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

A powerful storm is expected overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, and the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford, Somerset and interior Cumberland counties

The precipitation starts Tuesday night with snow but will change to rain.

Wind will be one of the highest threats, with potentially damaging winds out of the southeast. Gusts from 40 mph to 55 mph are expected — possibly leading to power outages. The stronger gusts are expected Wednesday morning.

As for snow, a coating to 2 inches is forecast for the coastline and Down East, but with the switch to rain early Wednesday morning, anything more will be unlikely.

Rain totals in southern and western Maine range between 1 to 2 inches. Some areas in York county may see more by the evening.

Up to 2 inches of rain is expected in southern Maine by midday Wednesday. WGME