The storm that is on the approach to the Midcoast is packing a powerful breeze. According to a marine safety bulletin from the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Northern New England, in South Portland, the winter storm has intensified and predictions indicate sustained winds could reach 55 knots, especially Down East. The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for Knox and Waldo counties, with strong winds expected tonight into Friday morning.

Seas off the Maine coast are expected to build to 20 feet.

High wind warnings reference wind speeds that are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria in the next 12 to 48 hours. (Typical values are sustained wind speeds of 40 mph or greater lasting for one hour or longer, or winds of 58 mph or greater for any duration).

An intensifying low pressure system will generate strong southeasterly winds ahead of it as it moves along the Maine coastline. As the system departs to the northeast tonight winds will shift to the west and could gust as high as 55 mph, the NWS said in its alert.

High Wind Warning remains in effect from 7 p.m. this evening to noon EST Friday.

• Winds: southeast 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.
• Timing: The strongest winds will arrive during the late evening hours along the Maine coastline. Winds become westerly and strengthen again after midnight.
• Impacts: strong winds could bring down tree limbs and cause scattered power outages.

 The NWS said at 9 a.m. this morning: “High pressure will exit the region this morning. All eyes then shift to low pressure system that will develop off the southern New England coast and race into Maine tonight. Snow will initially break out by noon across western portions of the area...but because of the near to the coast storm track...a change to rain is expected for the coastal areas and some interior parts of western Maine. Farther west across the mountains and foothills...a heavy snowfall is expected. The storm system will exit the region Friday morning. High pressure will quickly build over the region early Saturday, followed by a weak area of low pressure passing by Saturday night. High pressure will return on Sunday and for the beginning of next week.” Recommended actions

A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage.

Storm tips

Before:

• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Know where to shelter (ie: basement, interior room/hall, bathroom, closet, etc) if conditions warrant and where shelters in your area are located.
• Ensure your home is ready - Elevate items in the basement which could be flooded. Bring in outdoors items such as children''s toys, patio furniture, garbage cans, etc which could be blown around and damaged. Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.
• More:
• What to do before severe weather.

noaa.gov 

 

Detailed Forecast

TodayRain and snow. The rain and snow could be heavy at times. High near 38. Breezy, with a northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.TonightRain and snow before 7pm, then rain between 7pm and 5am, then a chance of rain and snow after 5am. The rain and snow could be heavy at times. Some thunder is also possible. Low around 35. Very windy, with a southeast wind 25 to 30 mph becoming east 35 to 40 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.FridayA chance of rain and snow, mainly between 8am and 9am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 38. Windy, with a southwest wind 30 to 35 mph decreasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 18. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph.SaturdayA 40 percent chance of snow showers after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 29. West wind 10 to 15 mph.Saturday NightSnow showers likely, mainly before 3am. Cloudy, with a low around 24. Chance of precipitation is 70%.New Year's DayMostly sunny, with a high near 39.Sunday NightMostly clear, with a low around 20.MondayMostly sunny, with a high near 32.Monday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 25.TuesdayRain and snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 41. Chance of precipitation is 70%.Tuesday NightShowers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 33. Chance of precipitation is 70%.WednesdayA 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43.