A cold weather warning has been issued by the National Weather Service ahead of high winds that will create frigid conditions this evening.
According to the weather service, central Somerset, northern Franklin, northern Oxford counties could see wind chills as low as negative 25 Thursday evening. Central and northern Piscataquis, northwest Aroostook, and northern Somerset Counties could see a wind chill of negative 28.
Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures, and people are urged to wear appropriate warm clothing when doing outdoor activities. It is also important to keep your pets from getting frostbite — don’t leave them outside for any length of time in negative temperatures.
The cold weather and wind chill warning is in effect from 9 p.m. Thursday to 8 a.m. Friday.
Throughout the day Thursday, parts of The County will experience heavy snow showers and high winds that will make travel difficult. The snow showers are likely to affect travel on U.S. Route 1 between Presque Isle and Madawaska, and Route 11 between Ashland and Portage.
Visibility is expected to be around half a mile during the snow showers.
A hazardous weather warning is in effect for much of central, eastern and Down East Maine as an arctic cold front moves through the area. Heavy snow showers are possible, and conditions are expected to quickly change throughout the afternoon and into Friday morning.
