A sudden squall spawned by ocean-effect snow caused several crashes in Brunswick and Topsham during Thursday morning’s commute.

Authorities warned people to drive carefully on Interstate 295 after multiple crashes were reported before 9 a.m. Thursday.

Troopers responded to about 15 crashes along I-295 in the Brunswick area, with a few minor injuries reported, Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss said.

“Conditions changed quickly during the squall, which has since subsided,” Moss said in a statement around 10:30 a.m.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement Thursday warning of potentially heavy ocean-effect snow across Androscoggin, southeastern Cumberland, Kennebec, western Lincoln and southeastern Sagadahoc counties. That area includes lengthy portions of Interstates 295 and 95.

The statement warned that 1 to 2 inches of snow, with localized amounts up to 4 inches, were possible in those areas.

The ocean-effect snow was caused by an onshore flow, which occurs when air moves in from the sea, that was followed by a cold front, the weather service’s Gray office said in an update Thursday afternoon.

Speed limits on I-295 between Freeport and Bowdoinham were temporarily reduced to 45 mph late Thursday morning, according to New England 511.

State police encouraged drivers to be aware as the weather system moved throughout the day.