Many of us love the snow and cold of winter because it gives us a chance to enjoy winter sports.  Others love it simply because of the beauty.  There are times, however, when too much of a good thing can become a problem and late today and overnight this could be the case.

Since temperatures are warmer than the weekend storm, the snow is forecast to be heavy.  Heavy snow is nothing new, but when you add heavy snow on top of  deep snowpack and add wind, problems arise.

A developing storm system will create a relatively narrow swath of heavy snow through southern Maine later Wednesday through Thursday Tropical Tidbits

I can’t tell you how much snow various structures can hold – that’s for engineers, not meteorologists, to figure out.  However, past experience tells me that when we start approaching 3 to 4 feet on certain buildings, decks, etc., there can be failures.   It might not be a bad idea to get some of the snow off your flat surfaces if you can do it safely.

The other issue I am concerned about is losing power.  The upcoming snow will occur with temperatures in the lower 30s. Temperatures this mild during a snowstorm can make the snow much heavier and contain more water.  The upcoming snow will have an inch to an inch-and-a-half of water.  When this heavy snow falls on the trees and power lines it can bring them down.

There will be some areas of snow this morning and early afternoon, but the steadiest precipitation arrives overnight.  Temperatures will be warmest close to the coast.  This is where snowfall totals will likely be less as well, but the snow will also be hardest to move.  During the daylight hours today it will be warm enough for some plain rain at the coast and even mixed rain and snow inland for a while.

The heaviest snow arrives later today with lighter snow and rain this morning and early afternoon. Weatherbell Analytics

Tonight, as the storm intensifies, any rain will change back to snow and it will become heavy.  The axis of the heaviest snow looks to be through southwestern Maine, perhaps on a line either side of Fryeburg to Sanford.   This is where over a foot is most likely.

More heavy snow is likely for southern Maine, especially overnight. Dave Epstein

The snow will end between about 6 a.m and 9 a.m. Thursday, allowing for crews to continue clearing it from roads.  Sunshine will return Friday.  Winds will be brisk, especially in the morning and in the mountains.  Milder air will arrive by Sunday with highs in the 40s and some melting of the deep snowpack.

You can follow Dave Epstein on Twitter @growingwisdom http://www.twitter.com/growingwisdom

Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

Related Stories
Latest Articles