/

Snow storm brings 10 to 18 inches overnight, more coming Wednesday

5 mins read
Shoveling out Everyday Music on Broadway in Farmington on Monday morning. Most areas in Franklin County received several inches of snow to totals approaching two feet. Another storm on Wednesday is expected to bring another 13 to 20 inches of snow. (Ben Hanstein photo)
The snow begins to fall Sunday evening in downtown Farmington. As much as 18 inches of snow is expected to fall this evening though Monday. Schools and town offices will be closed and meetings postponed. See our cancellation page for more information.

Updated Monday, Feb. 13: Snow accumulations across the state met expectations overnight. Weather observers reporting to the National Weather Service measured snow depths in Franklin County ranging from 9.8 inches in Eustis to 17.8 inches in East Wilton.

Snow is expected to continue to fall through Monday, adding one to three more inches. Another snow storm is predicted for Wednesday with accumulations from 13 to 20 inches.

AUGUSTA — Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is monitoring the impending winter storm and planning for severe conditions. MEMA representatives were joined by the National Weather Service, the Department of Transportation, the Maine Turnpike Authority, State Police and electric and communications utilities for a storm-planning call Sunday morning for what is expected to be the most significant storm yet this winter season.

“This is a serious storm and we urge all Mainers to prepare and stay off the roads so the DOT crews can safely clear the snow,” said Bruce Fitzgerald, director of MEMA.

National Weather Service representatives indicated that one to two feet of snowfall is expected from the mountains and foothills south to the coast with some spot totals possibly exceeding two feet.

Strong wind gusts are expected to be problematic as well, especially along the coast and could cause power outages. A blizzard watch is currently in place along the coast for late Sunday into Monday. The most severe conditions are expected late Sunday through Monday. Utility companies are staging crews in advance and making arrangements for mutual assistance.

Storm safety tips:

– Have a family communications plan – know how you will contact one another and what to do in case of an emergency.

– Check your emergency supplies, do errands early, then **stay off the roads** to keep yourself safe and assist crews in clearing snow.

– If you must travel, use extreme care and respect any local road closures or restrictions. Visibility will be near zero at times from blowing and drifting snow. Ensure you have an emergency kit in your vehicle. Let someone know when and where you are traveling and when you expect to arrive.

– Check in with friends and neighbors who may need help weathering the storm.

– Bring pets/companion animals inside and move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

– If you lose power, use generators or alternate heat sources safely.

– Run generators outside only, 15 feet away from doors or windows, with exhaust pointing away from the house

– Keep heater and appliance vents clear; carbon monoxide can back up into the home if vents are clogged

– After the storm, Don’t overdo it. When clearing snow take frequent breaks. Shoveling is strenuous work and can lead to a number of health problems ranging from a back injury to cardiac issues. Dress properly for conditions to avoid frostbite or hypothermia.

– Again, see if a friend or neighbor needs help clearing out.

– After the storm, berms will be high, take care and enter roadways slowly and with caution.

For updates, view MEMA Facebook here.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.