The first major snowstorm of the season produced deep snow and dangerous travel Tuesday throughout central Maine.

Residents awoke to a slew of delays or closings, including almost all state offices, and plow crews were focused all day on cleaning up after the snowstorm blanketed the region.

Many areas of central Maine were under a winter storm warning until about 5 p.m., after as much as 8 inches of snow had fallen in the Augusta and Waterville areas.

The snow was accompanied by temperatures hovering around 25 degrees and winds gusting to 25 mph, according to the National Weather Service in Gray. Forecasts call for conditions to improve today, with partly sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 30s.

In ordering the closure of state offices, Gov. Janet Mills issued a cautionary message: “With the snowfall intensifying and winds growing stronger in the coming hours, driving conditions will only become more difficult and dangerous. I urge all Maine people to avoid driving if possible and, for those who must, I urge you to do so with caution and to provide ample space to our road maintenance crews and first responders as they work to clear and keep our roads safe.”

The Maine Turnpike Authority on Tuesday lowered the speed limit to 45 mph from the New Hampshire line to Gardiner. The speed limit was also reduced on Interstate 95 north to Old Town.

Tuesday’s storm forced the closure of schools in Augusta, Gardiner, Hallowell, Waterville, Winthrop and other communities, as well as the University of Maine at Augusta.

Many municipal offices opened late Tuesday morning, while the Capitol Judicial Center in Augusta was closed for the day.

Tony LaPlante, director of the Gardiner Public Works Department, said his crews began plowing at about 3:30 a.m. Tuesday. He said the closure of most state offices reduced local traffic, giving plow crews time to clear the roads, which he said were still sloppy at about 11:30 a.m.

“We’ll be good by the time we go home tonight,” LaPlante said. “We’ll come in early Wednesday and make sure everything’s good for the bus routes.”

Augusta Deputy Police Chief Kevin Lully said the department did not have to deal with an increased number of calls during the storm.

“The Public Works crews are doing an amazing job to try and keep up with the heavy snow,” he said. “Due to the large number of cancellations, the traffic flow in the city is minimal compared to a regular Tuesday, so we are thankful.”

Rescue workers in Hallowell responded to two weather-related calls Tuesday morning: A vehicle rolled over near a Winthrop Street home, and a tree fell on power lines near Middle and Academy streets.

As of 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Central Maine Power reported no power outages in Kennebec County.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Waterville Police Department said one accident had been reported earlier in the day on Washington Street, but there were no injuries. Additionally, a few tractor-trailers went off of the road but were able to get back on track without injuries to drivers or responders.

Morning Sentinel reporters Taylor Abbott and Molly Shelly contributed to this report.

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