The storm expected to drop up to eight inches of snow along Maine’s southern coast Saturday will be gentler on Kennebec County, with expected snowfall totals of four to six inches between Augusta and Waterville and under four inches in the Skowhegan area.
But don’t let the low inch count fool you. The heavy, wet snow and its timing will make getting around Saturday difficult.
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Augusta Street Superintendent Jerry Dostie said even though the storm doesn’t appear to be a big one, the roads could still be slippery because of the snow’s consistency. People should avoid driving if possible, both for their own safety and to allow the plow drivers to be more efficient, he said.
“As always, take it slow and easy, and drive to the condition,” Dostie said.
The National Weather Service in Gray echoed that, in a winter storm warning issued Friday afternoon, said, “Be prepared for snow-covered road and limited visibility. And use caution while driving.”
The advisory said the heavy, wet snow may cause power outages in coastal areas, where accummulation is expected to be higher.
The forecast prompted the Maine Principals Association to postpone the regional cheerleading competition scheduled for the Augusta Civic Center, which will now take place Monday.
Snowfall is expected to begin at daybreak in the southern tip of the state and reach Kennebec County by midmorning, according to the weather service.
Margaret Curtis, a meteorologist for the weather service, said it will snow for most of the day Saturday and taper off in the evening.
“By the time you wake up Sunday, it will be well out of our way,” she said.
Although this month’s snowfall totals are less than a normal January, central Maine public works departments are reporting that their sand and salt and overtime costs are higher than last year.
In Augusta, the public works department is about halfway through its $225,000 budget for sand and salt and 60 percent through its overtime budget, Dostie said, both above normal usage.
He attributed the increased costs to more storms with ice and more weekend storms. The storm on Saturday will also eat into the overtime budget, Dostie said.
“Obviously, we still have a long way to go in the winter, but if we get a final decent stretch of weather, we should be all right,” he said. “But you never know.”
Gregory Dore, road commissioner for Skowhegan, said his department has spent about a third more on salt and sand, $174,000, compared to the same time last year, when they had spent about $130,000. Overtime costs are also up compared to last year, he said, but Dore doesn’t expect to go over budget.
Paul Koenig — 621-5663
Twitter: @paul_koenig
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