MaineDOT Warns Sagadahoc County Drivers: Intense Snow, Plowing May Pause

MaineDOT warned drivers that periods of intense snowfall and limited visibility during the Jan. 25 nor’easter could force plow operators to temporarily return to maintenance sheds, reducing winter maintenance response until conditions improved. The department urged motorists to use extreme caution and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, and reminded the public to stay well back from snowplows and give crews room to work.

“We want the public to know our crews are out there and working hard,” Acting Commissioner Dale Doughty said in the department’s Jan. 25 release. Doughty added, “This storm’s forecast is unique, in that it is calling for intense snowfall rates in some areas. When visibility drops to unsafe levels, we need to bring operators back in to protect them and the traveling public. Other areas in the state not impacted by such intense snowfall will conduct snow removal operations as normal.”

NEWS CENTER Maine meteorologists had forecast 12 to 18 inches across much of southern Maine from Sunday afternoon into Monday, with 8 to 12 inches for central Maine and up to 8 inches farther north. A narrow coastal band from Portland south along the York County coastline could see up to 2 feet where a coastal front and added moisture set up. The forecast said the snow would be “light and fluffy,” which reduces the risk of power outages, but temperatures were expected to remain very cold and the storm was forecast to wrap up Monday evening.

Observed accumulations reported by the National Weather Service, as cited by local coverage, already showed heavy pockets of snow: Kittery 18 to 20 inches, Portland more than a foot, and at least a foot in Augusta. Those totals underscore why MaineDOT warned that visibility during the heaviest bursts could become so limited that crews must pause plowing for safety. MaineDOT said crews and associated staff were working around the clock to keep roads passable, and that areas not seeing the most intense snowfall would continue normal operations.

The storm prompted municipal and institutional impacts across the state. City halls in Portland, Lewiston and Bangor were closed, parking bans were in place in most cities and towns, and school districts in Brunswick, Portland, Standish and Kennebunk closed on the morning of the storm. Governor Janet Mills urged caution: “Many people are used to cold winter weather, but these conditions still require caution,” and she encouraged residents to “take the forecast seriously, take precautions, limit travel if possible, and give plenty of room to our snow fighters and first responders working to keep our roads and communities safe.”

Utilities reported relatively few outages during the event. With low winds and temperatures cold enough to limit freezing rain, Central Maine Power reported fewer than 100 customers without power and Versant Power reported no outages as of 1:30 p.m. Local coverage also repeated standard safety reminders about equipment: avoid running snow blowers in enclosed spaces to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and never refuel a snow blower while it is running.

For Sagadahoc County drivers, the operational decision to pull plow operators during the worst visibility means secondary roads and side streets could take longer to clear during heavy bursts. MaineDOT said it would continue to share updates on social media throughout the storm. Residents should plan for slower snow removal during intense periods, limit travel when possible, give plows plenty of room, and monitor official MaineDOT and emergency channels for the next operational updates as cleanup and travel conditions evolve.