Central Maine is on track to receive 18 to 24 inches of snow from this weekend’s blizzard, according to the latest forecasts.
The punishing winter blast comes as exasperated New Englanders are still digging out from three major storms that left several feet of snow in many areas. The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard watch from Cape Cod to coastal and central Maine.
Additional Images
The snow is expected to begin falling Saturday afternoon and last into Sunday, departing in time for President’s Day and school vacation week. Temperatures are not likely to get out of the teens.
In Waterville, the public works department has called for an on-street parking ban beginning at midnight on Saturday night until 6 a.m. on Monday. The city said any vehicles parked in violation of the ban could be ticketed or towed.
State and municipal officials warned residents to prepare for the storm and avoid traveling during it because it will be dangerous.
Gov. Paul LePage, in a press release Friday, said the state of emergency he declared on Jan. 27 remains in effect, giving legal authority for any emergency actions that may be necessary. LePage said the declaration relaxes some limits on the number of hours employees can work, such as fuel delivery drivers working longer hours if needed.
The Maine Emergency Management Agency on Friday held a conference call with the National Weather Service, county emergency management agencies, state agencies and utility companies to review the latest forecast and share plans for the storm. And MEMA officials were also directed by the governor to inventory privately owned heavy snow removal equipment and other resources that may be available to municipalities to assist in snow removal.
The press release warned the heavy snow and high wind have the potential to be even stronger than the Jan. 27 blizzard, and power outages are a concern.
“Watch for the most up-to-date forecast, keep yourself safe and reach out to a neighbor who needs a helping hand,” LePage said in the release.
Officials urged residents to remain patient and cooperative with each other and public works crews, something they acknowledged can be hard for everyone to do right after a plow may have pushed snow back into their driveways after they thought they’d finished shoveling.
Other safety recommendations include entering intersections cautiously where visibility is poor, make sure exterior vents for furnaces and other appliances are clear of snow, be careful not to cover or damage propane tank meters and other gas equipment during snow removal and monitor rooftop snow loads, especially where it is drifting.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
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.