Blizzard Warning Issued for Coastal Hancock and Washington Counties, Maine

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Caribou, Maine, has issued a Blizzard Warning for coastal regions. The alert is effective from 7:00 AM EST Monday, February 23, until 7:00 AM EST Tuesday, February 24. This warning indicates that severe winter weather conditions, including falling and blowing snow with strong winds, are expected.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the following geographic regions in Maine:

• Coastal Hancock County
• Coastal Washington County

Expected Conditions

Residents should prepare for significant winter hazards:

• Snow Accumulation: Total snow accumulations between 7 and 12 inches are expected.
• Wind Speeds: Wind gusts are projected to reach as high as 50 mph, with the strongest winds occurring Monday afternoon and evening.
• Visibility: Heaviest snowfall rates of approximately 1 inch per hour will combine with high winds to create whiteout conditions and significantly reduced visibility.

Timeline

The Blizzard Warning begins at 7:00 AM EST on Monday, February 23. Conditions are expected to begin deteriorating toward the end of the Monday morning commute. The most dangerous conditions are forecast for the Monday evening commute, with the storm’s peak intensity occurring Monday afternoon and evening. The warning is scheduled to expire at 7:00 AM EST on Tuesday, February 24.

What You Should Do

The National Weather Service strongly advises against travel during this period. Whiteout conditions will make travel extremely dangerous or impossible.

If you must travel, ensure you have a winter survival kit in your vehicle. If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle to remain safe. Isolated power outages are possible due to the combination of heavy snow and high winds. For the latest road conditions in Maine, residents can visit newengland511.org.