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It's No Trick: First Winter Storm of the Season This Weekend

October 28, 2011

3:30 PM

Ready or not, the season’s first major winter storm is expected this weekend. Maine Emergency Management Agency is reminding residents and visitors to take precautions at home and on the road.

The National Weather Service has posted Winter Storm Watches for much of Maine, with heavy, wet snow and high winds expected Saturday evening into Sunday.

NWS is expecting precipitation to begin by sundown on Saturday in southern Maine, moving north and east through the evening, and ending Sunday morning or afternoon, depending on where you are. Precipitation may begin as rain and may end as rain as well along the coast, but snow is expected in all areas. Close to a foot of snow is possible in some areas of the western mountains.

NWS is expecting slippery driving conditions, and downed limbs and power outages from the heavy, wet snow and gusty winds.

With the first winter storm of the season coming as an early Halloween surprise, MEMA reminds everyone to:

• Pay close attention to the latest weather forecasts and warnings for your area.
• Before the storm, check on your emergency supplies such as batteries, water, food and medications.
• Check on neighbors, relatives and friends who might need help getting ready for the storm, or cleaning up after it.
• Remember your winter driving habits. Slow down, and stay well back from the car in front of you. If you don't need to drive Saturday evening and Sunday morning, don't.
• Stay away from any downed power lines and report them to your electric utility.
• If you lose power, use generators and alternate heat sources safely. Generators should only be set up outdoors, at least 15 feet away from doors and windows.

NWS Watches and Warnings and more emergency preparedness and safety tips are available at Maine Prepares.

You can also sign up to receive weather warnings and other emergency information via e-mail or text.

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