The rain and wind storm that swept through central Maine is typical for this time of year, but provides a reminder that winter is quickly approaching.

But the coming winter months may bring above normal temperatures and average snowfall.

“We just have an upper low over us, and it’s the transition to fall and winter,” said Stacie Hanes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gray.

Hanes said Thursday that the three-month outlook for December through February calls for warmer than normal temperatures and equal chances of below and above normal levels of rain and snow.

The average Portland winter, for instance, for a 30-year normal, is 25.6 degrees and average snowfall is 44.5 inches, according to Hanes.

By mid-afternoon Thursday, Kennebec County had gotten between two and three inches of rain, which is normal for this time of year in that area, Hanes said. Wind gusts had been reported up to 30 mph.

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No significant rain or wind-related problems were reported in central Maine Thursday, according to local and county officials.

“No, we have not had any issues so far,” Richard Beausoleil, director of Kennebec County Emergency Management Agency in Augusta, said Thursday morning. “We’re just under two inches of rain so far, so that’s not a big deal for this area.”

Beausoleil said usually officials watch the Kennebec River for potential problems with heavy rain, but there weren’t any.

Somerset and Franklin county sheriff dispatchers, as well as a dispatcher at the Waterville Police Department, said Thursday that no rain or wind-related problems were reported from the storm.

Waterville Public Works Director Mark Turner also reported no issues, although city workers had been keeping catch basins clear of leaves to accommodate the rain, he said.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service predicted rain with a slight chance of thunderstorms until midnight Thursday in the Waterville and Augusta areas. Temperatures were expected to be in the mid 40s.

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Friday is predicted to be cloudy with showers and temperatures in the 40s. Saturday is predicted to be partly sunny with highs in the upper 50s and then partly cloudy until midnight.

Sunday is predicted to be partly sunny with a chance of showers. Hanes said clearing is expected for Monday and Tuesday with highs in the mid 50s and lows in the upper 30s.

Amy Calder — 861-9247

acalder@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @AmyCalder17


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