Blizzard Warnings for Downeast Maine

The National Weather Service in Caribou has issued a Blizzard Warning for all of Washington and Hancock Counties from 6:00 am to midnight on Wednesday, March 26. Travel will be extremely treacherous during this time, including some roads potentially becoming impassable from drifting snow. Whiteout conditions are likely at times.

The Blizzard Warning areas will see 8 to 12 inches of snow, with wind gusts up to 50 mph. Heavy snow, and blowing and drifting snow, will cause extremely reduced visibility and possible whiteouts. Roads may become impassable in some areas.

Winter Storm Warnings are in place for southern Aroostook and central and southern Penobscot, and a Winter Weather Advisory has been posted for the rest of northern and eastern Maine, as well as for Knox and Waldo Counties.

The Winter Storm Warning areas can expect 4 to 8 inches of snow, but high winds and greatly reduced visibility and hazardous driving conditions.

The Advisory areas can expect 2 to 6 inches of snow, but high winds with gusts to 55 mph, and extremely low visibility in blowing snow conditions.

A Wind Advisory has been posted for Kennebec, Lincoln, Sagadagoc and coastal Cumberland and York Counties from 11 am to 11 pm. Winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 55 mph are possible, possibly causing fallen tree limbs and power outages.

Travel, especially in the blizzard areas, should be avoided if possible. It will be very difficult for crews to keep roads clear under these conditions.

* Stay aware of local weather forecasts. You can find the latest warning messages [at the MEMA website](http://www.maine.gov/mema/weather/watch_warn.htm ). * Stay off the roads if you can, and use **extreme** caution if you must travel * Check on friends and neighbors who may need help during or after the storm * If you lose power, operate generators safely. Use generators **outside only**, at least 15 feet from any windows or doors.