At this point in the season, a snow storm seems like old hat. We’ve seen it, we’ve shoveled it, we’ve driven in it — even when we sholdn’t have.
And still, more snow drops and piles up and creates a headache.
The National Weather Service office in Gray said total snow accumulations of up to 2 inches, with localized amounts up to 4 inches, are expected along with ice accumulations of two-tenths of an inch.
Forecasters predict light snow overnight into Tuesday that will transition into either rain, freezing rain, or sleet Tuesday morning.
Temperatures will rise above freezing in the western, southern and coastal areas, with a high of 40 degrees possible Tuesday.
A winter weather advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday but rain could continue though the evening.
The switch to freezing rain, however, could cause slick roads and difficult travel.
“The ice will result in difficult travel conditions, including during the morning commute on Tuesday,” according to information from the National Weather Service.
The shift in temperature from 19 degrees Monday night to 40 degrees after 3 p.m. Tuesday means a shift from snow to sleet to rain.
A flood watch is in effect Tuesday into Wednesday.
With rainfall expected on Tuesday south of the mountains, additional flows into area rivers may exacerbate current ice jams or lead to new jams, according to the National Weather Service.
Minor flooding is possible.
School teacher Kaitie King said the weather makes it hard to keep students focused.
“They almost expect now when it’s going to be gross out to have no school,” she said. “Personally, I hope it’s mainly rain because I don’t want to be in school until July.”
Lewiston Public Works Director Dave Jones said that snow-removal plans will most likely be put on hold Monday night “to address a very messy storm.”
Jones said he had five public works employees treating the streets Monday afternoon with salt and calcium chloride.
“Most of our crew is still on the night shift and will be in to work from 9 p.m. (Monday) until 7 a.m. (Tuesday),” he said. “I suspect the snow being followed with freezing rain will have us working the crew longer, into noon or later.”
“This storm could be very messy and will have an effect on your morning commute tomorrow,” Jones said. “Plan accordingly and be safe out there.”
Todd Lester of Lewiston Water & Sewer Division removes a steam hose from a frozen fire hydrant at Frye and College streets Monday afternoon. Crews routinely inspect hydrants in the winter to make sure they have not frozen from a slow leak or after use by the Fire Department. Whenever hydrants are used, the 6 feet of water at the bottom needs to be pumped out. (Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal)
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