Strong winds, heavy snow and white-out conditions have resulted in a few accidents and a few outages so far in the Augusta and Waterville areas.

The predicted low temperatures will produce dry, powdery snow that’s less likely to bring down tree branches and power lines – but the wind gusts might.

The potential for strong wind gusts and up to 18 inches of snow has emergency responders in the Augusta and Waterville areas urging area residents to take the storm seriously.

With life-threatening wind chills, whiteouts and as much as 2 feet of snow expected, schools, offices and the Portland airport close.

New England braces for ‘blizzard conditions’ while snowmobilers look forward to trails white with snow.

Competition to be limited to Monday as snowstorm heads for Maine.