LEWISTON — Roof rakes, snow shovels and scoops were hot items Tuesday at the local Paris Farmers Union.
 
“We have no scoops left,” Assistant Manager Tom Young said.
 
As the snow piled up, more customers began to tackle the snow on their roofs, he said.
 
“Now is a good time,” Young said, “especially that there’s a good chance this storm might be heavier snow.”

The National Weather Service in Gray issued a winter storm watch for early Wednesday into Thursday morning. Total accumulation could be 12 to 18 inches in the Lewiston-Auburn area, according to the National Weather Service.

Snow may mix with rain along the coast, while inland areas will see moderate to heavy snow, adding to the 3 feet that fell over the past week.

If school is called off Wednesday, it will be snow day No. 7 for Lewiston schools; and No. 8 for Auburn.

Lewiston Superintendent Bill Webster said he’ll decide early Wednesday morning whether to cancel classes again. “The timing will be important on this one,” he said.

In places where the snow is heavy, power outages from falling limbs will be possible, the National Weather Service warned.

Three feet of snow in the past week is prompting experts to caution people to check the snow on their roofs.

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“If you are looking at your roof, and you can hardly see the fume stack for the toilet, you better start raking or shoveling,” said Joanne Potvin, director of the Androscoggin Emergency Management Agency.

If the bathroom vent is covered by snow, you will have a bad smell in your home, Potvin said. 
 
People should remove snow from their roofs with snow rakes. If the roof is too high, or it’s not safe for homeowners to get on the roof, you need to call a company that specializes in snow removal on roofs, Potvin said.
 
“If you’re taking snow off the roof and you have an oil tank outside, make sure the monitor is covered to protect it from falling snow,” she said.
 
Any other kind of vent on the home that’s covered by snow must be cleared, she said, to ensure the appliances or systems are working well and there’s no danger of heat or fumes backing up into the home.
 
For instance, a dryer vent covered by snow could result in a fire, Potvin said.
 
While snow must be cleared from roofs and properties to keep them safe, Potvin warned that shoveling has to be done in moderation.
 
“We’ve had 37 inches in the last week, she said. “Take it easy. Slow is the name of the game.”
 
Instead of loading up a shovel, carry less snow at a time. “Do less per shovel and take frequent breaks. If the snow sticks to your shovel, spray it with Pam. It helps the snow slide off,” Potvin said.
 
Also, shovel by bending your knees and using your legs, not your back, she said. “Dress in layers so if you get too warm, you can remove a layer.”
 
bwashuk@sunjournal.com

Potential snowfall totals forecast for Wednesday and Thursday’s snowstorm.

Ready for more, maybe another foot?

The National Weather Service in Gray has issued a winter weather watch for more snow starting Wednesday morning and continuing into Thursday making for, you know the drill, hazardous driving.

It will be a strong system that dives out of Canada and redevelops over the Gulf of Maine, the weather service cautions.

The storm will approach the region early Wednesday, moving through the Gulf of Maine overnight into Thursday. Snow may mix with rain along the coast on Wednesday.

But inland — that’s us — moderate to heavy snow accumulations are possible, adding to the running total that has seen many areas receive nearly three feet of snow in the last week.

That’s prompting experts to caution everyone to check the snow on your roof, as the weight can be too much some buildings.

Also, heavy wet snow near the coast could lead to isolated power outages if snowfall starts to bring down tree limbs, the National Weather Service cautions.

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