March nor'easter delivers double-digit snowfall

(TODD GUTNER BLOG) — Low pressure is centered off of the Cape Cod National Seashore right now. It's whipping heavy bands of snow, and strong wind gusts northward into Maine. Snow and wind will peak over the next few hours as the center swirls into the Gulf of Maine.

Snow rates within some of the heavier bands will top 1" per hour as the best lift passes overhead this morning. As we head into the afternoon, snow will begin tapering off as drier air helps decay the heavier, steady bands.

Looks like Sanford hit the jackpot with 18.5" recorded so far according to National Weather Service. Saco had a close second wit 16". Over in New Hampshire, looks like the bullseye was Sunapee with 18".

RELATED | Snowfall totals

Road conditions will improve quite a bit later today, but right now still a not so great experience. I-95 Southbound is closed at Portsmouth, NH due to powerlines across the road. NH DOT says to expect the road to be closed through early afternoon.

Power outages have been mounting, and there are thousands without power in York County. Thankfully I haven't seen many gusts over 40 mph, and the window for them to occur is closing as the low-level jet pivots east. However, the snow has clung to everything and the weight on tree branches may be too much. Based on the current winds and snow amounts, 9-10" of heavy wet snow seems to be the threshold for when they occur. We have a link below that will take you to CMP and Emera Maine outage lists.

Behind this storm, another powerful low will spin up in the Canadian Maritimes Friday night. The jet stream will tug it back to the west injecting some snow into Eastern and Northern Maine. It doesn't look like a lot at the moment, but a few inches is very possible.

But wait, there's more...the pattern is locked in and very conducive to big storms. Another threat from a powerful Nor'easter early next week. This one will be close, really close.

Todd Gutner

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