LEWISTON — The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch bulletin for the Androscoggin area, and we should expect the first big snowstorm of the season.
Chris Kimble, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gray, said we can expect 4 to 8 inches of accumulation in Lewiston, with the heaviest snowfall between 3 and 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
This storm is expected to be all snow with no ice or sleet in the mix, and temps will likely fall between 24 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Oxford and Franklin counties should expect about the same weather pattern, with an identical storm watch issued. Temperatures will be closer to 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, but snow accumulation is expected to be similar.
Residents of central Maine have been perplexed by the shifting weather this winter, with warmer-than-usual temperatures and minimal snow or ice, even in the mountains.
A large rainstorm occurred on Sunday, bringing with it flooding and power outages. The mid-40s temps wiped out most of the snow and ice previously accumulated.
With the lack of traditional winter weather so far this season, it is important to be prepared and remember some important tips on how to handle a winter storm.
*First and foremost: be smart and be safe.
Try to be aware of other drivers and pedestrians, and follow all driving laws. This will minimize danger and damage.
*Slow down! If you’re worried about making it to work or a meeting on time, leave earlier — don’t rush on the road.
*Embrace shoveling and deicing as a unique at-home workout.
*Be wary of leaving pets outside for too long.
*If you need to be outside for a prolonged period of time, bundle up adequately.
*Be on the lookout for driving and parking bans. They vary from town to town, and are often posted online and in the paper.
Kimble said it’s difficult to predict a forecast, even in a general sense, beyond seven days.
“Anything beyond that would just be speculation,” he said.
In the past, slow starting winters have eventually developed into colder weather with more active storm patterns, he said.
“It’s not good to think it will last all season,” he said.
The National Weather Service has elevated its advisory for this same weather event to a Winter Storm Warning for northern central and northern Maine, including areas north of the communities of Jackman, Skowhegan and Bangor.
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