Our first storm of 2014 is quickly becoming memorable.  Heavy snow, over a foot, combined with temperatures below zero, strong winds and low visibility are all combining to make for a rough weather night. A blizzard warning is in effect for the coastline from Kittery to Rockland and other warnings and advisories for heavy snow and cold are in place for much of the area. The blizzard warning is in those areas shaded in orange.

As of this entry, snow was falling moderately to heavy across much of the two most southern counties in Maine.  

 

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In some ways this is an historical storm.  I think record keepers would be hard-pressed to find another storm with so much snow at the same time temperatures are at or below zero.  Back in 1979, Portland had its second largest snowstorm ever with over 27 inches of snow.  Normally, that amount of snow would have melted down to over 2 and half inches of water, it didn’t even amount to an inch of melted liquid.

In our current storm, it’s nearly 15 to 20 degrees colder than the one back in ‘79, so the snow is even more like dust or fine sand. It’s going to get blown around tremendously and you will see areas tomorrow morning with big drifts right next to other areas where the snow has been completely blown away.

A Wind Chill Warning ( as low as -35 degrees) has been issued for parts of Central and Western Maine.  This warning goes into effect at 7PM and extends until 1AM. A Wind Chill Advisory (as low as -26) remains in place for the rest of the area until 1PM Friday.  Winds are going to continue to increase overnight as temperatures continue to fall.

Snow amounts will be highest along the coastline and some isolated spots especially along the coastline south of Portland could see up to 16" of snow.  This is somewhat unprecedented to have so much snow at these temperatures, and this could lead to some high snow totals where the heavier snow bands remain overnight.

A storm will consolidate south of Maine overnight and bring moderate to heavy snow to southern sections.  The further north and west you travel the lower the snow totals will be. Wind chill will continue to be a concern.

I expect the heaviest part of the storm to be over by 7AM and any lingering snow to be finished by around 10AM . You can see on the future radar for 4AM it will still be snowing along the coast, but only flurries well inland.  The end line will continue to press eastward during the day.

The cold continues all day Friday and Friday night.  Temperatures Saturday morning will be the coldest in three years.  A moderation in the cold begins Saturday afternoon and will continue through Monday.  Our next storm could be snow or mixed rain and snow depending on the track.  More on that later this weekend.

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