April snowstorm sprung on Maine

BANGOR – Spring was having difficulty taking root in Maine on Wednesday as April showers turned into snow across the state.

The National Weather Service office in Caribou even issued a heavy snow warning for northern Aroostook to remain in effect from 8 p.m. Wednesday to 8 p.m. Thursday. Snow was forecast to accumulate 6-10 inches in the area, including in Madawaska and Fort Kent, before ending late Thursday.

The weather alert warned that roads would become snow-covered and slushy, resulting in slippery driving conditions.

On the coast, where temperatures will be warmer, the snow was expected to change over to rain overnight. But a gale warning was issued by the weather service for 1 a.m. Thursday through the morning in the area, with winds anticipated to hit 25 to 30 knots Thursday afternoon and sea swells building to 6 to 9 feet in waters from Eastport to Stonington. Winds were forecast to diminish to 15 to 20 knots early Friday.

An advisory for parts of Piscataquis, Penobscot and northern Washington counties forecast 4-8 inches of snow before the storm ends Thursday afternoon. Sleet and rain were expected to hold down snow amounts in coastal areas, while southern Maine was anticipating 2 to 4 inches of snow and sleet through Thursday.