A winter storm blowing across Maine on Thursday could dump up to 18 inches of snow way up north.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for northern Maine, while a winter weather advisory has been issued for the remainder of the state. Both remain in effect through Thursday night.
The heaviest impact will be felt toward the top of the crown of Maine, where 12 to 18 inches are forecast for the St. John Valley and 8 to 12 inches in Presque Isle and Caribou, according to the weather service station in Caribou.
That could fall at a rate of 1 to 2 inches an hour at times.
Other areas where more significant accumulation is expected include Greenville (6 to 8 inches), Millinocket (6 to 8 inches) and Lincoln (4 to 6 inches).
That falls off more and more toward the coast. Greater Bangor is forecast to see about 3 inches of snow, while 3 to 4 inches are on tap for Ellsworth, Bar Harbor and Machias. Just 2 to 3 inches are forecast for Eastport, the weather service reported.
Across the highlands, eastern and Down East Maine, that snow is expected to transition to a wintry mix, freezing rain and sleet, which could produce an icy glaze of 0.1 inches.
The weather service warned Mainers to be mindful of slippery roads.
“The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes,” the weather service said in an advisory.
Once the storm moves out later on Thursday, strong westerly winds will move into the state. On Friday, gusts up to 40 to 45 mph are forecast for Greater Bangor, Ellsworth and Eastport, while they could reach up to 50 mph on Mount Desert Island.
Up north, gusts could range from 45 to 55 mph from Presque Isle to Fort Kent.
Before Mainers even get a chance to dig themselves out, another storm is on tap for the weekend that could bring more significant accumulation to much of the state.
