PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A powerful late-season storm with heavy snow and strong winds has dumped up to 20 inches of snow in western Maine and left thousands of homes and businesses in the dark.

The National Weather Service said gusts of 40 mph or greater were recorded in Portland, Augusta and Waterville. Emera Maine reported nearly 7,000 power outages and Central Maine Power had about 4,000 outages Thursday morning.

As of 9:30 a.m., more than 1,900 CMP customers in Oxford County had no power.

Meteorologist Tom Hawley says the snow was still falling when spotters reported 20 inches in Dixfield, 16.5 inches in Farmington, and 15.2 inches in Rangeley. In southern Maine, snow tallies were much smaller.

The storm prompted Gov. Paul LePage to order all state offices to open two hours later than normal, except in Aroostook County, where state offices will remain closed all day.


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