A major ocean storm moving up the East Coast could dump buckets of snow across Maine this weekend.
A winter storm watch has been issued for the Down East, coastal Maine and some inland areas in anticipation of the weekend storm, according to the National Weather Service.
Blizzard conditions are possible, and winds could gust up to 55 mph on Saturday, the weather service office in Caribou warned. Significant blowing and drifting snow is possible, making travel dangerous.
The storm is currently expected to reach Maine sometime on Saturday and linger into Sunday, and could bring 10 to 16 inches of snow to the Down East region. Southern and coastal Maine could get 6 inches of snow, but accumulations of over a foot are possible, depending on the track of the storm.
Here is a look at the chances of 12″ (left) and 6″ (right) Saturday into Saturday night. There is moderate chance of a foot or more of snow across Downeast Maine, with the greatest chances across coastal Washington County. #MEwx pic.twitter.com/Yuj5hJw6ta
— NWS Caribou (@NWSCaribou) January 27, 2022
Forecasters at the weather service office in Gray said on Thursday evening that the storm could change course and impact snowfall totals.
Forecasters are more certain of the threat of looming high winds, which could lead to power outages, blowing snow, erosion and coastal flooding, and will make open water dangerous to operate craft on.
The Maine Emergency Management Agency has issued a warning that advises Mainers to stay inside when possible, maintain contact with others and take proper precautions to maintain warmth and resources during the storm.