More storm coverage: Weather challenges drivers on Oxford County roads |Central Maine storm expected to start tapering off Tuesday |  Social media coverage of the storm | How to deal with this storm 

UPDATED 2:57 P.M.: AUBURN — The Maine Turnpike reports a crash in the northbound lane of the turnpike at Mile 74 on Tuesday afternoon.

Emergency crews were on the scene.

UPDATED 2:06 P.M.: PORTLAND (AP) — Winter weather that spun off a series of deadly storms in the Midwest brought the season’s first big punch to the Northeast on Tuesday, with snow, sleet and freezing rain greasing roads, sending drivers spinning and keeping people indoors amid sub-freezing temperatures.

Across southern Maine, about 4 to 6 inches of snow had fallen by the morning commute. To the north, communities were expecting to see 8 to 12 inches before the snow ended late in the day, said Mike Kistner of the National Weather Service in Gray.

Kistner said the storm that’s chilling the Northeast is linked to the same system that produced deadly tornadoes in the Midwest beginning Saturday, then brought heavy snow, ice, rain, flooding and blustery winds as it moved toward the Great Lakes. That storm system killed dozens, including many who drowned in floodwaters and others caught up in tornadoes.

Kistner said the northeastern spur of the system will track toward Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on Tuesday afternoon, then blow out to sea.

Local snowfall measurements for Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015:

Androscoggin County

• S Auburn: 4.0 inches at 11:16 a.m.
• E Lewiston: 4.0 inches at 11:08 a.m.
• N Turner: 3.5 inches at 9:49 a.m.
• NNW Greene: 3.0 inches at 8 a.m.

Franklin County

• Eustis: 4.8 inches at 11:25 a.m.
• W Temple: 1.6 inches at 700 a.m.
• NW New Sharon: 1.5 inches at 7 a.m.
• Rangeley: 0.8 inches at 6 a.m.

Oxford County

• W Otisfield: 4.0 inches at 7:40 a.m.
• Bethel: 3.5 inches at 6:32 a.m.
• N Hartford: 2.0 inches at 7 a.m.
• Andover: 2.0 inches at 7 a.m.

Source: National Weather Service

UPDATED 11:20 A.M.: Drivers in New England certainly didn’t miss this: Snow, sleet and freezing rain that are covering the region for the first time this season are sending cars and trucks spinning off roadways.

Tuesday’s late start to winter weather is a spinoff from the storms that swept through the Midwest recently, killing at least 11 people.

In New Hampshire, where up to 10 inches of snow was expected, highway speed limits were lowered to 45 mph as crews kept pace with the mixed bag of misery. Maine also looked to get up to 10 inches, a boon for the ski and winter tourism industries.

Vermont expected 4 to 8 inches of snow.

Connecticut State Police reported at least 50 crashes while commuters in Rhode Island and Massachusetts also contended with sloppy rides.

So far so good folks, only two crashes so far. Public Services is hard at work maintaining the roads. Be careful out there!!

— Auburn Maine Police (@AuburnPD) December 29, 2015

UPDATED 9:45 A.M.: The Maine Turnpike Authority reports a motor vehicle crash between Exit 7 in York and Exit 19 in Wells. Motorists should expect moderate delays between Exit 7 in York and Exit 19 in Wells.

How to deal with this storm

It may not seem like much snow but it’s enough to create some problems. Here’s what we have for help in getting through Tuesday safely.

Where to park (or not)

• Auburn will allow street parking until 11 p.m. Tuesday. The parking ban will be lifted at 7 a.m. Wednesday.
• The City of Lewiston has declared a parking ban beginning at noon Tuesday. It should be over at 7 a.m. Wednesday. Learn more about where to park in Lewiston.
• Lisbon has banned street parking from midnight Tuesday until midnight Wednesday.
• WGME has more bans and cancellations around Maine.

Stay tuned, we will update SunJournal.com when we learn more.

Power trip

As with any snow storm, power outages are possible.

• CMP urges customers to call 1-800-696-1000 if they lose power.
• If you have power but just want to see who doesn’t, CMP lists current power outages.
• Bangor Hydro maintains a power outage map.

CMP has a guide for staying safe and warm if the power goes out. It includes tips such as:

• Put flashlights and battery-powered radios with fresh batteries in an easy-to-find place.
• Keep candles, lamps and matches with the flashlights.
• Have fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, baking soda and heavy blankets ready.
• Store drinking water in extra bottles or plastic containers.
• Keep water in pails and other containers.
• Stock up on canned and dried foods. Don’t forget a manual can opener.
• Make plans for emergency heating and cooking.
• Put extra blankets and your warm clothes where they can be found easily.

Should I stay or should I go?

Travel is going to be tricky. Check 511 Maine for road conditions from around the state.

What else you need to know

We don’t have any cancellations or delays to report yet. But check us for updates at:

• SunJournal.com
• @SunJournal on Twitter
• Sun Journal on Facebook

Also take a few minutes to read these materials for emergency tips:

• Hypothermia prevention tips: Information from the Maine CDC.
• Winter safety and awareness information from the National Weather Service.
• The Maine Emergency Management Association has a collection of winter preparation resources. 

Got storm photos?

Share your photos with the SunJournal.com. We will post photos that show how Mainers are dealing with the storm. 

• Email photos to storm@sunjournal.com
• Tweet photos with the #SJstorm hashtag
• Post photos on our timeline Facebook.com/SunJournal 

Good luck and be careful.

UPDATED 8:53 A.M.: CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A combination of snow, sleet and freezing rain is falling over New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont.

Some crashes were reported as commuters dealt with hazardous conditions Tuesday morning, but there’s no immediate word of injuries.

Highway speed limits are down to 45 mph in Maine and New Hampshire.

The National Weather Service says southern New Hampshire should get an inch to 4 inches before the storm tapers off later Tuesday. Central New Hampshire and parts of Vermont should expect 4 to 8 inches, and northern New Hampshire and part of Maine are expected to get 5 to 10 inches of snow.

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