MAINE, USA — We're on the edge of the storm coming in Sunday, and the overall message hasn't changed. The most snow will be near the coast and in eastern Maine, with much less inland.
The watches and warnings issued by the weather service tell the story pretty well. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for coastal Hancock and most of Washington counties. This is where 6" or more of snow is most likely and the most impact will be.
A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for York county, Portland, the Midcoast and Bangor area. This is where the plows will likely have to come out, but there will be a limited impact.
No advisories are up for the hills and mountains, where there will only be snow showers with light accumulations.
Light snow will start early Sunday afternoon in southern Maine -- probably around 2 or 3 p.m. in Portland -- and during the mid to late afternoon in central and eastern Maine -- closer to 5 or 6 p.m. in Bangor.
It still looks like the heaviest snow bands will remain offshore, keeping totals on the low side for most.
But roads will become snow-covered and slippery for any travel late Sunday afternoon and this evening.
As Mike discussed in his blog last night, if any of these bands do break off and move on shore though, there would be heavier snow in southern Maine. That's a fairly low chance at this point but we'll watch the radar just to see.
Over Downeast Maine, it's likely some of this heavier snow will move in Sunday night, and that's why expected totals are higher there.
A round of snow squalls is possible on the back side of the system around midnight.
By Monday morning, it's long gone, but lingering slick spots are likely.
Most of the state picks up 1-3". But closer to the coast there could be a bit more than 3", which is why we are keeping the 3-6" range there. The highest chance for 6" or more will be Downeast.
Check in with Mike for updates tonight and be safe.