steady snowfall was overspreading Lincoln County on Saturday in advance of another, more robust system forecast to chug through the area from Sunday through Monday. Snowfall totals for both storms are now projected at between 18 and 26 inches, according to the National Weather Service.
A winter storm warning issued by the NWS for the Saturday event remains in effect until 10 p.m., with snowfall accumulations in the 4 to 8 inch range.
The second event is under a winter storm watch issued by the NWS for Sunday morning through Monday evening, with snowfall accumulations in the 14 to 18 inch range.
High winds and heavy snowfall are both in the forecast through the early morning into the mid-day hours of Monday, according to the NWS.
“Due to the high winds that are forecast, and the possibility of heavy wet snow, we encourage residents to plan ahead, and prepare to be without utilities for at least 72 hours,” said Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency Director Casey Stevens.
Noting that there will be a short break in the weather between storms from the early morning to the mid-day hours of Sunday, Stevens urged the public to, “Use the time Sunday morning before the (next) storm to get prepared.”
Authorities are concerned that northeasterly winds forecast by the NWS with sustained velocities of 15 to 25 mph and gusts up to 45 mph will combine with heavy and possibly wet snowfall to down tree limbs and wires, causing power outages. Local broadcast forecasters have called for wind gusts to top out in the 50 mph range, especially along coastal areas of Lincoln County.
Weather and road conditions will make power restoration efforts a challenge for crews from Central Maine Power Co. until the storm subsides Monday evening, and at that point any crews in the field will be working in night time darkness.
The snow will be blown about by strong winds, possibly resulting in near-blizzard conditions with visibility below a quarter mile at times, especially Monday morning, according to the NWS.
Road conditions will be hazardous during periods of snowfall for both events, according to the NWS.
The Lincoln County News will continue post updates during these events.
