FARMINGTON – Emergency crews are warning motorists to stay off the roads as heavy wet snow continues to fall across much of the state Wednesday night.
Several vehicles skidded off the road and road closings have been reported across the region.
Franklin County’s Emergency Management Agency Director Tim Hardy said just after 8 p.m. on Wednesday, the Farmington Falls Road or Route 2 had just been opened after more than four hours of closure. This came after two vehicles collided, bringing down electrical wires with outages reported across town.
Fire crews had to wait for Central Maine Power to arrive to safely remove the live wires and a tow truck to pull the vehicles from the scene.
Route 156 at Bean’s Corner is closed at this hour after a tractor trailer jack-knifed blocking the road.
Hardy urged motorists to stay home because of low visibility and heavy wet snow continuing to fall Wednesday evening.
According to CMP, 142 customers in Farmington are without power, as are a few customers in Temple, New Sharon and New Vineyard. Power outages are reported across the state
The Thanksgiving eve nor’easter is expected to bring up to 14 inches of snow across much of the state by Thursday morning.
Gov. Paul LePage tonight issued an emergency proclamation that will allow utility crews to drive additional hours to repair lines and restore power.
“The wet, heavy snow and high winds have knocked out power to thousands of homes and businesses,” LePage said. “Our first concern is to get power back on for Mainers. Please stay safe and keep off the roads to allow utility crews to do their work. Make sure you have what you need to weather the storm, then check on neighbors who may need some extra help.”
Ya, how about those 2 tractor trailers jack knifed on the hill on 156? They really thought it was a good idea to take 156 in a snow storm?
It’s the preferred route for all tractor trailers and logging trucks. I know. I live there. Strange.
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I drive my tractor trailer over that way 5 days a week and on good days take 156. There is no way I would take it in a storm as it is impassable. When I came to RT 2 being closed last night the fire fighters were telling all traffic to take 156. I instead took whittier rd. I wouldn’t blame the truckers that have no idea how bad that road is but were told to go that way.