PORTLAND — City officials have declared the first parking ban of the winter season. The on-street parking limits take effect at 10 p.m. Thursday night and ends at 6 a.m. Friday, according to a statement from the city.

Officials in Westbrook also ordered a parking ban, saying cars should be off city streets starting at 9 p.m. Thursday night through 7 a.m. Friday.

The National Weather Service is predicting heavy snow accumulation Thursday. The deepest snowfall will likely be west of the turnpike, where 12 inches to 18 inches could fall before the storm passes.

East of the roadway in coastal regions and in downtown Portland, accumulation is expected closer to 9 inches. The weather service noted that totals will likely vary widely as the rain-snow line hovers in the Portland area.

Free off-street parking is available at several city-owned lots. Vehicles may be parked there after 5 p.m. and must be moved Friday before 7 a.m., the city said.

Cars left on the street during the ban will be ticked, towed, and impounded at the Ocean Gateway Marine Terminal on Commercial Street, at a cost of $135, plus any outstanding tickets on file against the vehicle. Vehicles not claimed after 24 hours will be assessed a $25 storage fee per day.

The following city-owned lots are available during the parking ban:

· Deering Oaks – on the left hand side of Tennis Court Road only

· State Street gravel lot – abutting Deering Oaks

· Fitzpatrick Stadium parking lot

· Hadlock Field parking lot

· All Portland Public School lots, except the lots at Reiche School which abuts the school and playground

· Parking lot at Nathan Clifford School

· Parking lot on Munjoy Street, formerly known as the Adams School lot

· Cutter Street lot (off the Eastern Prom)

· Beach Street lot accessible from Commercial Street (This lot is available after 8 p.m.)

· Lot across the street from the International Marine Terminal on Commercial Street (corner of Park and Commercial Streets)

· On Peaks Island, parking is available at the Welch Street parking lot