March 29, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

March storm closes schools; flooding feared

A fast-moving snowstorm blew through Maine on Monday and left a fresh coating before rising temperatures turned much of it into slush later in the day as the clouds parted and the sun peeped through.

But the storm hit early enough in the morning in southern and western Maine to make a slippery mess of highways and force the cancellation of dozens of schools. Accumulations ranged from 3 to 5 inches.

Meanwhile, flooding along the coast turned out to be less severe than expected at high tide in southern Maine.

Winds were expected to push the high tide a foot above normal shortly before noon, but the air stayed relatively calm and high water was only 6 inches above flood stage, the weather service said.

High tide was running 4 feet above normal in Down East coastal areas, where normal tides can run more than 20 feet.

State police reported several minor accidents on Interstate 95 and the Maine Turnpike from York to Portland. No serious injuries were reported in any of the accidents.

Accidents also were reported along highways in central Maine, but state police in Houlton said no problems were reported as the snow ended with flurries by midafternoon.

The fast-moving area of low pressure was to move into the Gulf of Maine Monday evening, but it will be followed by another system that could bring more light snow to the state, said Hendricus Lulofs of the National Weather Service in Gray.

Overnight temperatures were expected to be in the mid-20s in southern Maine and the mid- to high teens in northern areas.


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