Snow gives way to rain, sleet early Wednesday

Many Mainers may need an umbrella as they dig out from under a half-foot of snow that fell overnight.

By 4 a.m., snow had switched to sleet or rain in Portland and coastal areas south through York County, creating conditions public safety officials warn could be sloppy and dangerous during the morning commute.

Cumberland police reported just under 7 inches of snow had fallen in town before the snow switched over to sleet in the pre-dawn hours.

“Cumberland DPW and MaineDOT snowfighters have been out since 9 p.m. clearing and treating roads. Travel will remain challenging through the morning,” Cumberland police posted on Twitter. “Please implement your winter driving skills!”

The National Weather Service reported at 5:15 a.m. that just over 8 inches of snow had fallen in Raymond. Other early snowfall totals include 6.4 inches in Brunswick, 4.7 inches at the Portland International Jetport and 4.3 inches in Gray.

York County snow totals reported to the weather service include 6.1 inches in York, 5.2 inches in Hollis, 5 inches in Cape Neddick and 4.3 inches in Kennebunk. Higher totals were reported in Androscoggin County, where 7 inches of snow had fallen in Auburn by 2:30 a.m.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning that remains in effect until 10 a.m. Wednesday and warned of hazardous travel conditions during the morning commute.

The Maine Department of Transportation urged motorists to avoid traveling during the storm.

“Our crews will be out overnight trying to stay ahead of the storm. If you don’t have to leave the house – don’t risk it!” the MDOT tweeted.

The speed limit on the Maine Turnpike between New Hampshire and Augusta has been lowered to 45 mph. Crews were out all night clearing the turnpike, according to the Maine Turnpike Authority.

Most area school districts, including Portland and South Portland, are closed Wednesday. Dozens of municipal offices, courts and businesses announced they won’t open until noon or later.

Gov. Janet Mills announced the opening of all state offices will be delayed until 11 a.m. because of the weather conditions. The Maine Legislature and legislative offices are closed Wednesday.

“Please drive safely today,” Mills said in a statement. “Snow and slick roads will make for dangerous travel conditions, and I encourage everyone to give our public safety officers and plow drivers plenty of room to operate as they work to keep us all safe.”

Derek, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, predicted the storm would dump 6-8 inches of snow over Greater Portland and 8-12 inches in the mountains and foothills.

Travel conditions are expected to improve by mid-day. After the snow tapers – around 10 a.m. – in Portland, temperatures will rise to a possible high of 39 degrees Wednesday, Schroeter said.

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