While portions of southern Maine got slammed by the storm, predictions dropped off sharply farther north and inland Saturday evening as light flurries dusted the region.
When all was said and done, York reported 21 inches, followed by Kennebunkport at 18 inches and Ogunquit at 17 inches. Most parts of central Maine measured a paltry 2 to 4 inches of sideways-blowing annoyance.
Instead of blinding snow and forecast accumulations of 1 to 3 inches an hour early Sunday, most folks north of Old Orchard Beach were treated to blue skies, blustery winds and a wind chill advisory.
The second blizzard that was supposed to strike the majority of central and southern Maine caused people to change their plans, stock up on staple supplies and prepare to hunker down.
In Lewiston, Forage Market announced on Facebook ahead of the storm that they would not open, saying it would be, “Irresponsible of us to tempt anyone out into a wild and dangerous blizzard with the promise of a Forage breakfast sandwich.”
By the time the storm fizzled, Forage said it was too late to change course and open, even though their Lisbon Street location was the most snow-free it had been in weeks.
Instead, Forage referred their customers to Marche down the street where their wood-fired bagels are featured for brunch.
In Brunswick, because of anticipated parking issues from the storm, representatives of Joshua’s Restaurant and Tavern on Maine Street announced the store would be closed until Tuesday.
When the storm was downgraded, a message posted to Joshua’s Facebook page that since the employees were told they had two days off, it would remain closed until Tuesday.
As the Auburn Middle School ski team was preparing for the Class A state meet Saturday, Assistant Coach Darcy Smyth was considerably more apprehensive than Head Coach Nigel Bowles.
The meet time had been moved up because of expected bitter wind chills on Black Mountain. However, the timing may have left the team on the mountain as the blizzard bore down on Auburn.
Smyth said the kids were focused on the meet.
“(The) kids were excited and filled with great energy and ready to give their best and (team motto) ‘ski fast and take chances!'”
Smyth said despite weather reports, the athletes were still laughing and singing on the bus. “Despite the snow coming, all the parents were there to support the team with cow bells — bundled up and cheering at the finish lines for the Nordic and Alpine.”
According to WGME, a round of light snow may be making its way across central and southern Maine on Tuesday into Wednesday, but the most prominent feature in the week ahead are low temperatures.
The low for Monday into Tuesday is -4 with more northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph, gusting even higher.
dmcintire@sunjournal.com
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