Winter has made an abrupt arrival, complete with widespread snow. It'll be enough that Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for northern Maine, along with Winter Weather Advisories in other parts of the interior.

What You Need To Know

  • Travel will be slower than usual, regardless of precipitation type

  • Northern Maine will have the greatest snowfall amounts

  • Coastal regions get mostly rain

Parts of the state have seen a bit of snow this season, but this midweek weather system will bring the first widespread accumulations. They’ll be minimal near the coast, but increase inland.

When

Activity spreads northeast through early afternoon Wednesday.

Precipitation ought to be heaviest from mid-morning to early afternoon in western Maine, and during the afternoon and evening farther east.

Most of the accumulation will end by early Wednesday night after tapering off from west to east. A handful of snow showers may linger into Thursday, though.

What

Much of Maine will get some snow with this system. However, those along the coast ought to see mostly or only rain.

Parts of the interior along the I-95 corridor will see snow, then a changeover to a rain/snow mix or all rain during the afternoon. An icy mix shouldn’t be a significant issue, but a glaze of ice can’t be ruled out.

Winds shouldn’t be a noteworthy factor and will probably be strongest (gusting up to 20 mph) where precipitation is mostly rain.

How much

Northern Maine can expect the highest snowfall totals. Six to 10 inches is probable, with the potential for locally higher amounts.

Accumulations will quickly lessen to near an inch or so along the I-95 corridor from Bangor and south, with coastal areas getting less than an inch–if anything.

When and where the rain/snow transition happens will affect final snowfall amounts.

Be ready

Turn on your weather notifications in the Spectrum News app so you’re aware of the latest winter weather alerts. Check your local forecast here, and see the latest radar.

Since this is the first widespread snow of the season, take extra care when driving as we get used to dealing with winter weather again. Leave extra space for crews treating the roads.

Remember that you can share your weather photos with us, as well as let us know how much snow you got.