Maine set for more snow, dangerous high winds, rain and flooding

Snow totals will run high, especially in the mountains. WGME graphic

Just days after the first “real” snowstorm of the year, Maine will see another large and potentially dangerous storm Tuesday evening into Wednesday as high snow amounts will give way to heavy rain.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for most of the state, a high wind warning in parts of eastern Maine and flood watches along the entire coast and other parts of York and Cumberland counties. Offshore winds are expected to reach near hurricane levels.

The upper half of Androscoggin County can expect 5 to 10 inches of snow and the lower half 2 to 5 inches. The lower half of Franklin County and all but the northern and southern tips of Oxford County can expect to see 9 to 13 inches.

The Lewiston and Auburn area can expect 4 to 8 inches of snow followed by half an inch to 1.5 inches of rain. Winds should be at a steady 40-45 miles per hour, but if warmer air moves in from the south, higher winds can be expected and rains will push further north.

The upcoming storm will not be comparable to the December rainstorm that killed three and put over 400,000 Central Maine Power customers out of service.

NWS forecaster Hunter Tubbs said while Sunday’s storm brought loads of light, fluffy snow, the upcoming storm promises wet and heavy snows, large amounts of rain and slush.

Warmer weather will follow the storm, so freezing is not likely going to be a concern, Tubbs said, but coastal Maine is on a flood watch and areas inland with rivers and streams will also want to stay vigilant.

“There’s the potential for minor to locally moderate coastal flooding Wednesday morning, a high tide cycle depending on the timing of the strongest winds,” Tubbs said. “And then, further inland, there is the potential for low-lying, flooding. Poor drainage, urban type stuff along with rises in rivers and streams mainly south of the mountains. So, there is some potential for flooding.”

Pine Tree Weather’s Mike Haggett said Monday on his website that wet snow and winds reaching as high as 70 miles per hour on the coast and 50 miles per hour inland are a perfect concoction for downed trees, poles and power lines. Mainers should be stocked up on necessities for power outages, he added.

“The good news is that this storm appears to be a quick mover,” Haggett said, “But for 8 to 10 hours, it will be intense.”

Spokespeople from Central Maine Power and Versant Power said utilities across New England have been watching the storm for over a week. Crews will set up early across the state in preparation for another potential several-day-stretch of power outages in some areas.

“(We) have already secured additional line and tree crews, which will be pre-staging Tuesday night,” CMP spokesman Jon Breed said in a statement Monday. “We have seen several winter storms this season, with tree damage and motor vehicle accidents being some of the most common causes of power outages. With another storm on the way, we urge caution if anyone needs to travel on Wednesday as conditions will likely be hazardous throughout the day.”

Some 13 motor vehicle accidents caused several power outages during Sunday’s storm, the CMP statement said. The company also reminded the public that crews cannot raise bucket trucks when winds are over 30 miles per hour.