Maine Winter Storm: Travel Impacts & Parking Bans Friday Evening

A winter storm is forecast to bring significant snowfall and hazardous travel conditions to much of Maine through Saturday, prompting winter storm warnings and advisories across the state. Coastal areas are bracing for potential ice jams as temperatures fluctuate.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for interior York County, extending into southern Carroll County, New Hampshire, effective until February 21st at 7:00 AM EST. A winter weather advisory is in effect for Cumberland, Androscoggin, Oxford, Kennebec, Sagadahoc, Franklin, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo counties, as well as coastal York County, and portions of New Hampshire, from Friday evening through Saturday morning. Coastal Hancock County is under a similar advisory from Friday evening.

The heaviest snowfall is expected during the evening commute on Friday, with snowfall rates potentially reaching one inch per hour in heavier bursts. The snow is anticipated to move into western Maine late Friday afternoon, spreading eastward throughout the evening. Accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are possible overnight, with localized amounts potentially reaching 4 to 6 inches. Roads are expected to become snow-covered and slippery.

The city of Portland and other Maine communities have preemptively issued parking bans in anticipation of the storm. The Maine Principals’ Association has also adjusted the start times for Friday’s high school basketball regional championship games, relocating them to the Portland Expo, Augusta Civic Center, and Cross Insurance Center in Bangor to mitigate travel risks.

Current conditions as of 12:55 PM EST at Pease Air Force Base / Portsmouth (KPSM) show overcast skies, a temperature of 37°F (3°C), 75% humidity, and easterly winds at 7 mph. Visibility is at 10 miles, with a wind chill of 32°F (0°C). Sanford Regional Airport (KSFM) reports a few clouds, a temperature of 38°F (3°C), and 70% humidity.

Looking ahead to the weekend, light snow is expected to linger into Saturday morning before tapering off around midday. Highs on Saturday are forecast to be in the upper 20s to mid-30s.

Meteorologists are also monitoring a second weather system expected to impact the region Sunday night into Monday. This system, a coastal low, is currently projected to pass near or south of New England. The exact track remains uncertain, but the most likely scenario suggests a glancing blow with periods of light snow brushing the coast. Accumulations are expected to be generally an inch or less, with gusty onshore winds potentially creating slick road conditions early Monday. However, a closer track of the low could bring several more inches of snow and stronger winds, particularly to coastal and southern Maine, leading to more significant travel disruptions.

Maine’s Total Weather team emphasizes that impacts from the Sunday/Monday system appear limited at this time, with moderate to high confidence in a low-end event. They will continue to monitor model runs closely for any shifts in the storm’s track. Dry and seasonable weather is anticipated for Tuesday and the midweek period.

Maine’s Total Weather, consistently recognized for its forecast accuracy – certified most accurate in the Portland market for nine consecutive years by WeatheRate – is led by chief meteorologist Roger Griswold, and meteorologists Ted McInerney, Colleen Hurley, Victoria Wisniewski, and Emily Pike. The team’s forecasting contributed to WMTW Channel 8 receiving the 2025 Maine Association of Broadcasters Award for Best Weathercast.

Residents are advised to exercise caution during travel, particularly during the evening commute on Friday and early Saturday, and to stay informed about evolving weather conditions and any local travel advisories or parking bans.