WGAN – Rain, Wind, Snow, Sleet, Whiteouts, floods…just about everything except maybe lighting and tornadoes were reported in the state today, just depending on where you were.

In the areas just north and west of Portland snow was the big problem.  Up to 3 inches of snow, per hour, fell causing accidents and often white out conditions in some areas.  Along the turnpike it was often challenging to even drive 15 MPH, let alone reach the posted reduced speed limit of 45 MPH.  There were several cars that slid off the road or crashed into a guardrail.  The Maine Emergency Management Agency asked drivers to stay off the road if possible.

In the Portland area, York County and along the coast the problem turned to the wind.  The roads were mostly okay as the warm air changed any snow at the onset to rain, however winds up to 65 MPH toppled trees into homes, cars and even houses and knocking out power to around 10,000 CMP customers.  The wind came to an end mostly around 2pm as the sun was seen in Portland for the first time, however the National Weather Service is warning strong winds could continue until 4pm when the High Wind Warning is set to expire.