Gov. Janet Mills ordered all state offices to close on Thursday, citing a winter snowstorm expected to make driving conditions dangerous throughout the day.

“The snow arriving late tonight (Wednesday) is expected to make driving hazardous throughout the day tomorrow,” Mills said in a statement. “I encourage Maine people to stay safe, plan for extra time if you must travel, and as always, give plenty of room to our plow drivers and emergency responders as they work to keep us all safe.”

Mills, who issued the announcement after consulting with the Maine Emergency Management Agency, the Maine Department of Transportation, utility companies and the National Weather Service, said the storm is expected to bring significant snowfall to most of the state. Some areas could see up to a foot of snow as well as significant sleet accumulation.

The storm is expected to affect visibility and road conditions, making for challenging commutes on Thursday morning and evening.

Following an afternoon lull, another storm will move into the state Thursday evening. More snow will fall, with the precipitation ending Friday morning.

Some communities, including Scarborough, Westbrook, Windham, Cape Elizabeth, Sanford and Biddeford, will enforce parking bans Thursday. In Portland, City Hall and city buildings won’t open until 10 a.m.

The Portland International Jetport issued a warning Wednesday that all of its airline partners have issued travel advisories in advance of Thursday’s storm. The jetport urged air travelers to contact their airline for current flight information.

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