Maine hunkers down as heavy snow blankets the state

Heavy snow created slippery roads and limited visibility for Thursday’s morning commute. Several vehicles crashed but no serious injuries were reported.

At about 9:30 a.m., the National Weather Service reported the following snowfall totals:

Androscoggin County

SE Poland 2.4″
W Lisbon Falls 2.0″
Lisbon 2.0″
Auburn 1.9″
Livermore Falls 1.5″
Turner 1.0″
Winthrop 1.0″

Updated snowfalls as of 3 p.m.

East Lewiston 5.0″

Auburn 4.0″

Turner 5.0″

Franklin County

Farmington 1.1″
Weld 1.0″
New Sharon 0.5″
Kingfield 0.5″
Temple 0.5″

Oxford County

Bethel 1.4″
Hartford 1.3 inches

The storm was expected to continue through Thursday afternoon — leaving as much as 7 inches in some areas of Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties. But the evening commute should be a bit easier.

Lewiston extended its parking ban to end at 8 p.m. Auburn plans to end it’s parking ban at 6 p.m.

Superior courts in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties were closed Thursday as well a state district courts in Lewiston, Farmington and South Paris.

All schools in Lewiston and Auburn were closed Thursday due to inclement weather.

The Legislature and state offices were closed also.

Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours tonight has been postponed to Thursday, Jan. 30, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Auburn Senior Community Center, 48 Pettengill Park Road in Auburn.

The heavy snow brought down power lines in Lewiston and a tree into the roadway in Sabattus in addition to triggering slide-offs, rollovers and fender benders.

While Friday’s forecast shows a sunny day, high temperatures in the teens and strong winds could combine for significant wind chill, according to WGME.

Friday night’s skies will be clear, allowing temperatures to drop to around or below zero, according to WGME.

The weekend storm forecast calls for snow to start Saturday night. By the time it ends Sunday, 3-6 inches of snow accumulation is expected, according to WGME. There is a possibility of rain or a wintry mix during the storm too.