Weather service warns of potential for snow squalls

5 years ago

CARIBOU, Maine — National Weather Service forecasters warn residents of northern Maine of the potential for dangerous snow squalls Wednesday afternoon into early evening, including during the evening commute.

Rich Norton, meteorologist at the NWS Caribou office, said that the squalls likely will travel from west to east.

The squalls could start around 3 p.m. and continue until 7 p.m. with wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour during the period.

“It has the potential to be dangerous due to high winds and limited visibility,” he said. “The intensity of the snow, combined with the visibility issue, could be an issue for drivers.”

Light snow started falling early in Aroostook County, but quickly ceased without much accumulation.

This Sunday, however, there is the potential for significantly more snow.

“We are looking at a significant event,” he said. “It is hard to forecast right now because our precipitation grids do not go out that far.”

He said that there is the potential for at least seven inches in 12 hours, possibly more, with the potential for the storm to start Saturday evening and go into Sunday or just begin Sunday and continue throughout the day.

Motorists are encouraged to slow down and not tailgate during storms, keep headlights on, and not to use cruise control in snow and ice.