“Monday’s storm was considered a blizzard,” stated Matt Doody, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Caribou. “Criteria for a blizzard includes winds gusts of 30 mph or higher, visibility at one-quarter of a mile or less for at least three hours accompanied by snowfall — and we did see all of this in Aroostook County.”
Houlton and south saw the greatest snowfall totals with 11 inches being recorded in Houlton. In Caribou 6.2 inches of snow were recorded with the same in surrounding areas. Stockholm was said to have received one of the highest snowfalls at 12 inches; Van Buren recorded 6 inches while Fort Kent received only 4 inches during the harshest storm of the season thus far.
The snowfall totals might have been light but gusting winds causing blowing and drifting snow created hazardous travel conditions. Luckily, with school out and many state and federal offices closed, traffic was light and snow-plowing crews were able to do their work without interference.