Storm Center...

**THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR THE ENTIRE STATE OF MAINE: LOW PRESSURE WILL INTENSIFY ALONG THE SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND COAST LATE TONIGHT...THEN TRACK NORTHEAST ACROSS THE GULF OF MAINE TO THE BAY OF FUNDY BY TUESDAY MORNING. SNOW WILL DEVELOP ACROSS THE REGION MONDAY AND CONTINUE INTO EARLY TUESDAY. THE SNOW WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES MONDAY THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT...ALONG WITH STRONG WINDS AND AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW. THE SNOW WILL TAPER TO SNOW SHOWERS TUESDAY **

Clouds will continue to be on the increase tonight. Due in part to more clouds, low temperatures will be held above the frigid values that they dipped to last night. Regardless of their slight increase lows will still fall in the teens. Areas of southern Maine will start seeing the first snowfall from the approaching storm near midnight.

Tomorrow is the real point of interest though. We are continuing to track a storm system that has brought extensive snowfall to the Midwest. As we thought, a more southern track appears to be the one that the low will follow. Since the low is taking a southern track through the gulf of Maine and south of Nova Scotia, downeast and interior Maine will be the hardest hit. As time progresses the forecast totals have been nailed down, but this system still has its secrets. Snowfall totals will remain where they were last time, 10-14'' of fluffy snow will fall in the north. Expect interior, southern, and some downeast areas to pick up 7-12'' of more dense snow, and some areas of the downeast will see over 12''. While this is how much snow falls, the tricky part is how much sticks. It looks like there could be some sleet or maybe even some rain mixing in overnight, this will pack the snow down in some coastal downeast areas. Another forecast concern is high winds. Winds will be out of the northeast at 10 to 15mph with some gusts up to 35mph. Mixed with the high rate of snowfall, there is a serious concern for near blizzard conditions, especially in the north where the snow will be lighter. Snow will continue to fall on Tuesday but by Tuesday night only light snow showers will remain.


After this system exits clouds will remain across the state. There is also a slight chance for some snow showers to hang around. No significant extra accumulation is expected though. Highs on Wednesday will be slightly below freezing.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow showers around midnight. Low temperatures in the teens.

Monday: Snowy and windy. Snow could be wind driven and heavy at times. Winds out of the NE gusting as high as 35mph. High around freezing.

Tuesday: Snow until late afternoon. High around freezing.

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow showers. High in the upper 20's.

Thursday: Partly to mostly sunny. High 23 – 30.


Greg Dutra

WABI TV5 and The CW Meteorologist

LOCAL FORECAST 12-15-07

From the TV 5 Forecast Center:

Looks like the snow will start moving into the far southern reaches of the state shortly after midnight tonight. Since we have arctic air still in place (lows will run in the single digits and even below zero in many locations) this event will start off as all snow and stay all snow until the evening hours of Sunday. Obviously heavy snowfall is a major concern with this system as it taps into the remaining energy from tropical storm Olga. Another concern is high winds. Winds will be out of the east at 15-20mph and will definitely blow some snow around causing visibility problems. The coast fairs much worse in the wind department. They will see an easterly wind as well, but it will gust over 35 kts at some times, blowing snow, sleet, and rain all over the place. Snow will switch to sleet in some inland areas, and even rain along the coast for a period during Sunday night, and then switch back to snow by Monday morning. As for totals (which I'm sure everyone wants to know) expect 6-10'' of snow along the coast, 8-12'' inland, and 14+'' in the western mountains, and up north. Take note: While 6-10'' my fall along the coast, it may not look like it after all is said and done, the same goes for some areas inland that switch to sleet. The reason is that the rain and sleet will act to either melt or compact the snow. So don't be surprised if when the grand totals come in on Tuesday to see them lower than the forecasted ones. Snow will taper off by Monday evening, and skies will gradually clear for a bright, but cold day on Tuesday.


Tonight: Mostly cloudy and cold. Lows between –8 and +10 degrees. Snow starting after midnight south.

Sunday: Heavy snow, switching over to rain and sleet south Sunday night. Highs around freezing.

Monday. Snow gradually ending by afternoon. Becoming partly cloudy after midnight. High in the low to mid 20's.

Tuesday: Clear and cold. Highs 9-19.

Wednesday: Chance of snow. High in the 20's.


Greg Dutra

WABI TV5 and The CW Meteorologist

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CARIBOU HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 AM WEDNESDAY FOR NORTHWEST AROOSTOOK COUNTY. SNOW WILL OVERSPREAD NORTHERN MAINE AROUND MIDDAY TODAY AND CONTINUE THROUGH MUCH OF TONIGHT BEFORE CHANGING TO FREEZING RAIN THEN JUST RAIN EARLY WEDNESDAY. THIS STORM WILL HAVE A MODERATE IMPACT ON THE WARNING AREA. HEAVY SNOW WILL COVER ROADS AND REDUCE VISIBILITIES MAKING TRAVEL DIFFICULT. FREEZING RAIN MAY ADD TO THE SLIPPERY CONDITIONS EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING. NO SIGNIFICANT BLOWING OR DRIFTING SNOW WILL OCCUR. ***

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CARIBOU HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW AND FREEZING RAIN... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 AM WEDNESDAY FOR NORTHEAST AROOSTOOK, NORTHERN SOMERSET, NORTHERN PISCATAQUIS COUNTY. SNOW WILL OVERSPREAD NORTHERN MAINE AROUND MIDDAY TODAY AND CONTINUE INTO THIS EVENING BEFORE CHANGING BRIEFLY TO FREEZING RAIN THEN TO JUST RAIN. THIS STORM WILL HAVE A MODERATE IMPACT ON THE ADVISORY AREA. SNOWFALL ACROSS THE REGION WILL FREQUENTLY LIMIT VISIBILITIES TO LESS THAN ONE HALF MILE. RAIN ON COLD ROAD SURFACES WILL LIKELY RESULT IN SOME ICING LATE TONIGHT INTO EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING. ***

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CARIBOU HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW AND FREEZING RAIN... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 3 AM WEDNESDAY FOR NORTHERN AND CENTRAL PENOBSCOT, CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN PISACATQUIS, SOUTHEAST AROOSTOOK, NORTHERN WASHINGTON COUNTY. SNOW WILL OVERSPREAD CENTRAL MAINE AROUND MIDDAY TODAY AND CHANGE TO FREEZING RAIN THEN JUST RAIN LATER THIS EVENING. THIS STORM WILL HAVE A LOW IMPACT ON THE ADVISORY AREA. A COMBINATION OF SNOW...SLEET...AND FREEZING RAIN WILL LEAD TO SOME MINOR TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. VISIBILITY WILL OCCASIONALLY BE LIMITED TO LESS THAN ONE MILE IN SNOW. LIGHT FREEZING RAIN OR FREEZING DRIZZLE WILL CAUSE A THIN GLAZE OF ICE ON ROAD SURFACES AND SIDEWALKS. MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRIANS SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS AS UNTREATED ROADS AND SIDEWALKS WILL LIKELY HAVE A THIN COATING OF ICE AND WILL BE SLIPPERY. BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES WILL ALSO BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO ICING. ***

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CARIBOU HAS ISSUED A HIGH WIND WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 PM WEDNESDAY FOR HANCOCK, CENTRAL AND COASTAL WASHINGTON COUNTY. SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 58 MPH TONIGHT AND CONTINUE INTO WEDNESDAY. THE STRONGEST WINDS WILL BE ACROSS THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS AND ALONG THE COAST. THIS STORM WILL HAVE A LOW TO MODERATE IMPACT ON THE WARNINGAREA. WINDS OF THIS MAGNITUDE, COUPLED WITH WET GROUND...WILL LIKELY CAUSE A NUMBER OF SHALLOW ROOTED TREES TO BE BLOWN DOWN...OR SHALLOW ROOTED TREES TO FALL ON POWER LINES WITH POSSIBLE POWER OUTAGES. EXPECT SOME DIFFICULTY DRIVING HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. ***

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CARIBOU HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 PM WEDNESDAY FOR CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN PENOBSCOT, NORTHERN WASHINGTON COUNTY. SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH TONIGHT INTO WEDNESDAY. PREPARE FOR THE LIKELIHOOD OF MINOR WIND DAMAGE TO SHRUBBERY...TREES...AND LOOSE OBJECTS. OLDER AND WEAKER TREES MAY BE BLOWN DOWN. ISOLATED POWER OUTAGES ARE POSSIBLE. ***

Clouds will thicken up this morning as a warm front approaches from the southwest. We'll see overrunning precipitation developing today, that is warming air in the mid-levels of the atmosphere overriding the colder air at the surface, causing snow showers and periods of light snow to break out across our region today. Temperatures will be cold enough initially so that everyone sees snow for much of the day today but as temperatures rise, we'll see them get above the freezing mark later today for coastal areas which may allow some rain and sleet to mix in and times, in turn keeping snowfall accumulations to a minimum. Steadiest precipitation arrives this afternoon especially over the northern half of the state. Areas along and north of a line from northern Washington county to Greenville to Coburn Gore will see 1"-3" of snow with some spots reaching 4" by evening, with a dusting to 1" or so possible elsewhere. After a bitterly cold start to the day, southerly winds will gradually warm us up today with highs reaching the upper 20s to near 30° north and 30s to near 40° elsewhere by this evening. South/southwesterly winds will continue to usher milder air into the state tonight. Our low temperatures will actually occur this evening with temperatures expected to rise during the overnight into the mid-30s to mid-40s by daybreak Wednesday. South/southwesterly winds will be gusty as well, possibly gusting to around 60 MPH along the coast tonight and early Wednesday and up to 45 MPH just inland. So scattered power outages are definitely a possibility for the overnight hours. With the warmer air moving in, precipitation will fall as plain rain south of Dover-Foxcroft and Lincoln with snow and mixed precipitation to the north changing to rain as the night progresses. Additional snowfall can be expected with 2"-5" possible over northern Aroostook county before any changeover occurs and up to an additional 1" elsewhere before the changeover.

Low pressure will pass to our north Wednesday, dragging a strong cold front through the state during the afternoon and evening hours. As the front crosses the state, rain will gradually taper to showers from northwest to southeast across the state. Colder air coming in behind the front may allow for a changeover back to some light snow or mixed precipitation before everything winds down late Wednesday night. Drier and colder weather can be expected Thursday as high pressure build into the northeastern U.S. We may start with a lingering snow showers Thursday morning otherwise we'll see a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the mid-20s to low 30s.

We're keeping an eye on Friday's forecast. An area of low pressure over the coast of North Carolina is forecast to head northward towards Nova Scotia. This track would keep us on the colder side of the storm and graze us with some snow and possibly mixed precipitation Friday afternoon and night. Another computer model takes the storm further westward, which would allow us to warm up a bit and see snow, mix and rain across the state. So there's still some discrepancies amongst the data and we'll fine tune it as Friday approaches. High pressure will slide into New England Saturday bringing us some sunshine with highs mainly in the 20s.

Today: mostly cloudy with snow showers developing this morning. Steadier light snow arriving this afternoon, especially over the northern half of the state. Snow may mix with sleet and rain this afternoon for areas south of Dover-Foxcroft and Lincoln. Accumulations of 1"-3" possible with a few spots hitting 4" by evening along and north of a line from northern Washington county to Greenville to Coburn Gore. Areas to the south will see up to 1" by evening. High temperatures by later today will range from the upper 20s/near 30° north, 30s to near 40° elsewhere. Light winds will become southerly 8-13 MPH.

Tonight: mostly cloudy with periods of rain south of Dover-Foxcroft and Lincoln with snow and mixed precipitation changing to rain to the north. Additional snow accumulations will range from 2"-5" mainly over northern Aroostook county with lighter amounts up to 1" possible for areas to the south. Lows will range from 28°-41° early then rise into the mid-30s to mid-40s by dawn. Southwest wind 15-30 MPH with higher gusts.

Wednesday: periods of rain. Rain will go back to mixed precipitation and snow showers during the afternoon. Precipitation will taper off northwest to southeast across the state later in the afternoon. Windy and mild. Highs between 39°-49°. Gusty southwest winds will turn to the west and diminish to 10-20 MPH later in the day..

Thursday: a morning snow shower possible especially eastern and downeast areas then a mix of sun and clouds. Colder with highs in the mid-20s to low 30s.

Friday: becoming cloudy with snow and mixed precipitation possible mainly during the afternoon. Highs in the mid-20s to low 30s.

Saturday: morning snow shower over eastern and downeast areas then mostly sunny with a few clouds in the afternoon. Highs in the 20s to low 30s.

Todd Simcox
WABI TV5 & The CW Meteorologist

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CARIBOU HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING UNTIL NOON TODAY FOR NORTHWEST AROOSTOOK COUNTY. SNOW TODAY WILL MIX WITH AND CHANGE TO SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN EARLY THIS MORNING...THEN CHANGE BACK TO SNOW BEFORE ENDING AROUND MIDDAY. TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 5 TO 9 INCHES AND ICE ACCUMULATIONS AROUND A TENTH OF AN INCH CAN BE EXPECTED. THIS STORM WILL HAVE A MODERATE IMPACT ON THE WARNING AREA. SNOW WILL COVER ROADS AND REDUCE VISIBILITIES MAKING TRAVEL DIFFICULT. FREEZING RAIN WILL ADD TO THE SLIPPERY CONDITIONS EARLY THIS MORNING. NO SIGNIFICANT BLOWING OR DRIFTING SNOW WILL OCCUR. ***

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CARIBOU HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY UNTIL 2PM THIS AFTERNOON FOR NORTHERN PISACATQUIS, NORTHERN SOMERSET, NORTHEAST AROOSTOOK COUNTY. FREEZING RAIN THIS MORNING WILL ACCUMULATE 1 TO 2 TENTHS OF AN INCH ACROSS THE AREA. PRECIPITATION MAY CHANGE TO PLAIN RAIN SOUTH OF PRESQUE ISLE LATER THIS MORNING... THEN BACK TO SLEET AND SNOW BEFORE ENDING AROUND MIDDAY. ADDITIONAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS AROUND AN INCH FOR TOTAL SNOW AND SLEET ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 8 INCHES CAN BE EXPECTED. THIS STORM WILL HAVE A MODERATE IMPACT ON THE ADVISORY AREA. FREEZING RAIN WILL MAKE ROAD SURFACES SLIPPERY THROUGH THE MORNING HOURS. MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE EXTRA CAUTION DUE TO ICING. ***

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CARIBOU HAS ISSUED A HIGH WIND WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5PM TODAY FOR SOUTHERN PENOBSCOT, HANCOCK, CENTRAL AND COASTAL WASHINGTON COUNTY. SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 55 MPH THROUGH MID-MORNING. THE STRONGEST WINDS WILL BE ALONG THE COAST. THIS STORM WILL HAVE A LOW IMPACT ON THE WARNING AREA. WINDS OF THIS MAGNITUDE, COUPLED WITH WET GROUND...WILL LIKELY CAUSE A NUMBER OF SHALLOW ROOTED TREES TO BE BLOWN DOWN...OR SHALLOW ROOTED TREES TO FALL ON POWER LINES WITH POSSIBLE POWER OUTAGES. EXPECT SOME DIFFICULTY DRIVING HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. ***

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CARIBOU HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY... WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5PM TODAY FOR CENTRAL PENOBSCOT AND NORTHERN WASHINGTON COUNTY. SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 THIS MORNING. PREPARE FOR THE LIKELIHOOD OF MINOR WIND DAMAGE TO SHRUBBERY... TREES... AND LOOSE OBJECTS. OLDER AND WEAKER TREES MAY BE BLOWN DOWN. ISOLATED POWER OUTAGES ARE POSSIBLE. ***

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GRAY HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY UNTIL NOON TODAY FOR YORK, COASTAL CUMBERLAND, SAGADAHOC, LINCOLN, KNOX, COASTAL WALDO COUNTY. GUSTS OVER 45 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE IN THESE LOCATIONS. ***


Mild southerly winds will push temps into the 40s and low 50s across most of Maine this morning but a strong cold front crossing the state this afternoon will shift winds back into the north/northwest later in the day, causing the temps to fall to the 30s and low 40s by evening. Rain will continue today over areas south of Greenville and Millinocket with rain and mixed precipitation to the north. As colder air returns, the rain may mix with and change to snow and mixed precipitation from north to south across the state during the afternoon and evening hours. Light additional accumulations of 1"-3" are possible by later tonight when everything winds down, mainly for areas north and west of Bangor.

A ridge of high pressure will build to the north of Maine tomorrow morning bringing us a colder and drier day. A storm centered over the southeastern U.S. will track northeastward along the Atlantic coast Thursday night bringing us another round of snow, mix and rain depending on your location. The exact track of the storm will determine precipitation types for the state. Right now, it looks like the storm will track along the Maine coast Friday then up into eastern Canada Friday night. On this track northern and western parts of the state will stand the best chance to stay mainly snow with some heavy snowfall accumulation possible while rest of the state sees snow and mix to start with a couple inches possible before changing to mix and rain. Snow, mix and rain will tapering off during the afternoon.

High pressure will bring sunshine and colder temps to New England this weekend. Expect sunny skies with highs in the upper teens and mid-20s Saturday. Sunday lokos good too with mostly sunny skies and highs near 30°.

Today: mostly cloudy with occasional rain especially south of Greenville and Millinocket with rain and mixed precipitation falling to the north. Rain and mixed precipitation will change back to snow and mixed precipitation from northwest to southeast this afternoon as colder air returns. Highs between 40°- 54°, falling to the 30s and low 40s by evening. South winds 15-30 MPH with higher gusts will turn to the southwest and diminish late.

Tonight: any rain, snow or mixed precipitation will come to an end after midnight. Otherwise mostly cloudy. Nighttime lows between 18°-28°. Winds will become north 5-10 MPH.

Thursday: a morning snow shower possible especially eastern and downeast areas then partly to mostly cloudy with most of the sunshine over areas north of Greenville and Millinocket. More snow, mix and rain at night. Colder with highs between 25°-32°. Northeast wind 5-10 MPH.

Friday: periods of snow and mixed precipitation over northern and western areas with rain and mixed precipitation elsewhere. Breezy. Highs near 30° north and 30s to near 40° southward towards the coast.

Saturday: mostly sunny and cold. Highs in the upper teens to mid-20s.

Sunday: mostly sunny with a few afternoon clouds over northern and western areas. Highs near 30°.

Todd Simcox
WABI TV5 & The CW Meteorologist

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR AROOSTOOK, PENOSBCOT, NORTHERN AND CENTRAL WASHINGTON, INTERIOR HANCOCK, PISCATQUIS, INTERIOR WALDO, SOMERSET, KENNEBEC, FRANKLIN, OXFORD, ANDROSCOGGIN, INTERIOR CUMBERLAND, INTERIOR YORK COUNTY FOR TODAY AND FRIDAY. ***

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADIVOSRY FOR COASTAL WASHINGTON, COASTAL HANCOCK, COASTAL WALDO, KNOX, LINCOLN, SAGADAHOC, COASTAL CUMBERLAND, COASTAL YORK COUNTY FOR TODAY AND FRIDAY. ***

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A COASTAL FLOOD WATCH FOR COASTAL WASHINGTON, COASTAL HANCOCK, COASTAL WALDO, KNOX, LINCOLN, SAGADAHOC FOR FRIDAY MORNING. THE COMBINATION OF AN UNUSUALLY HIGH ASTRONOMICAL TIDE EXPECTED FRIDAY MORNING ALONG WITH LARGE WAVES MAY PRODUCE COASTAL FLOODING AROUND THE TIME OF HIGH TIDE. HIGH TIDE WILL OCCUR FRIDAY MORNING AT AROUND 9:35 AM IN BAR HARBOR... 9:38 IN CUTLER AND 9:48 IN EASTPORT. ***



An area of high pressure sliding across central Quebec today will bring us a colder and drier day overall. The highs will also help to trap the colder airmass over the state through tonight and into Friday morning especially away from the coast. A storm centered over the southeastern U.S. will track northeastward towards the mid-Atlantic today then up along the east coast into New England on Friday. The exact track of the storm is going to be the key in determining precipitation types for locations across the state. Right now, it looks like the storm will track along the Maine coast Friday morning then over Hancock and Washington county Friday afternoon, finally passing to our north and east Friday night. Precipitation ahead of the storm will begin this afternoon especially for areas along and south of a line stretching from Calais to Rumford. Accumulations could be up to 2" in spots by evening. Snow, mix and rain will continue to spread across the state tonight and will fall heavily at times. Precipitation will begin to wind down later Friday morning into the afternoon from southwest to northeast across the state as the storm passes to our east. Precipitation types will vary across the state with this storm. Expect mainly snow to fall for northern Aroostook county, northern Piscatqauis and northern Somerset with the rest of the state seeing snow, mixed precipitation and freezing rain. Along the coast, any mixed precipitation or rain this evening will likely change to plain rain during the overnight and continue as such on Friday. Snow/sleet accumulations will range from 6"-12" for northern Aroostook county, northern Piscataquis, northern Somerset, northern Franklin and northern Oxford county; 4"-8" can be expected for southeast Aroostook northern Penobscot, central Piscataquis, central Somerset, central Franklin and central Oxford county including Houlton, Millinocket, Greenville, Bingham, Farmington and Rumford; 2"-4" for northern Washington county, central and southern Penobscot, southern Somerset, interior Waldo, Kennebec, southern Franklin, southern Oxford, Androscoggin, interior Cumberland and interior York county including Vanceboro, Princeton, Bangor, Orono, Newport, Skowhegan, Waterville and Augusta; up to 2" for areas along the immediate coast before changing to plain rain. Ice accumulations will be a big problem as well with as much as .25" of ice along the coast and .5" to 1" for interior locations. Widespread power outages will be a good possibility with that much ice forecast for interior locations so plan accordingly.

High pressure building into the region this weekend will bring us a good amount of sunshine on Saturday. Colder air moving in behind Friday's departing storm will keep temperatures only in the upper teens to low 20s Saturday afternoon. High pressure will move east of New England on Sunday allowing a few clouds to move into the state especially northern and western areas, otherwise expect partly cloudy skies Sunday with highs in the 20s to near 30°. Milder temperatures with a few rain showers will move in on Monday.

Today: partly sunny north of Greenville and Millinocket, mostly cloudy elsewhere. Few snow showers this morning especially along the coast then steadier light snow and mixed precipitation arriving this afternoon especially along and south of a line from Calais to Rumford. Accumulations up to 2" will be possible by evening. Highs between 22°-32°. Northeast wind 5-10 MPH.

Tonight: snow, mix and rain, heavy at times. Significant snow and ice accumulation likely for areas away from the coast. Low temperatures will drop to 21°-29° early then climb into the upper 20s and mid- 30s by dawn. Northeast wind increasing to 10-15 MPH.

Friday: snow, mix and rain tapering off from southwest to northeast across the state from late morning into the afternoon. Additional snow and ice accumulation likely away from the coastline. Some breaks of sun possible during the afternoon hours. Highs between 32°-38°. North wind 10-15 MPH becoming west.

Saturday: partly to mostly sunny. Highs in the upper teens to low 20s.

Sunday: partly cloudy with highs in the 20s to near 30°.

Monday: partly to mostly cloudy, most clouds north and west. A few scattered showers possible mainly up north. Highs in the upper 30s to mid-40s.

Todd Simcox
WABI TV5 & The CW Meteorologist

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE IN CARIBOU HAS CONTINUED THE WINTER STORM WARNING FOR AROOSTOOK, NORTHERN PENOSBCOT, NORTHERN SOMERSET, NORTHERN AND CENTRAL PISACATQUIS COUNTY UNTIL 5PM TODAY. ***

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE IN GRAY HAS CONTINUED THE WINTER STORM WARNING FOR CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SOMERSET, OXFORD, FRANKLIN, ANDROSCOGGIN, KENNEBEC, INTERIOR WALDO, INTERIOR YORK, INTERIOR CUMBERLAND UNTIL 1PM TODAY ***

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE IN CARIBOU HAS CONTINUED THE WINTER STORM WARNING FOR CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN PENOBSCOT, SOUTHERN PISCATQUIS, NORTHERN WASHINGTON UNTIL NOON TODAY. ***

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE HAS CONTINUED THE WINTER STORM WARNING FOR INTERIOR HANCOCK, CENTRAL WASHINGTON, LINCOLN, KNOX, SAGADAHOC, COASTAL WALDO, COASTAL YORK, COASTAL CUMBERLAND COUNTY UNTIL 10AM TODAY. ***

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CARIBOU HAS ISSUED A HIGH WIND WARNING FOR COASTAL HANCOCK, CENTRAL AND COASTAL WASHINGTON COUNTY UNTIL 4PM TODAY. WINDS COULD GUST TO 45 MPH IN THE AFFECTED AREA.

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A COASTAL FLOOD WARNING FOR THE ENTIRE MAINE COAST FROM 7AM-11AM. COASTAL FLOODING IS EXPECTED DUE TO THE COMBINATION OF LARGE WAVES AND SOUTHERLY WINDS OCCURRING AT THE TIME OF HIGH TIDE, ESPECIALLY ALONG EXPOSED INLETS AND HARBOR AREAS. A STORM SURGE OF 1-2 FEET ABOVE THE ASTRONOMICAL TIDE IN THOSE EXPOSED AREAS. ***


A strengthening area of low pressure centered over Delaware this morning will quickly trek northeastward towards the Maine coast by noontime or so then across downeast locations and into eastern New Brunswick by later this evening. Precipitation will continue to fall heavily at times especially this morning then begin to wind down from southwest to northeast across the state from later this morning into the afternoon as the storm moves through the area. Precipitation type will continue to vary across the state with mainly rain south of Dover-Foxcroft and Lincoln, with mixed precipitation for areas to the north. Significant snow and ice accumulation is still likely for areas north of Dover-Foxcroft and Lincoln. Storm total snow/sleet accumulations will range from 6"-12" for northern Aroostook county, northern Piscataquis, northern Somerset, northern Franklin and northern Oxford county; 4"-8" can be expected for southeast Aroostook northern Penobscot, central Piscataquis, central Somerset, central Franklin and central Oxford county including Houlton, Millinocket, Greenville, Bingham, Farmington and Rumford; 2"-4" for northern Washington county, central and southern Penobscot, southern Somerset, interior Waldo, Kennebec, southern Franklin, southern Oxford, Androscoggin, interior Cumberland and interior York county including Vanceboro, Princeton, Bangor, Orono, Newport, Skowhegan, Waterville and Augusta. Ice accumulations will be a big problem as well with as much as .5" to 1" for interior locations. Widespread power outages this morning could get worse as the freezing rain continues to accumulate on tree limbs and power lines. Travel will be treacherous especially this morning so it's a good idea that if you don't have to be out and about to just stay home and let the road crews take care of things.

High pressure building into the region this weekend will bring us a good amount of sunshine on Saturday. Colder air moving in behind today's departing storm will keep temperatures only in the upper teens to mid- 20s Saturday afternoon. High pressure will move east of New England on Sunday allowing a few clouds associated with warmer air in the mid-levels of the atmosphere to move into the state for the afternoon. Sunday's highs will be a bit better, reaching the mid- 20s to low 30s. Even milder temperatures can be expected Monday with highs in the 40s. A cold front crossing the state Tuesday will be accompanied by a few rain or snow showers. Colder air behind the front will be here for midweek.

Today: snow, mix and rain heavy at times this morning then tapering off from southwest to northeast across the state later this morning into the afternoon. Additional snow and ice accumulation likely especially for areas north of Dover-Foxcroft and Lincoln. Mostly cloudy this afternoon with a few breaks of sun possible especially to the south and west of Bangor. Highs between 33°-46°. Southerly winds 10-15 MPH with higher gusts especially along the coast will become west/northwest this afternoon.

Tonight: becoming clear to partly cloudy. Lows in the teens. Northwest wind 5-10 MPH.

Saturday: mostly sunny. Highs between 18°-27°. Northwest wind 10-15 MPH.

Sunday: increasing clouds. Few snow showers possible mainly northern and northwestern parts of the state. Highs in the mid-20s to low 30s.

Monday: mix of sun and clouds. Milder with highs in the 40s.

Tuesday: rain and snow showers possible through early afternoon then clearing. Highs in the 30s to low 40s.

Todd Simcox
WABI TV5 & The CW Meteorologist

****THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CARIBOU HAS ISSUED A BLIZZARD WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 PM EST MONDAY. THE WINTER STORM WARNING HAS BEEN CANCELLED. SNOW WILL OVERSPREAD THE AREA LATE THIS AFTERNOON OR EVENING... BECOMING HEAVY TONIGHT...BEFORE DIMINISHING MONDAY. SNOWFALL RATES OF 2 INCHES PER HOUR CAN BE EXPECTED AT THE HEIGHT OF THE STORM TONIGHT. EXPECT TOTAL SNOWFALL AMOUNTS BETWEEN 10 AND 18 INCHES... EXCEPT 16 TO 24 INCHES ALONG AN AXIS FROM BAXTER STATE PARK TO AROUND HOULTON. MEANWHILE INCREASING WINDS OF 25 TO 35 MPH...WITH GUSTS OF 40 TO 45 MPH... WILL CREATE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. ALL INTERESTS ACROSS THE BLIZZARD WARNING AREA SHOULD RUSH TO COMPLETION PREPARATIONS TO BE MADE IN ADVANCE OF THE STORM. A BLIZZARD WARNING MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED. THIS STORM WILL HAVE AN EXTREME IMPACT ON THE WARNING AREA. VERY STRONG WINDS COMBINED WITH HEAVY SNOW WILL CREATE POTENTIALLY DEADLY OUTDOOR CONDITIONS. WHITEOUTS...DEEP SNOW DRIFTS AND FROSTBITE OF EXPOSED SKIN CAN BE EXPECTED.****

Snow is flying across the state of Maine, as our first big storm of the year bears down on us. As of 3:30pm the roads are pretty bad in Bangor, and one could only imagine that they are getting bad elsewhere at this time. Both myself and the NWS strongly urge you to stay inside until road crews have had a chance to clear the roads Monday morning. As if the snowfall isn't enough, winds will be howling during this event, likely picking up as the night wears on. Winds will range from 25 to 40mph with some gusts higher along the coast. With an easy 10'' falling statewide and winds that high, blizzard conditions are expected. That is just another reason to stay off the roads, as visibility will be zero at some times. Additionally, mixed precipitation is a possibility along the immediate coast. Snow will wind down during the wee hours of Monday morning. Snowfall totals look about the same as I had them yesterday: 10''-17'' south of a line running from Lincoln to Dover-Foxcroft. North of that line 14''-18'' is a good bet, with 18''+ possible in areas on the windward side of the western mountains (read: the Mt. Katahdin, Millinocket, Saddleback areas). The tweak to the forecast that I have made over the last 24 hours comes along the coast. With an hour or so of mixing possible, some snowfall amounts along the coast may come in lighter than the 10'' minimum. Statewide totals may also be hard to pin down accurately due to high winds and settling of snow.

Tonight: Heavy snow. Windy. Near zero visibility. Low in the teens to 20's.

Monday: Snow ends by the afternoon. High in the lower 20's. Windy.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High in the teens.

Wednesday: Mix possible. High in the mid 30's.

Christmas: Snow possible. High around freezing.

Greg Dutra
WABI & The CW Meteorologist

*** THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED WINTER STORM WARNINGS AND WINTER WEATHER ADVISORIES ACROSS THE STATE FOR TODAY THRU TONIGHT.***





A secondary area of low pressure developing south of New England this morning is forecast to head northeastward through the Gulf of Maine later today and tonight. Snow will develop from south to north across the state this morning into the early afternoon. As the storm moves up towards the Maine coast later today, some warmer air will move into the mid-levels of the atmosphere and cause the snow to mix with sleet and freezing rain along the coastal counties. Snow and mixed precipitation will continue Wednesday night before tapering to snow showers early Thursday morning. Potential snowfall totals will range from 5"-10" along and north of a line from Rangeley to Greenville to just north of Houlton around Monticello; a 4"-8" band along and north of a line from Fryeburg to Pittsfield to just south of Vanceboro; 2"-5" with isolated 6" totals for areas southward to the coast. The lower amounts in the forecast area based on the current storm track and the expectation that the snow will mix with sleet and freezing rain.

The storm pulls away to our east Thursday morning. Northwest winds will bring colder air into the state by Friday. High pressure centered to our west will bring some sun back to the forecast for Friday as well. We're watching a potential storm for this weekend. Computer models are now showing an area of low pressure moving through southern New England and bringing us a light snowfall later Saturday especially south of Greenville and Millinocket. Dry & chilly weather is expected Sunday.

Today: snow developing from south to north across the state. Snow will mix with sleet and freezing rain later this afternoon along the coastal counties. Expect a couple inches of snowfall by evening in most locations. Highs between 19°-30°. Northeast wind 5-10 MPH.

Tonight: snow and mix continue, tapering to snow showers after midnight. Additional accumulation likely especially away from the coast. Storm total accumulations by the time it winds down late look like this: 5"-10" along and north of a line from Rangeley to Greenville to just north of Houlton around Monticello; a 4"-8" band along and north of a line from Fryeburg to Pittsfield to just south of Vanceboro; 2"-5" with isolated 6" totals for areas southward to the coast. Overnight lows will range from 15°-29°, coldest north, warmest along the coast. Northeast wind 5-10 MPH becoming west.

Thursday: mostly cloudy with scattered snow showers. Highs between 24°-34°. West wind 10-15 MPH.

Friday: morning clouds then brightening skies during the afternoon. Highs in the mid-teens to low 20s.

Saturday: increasing clouds. Snow possible during the afternoon and evening. Chilly with highs in the teens to around 20°.

Sunday: partly cloudy with highs in the mid-teens to mid-20s.

Todd Simcox
WABI TV5 & The CW Meteorologist