Nowcasting is what we call following a storm situation and giving updates. During this particular storm it’s been necessary to update the forecast and raise the snow totals everywhere.  As the heavier precipitation earlier thought to stay south and east of the Maine coastline has now moved inland.  This means some areas could accumulate 12 inches amount of snow when the final tallies are taken.  The snow ends this evening around 5 pm, earlier west of Portland and later Downeast.

Morning Update

Moderate to heavy snow Friday will cause travel to become more difficult throughout the morning and early afternoon. Although it has been mild the past few days, temperatures are now cold enough for the snow to stick.

Both the morning and evening commutes will be affected by this storm and travel will be difficult.

Our storm system is moving along the coastline this morning will eventually head into the Canadian Maritimes. As the storm pulls east, the snow will end. I expect the snow to end west of the Maine Turnpike between about 2 and 3 p.m and then push out of Portland and other southern coastal areas between 3 and 4 p.m.  It will not end Downeast until after sunset.

Snowfall totals will generally be in the 4-10 inch range for a wide swath of the region, with less snow over the mountains and more along parts of the coastline.

The snow is going to be somewhat heavier and wetter than past storms. Unlike those big storms in 2015 there will not be a so called fluff-factor with this one.

I don’t expect power issues from this storm, although it’s always a possibility in scattered locations.

There will not be a flash freeze after this storm, although temperatures will fall to very cold levels overnight.  This means any slush will freeze rock solid.

Saturday and Sunday are both dry and seasonable, with some melting. There is another possible storm or two for next week and it is also going to trend colder. Winter is back.

You can follow Dave Epstein’s forecast on Twitter @growingwisdom

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