Storm causing crashes, cancellations as half-foot of snow expected across Maine

Yahoo

07-02-2025

Feb. 6—A winter storm on Thursday is causing crashes and cancellations as an anticipated half-foot of snow falls across the region.
Snow began falling in the Portland area by late morning, creating messy driving conditions, and is expected to pick up in intensity throughout the afternoon. Forecasts call for 3 to 6 inches of snow, possibly with an icy glaze on top, according to the National Weather Service.
There were multiple crashes Thursday afternoon on the Maine Turnpike, where speed limits have been reduced to 45 mph.
The turnpike was shut down on the northbound side at mile marker 59 in Gray for a short time because of multiple crashes, according to Maine State Police. A crash in Cumberland also temporarily blocked lanes. Minor injuries were reported following a two-vehicle crash near Exit 7 in York and troopers responded to slide-offs throughout the day.
"If you don't absolutely need to travel this afternoon, please stay home and allow crews to clear the roads," state police said in a social media post at 1:45 p.m.
The steadiest snow was expected to fall throughout the afternoon and into the early evening, with rates of up to 1 inch per hour. Snow will transition to a wintry mix and end as a period of freezing drizzle late Thursday afternoon and into the evening.
The weather service issued a winter weather advisory for portions of central, southwest and western Maine until 11 p.m.
State offices closed at 1 p.m. in anticipation of a messy afternoon commute.
"I encourage all Maine people to exercise caution and stay safe during the Thursday afternoon commute — and as always, give plenty of space to plow trucks and first responders working to clear the roads and keep us safe," Gov. Janet Mills said in a written statement announcing the closures.
The timing of the storm prompted some school districts to announce students would be released early, then later adjust to call for a snow day.
School districts across southern Maine, including in Portland, also announced closures, as did courthouses, libraries and municipal offices. Portland City Hall closed at 11 a.m.
Maine Turnpike Authority officials said snow removal operations will continue as normal despite a garage fire on Sunday that destroyed half of the Auburn maintenance camp's plow truck fleet. Four plow trucks, a traffic control trucks, several other vehicles and equipment stored in the Auburn maintenance facility were destroyed by the blaze, which is being investigated by the Fire Marshal's Office.
After the fire, the turnpike authority moved spare plows to Auburn.
"Our crews are resilient and dedicated to keeping the road safe for travelers. It's been a hectic week, but we are ready for whatever Mother Nature throws our way," maintenance foreman Nicole Chase said in a prepared statement.
Parking bans will be in effect until Friday morning in Auburn, Biddeford, Cape Elizabeth, Freeport, Lewiston, Old Orchard Beach, Scarborough and Westbrook.
Portland announced a citywide parking ban will begin at 10 p.m. Cars parked in most designated city lots must be moved by 7 a.m. This year, parking during snow bans will not be allowed at Hadlock Field because of ongoing construction.
Mills said the Maine Emergency Management Agency is closely coordinating with the Maine Department of Transportation, Maine's electric utilities, and local emergency management partners to monitor the storm and keep people safe.
This story will be updated.
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