Winter Storm Slams Maine, Causes Widespread Power Outages

A nor'easter blew into Maine Thursday, pounding the state with heavy, wet snow and strong gusty winds that knocked out power to more than 100,000 Emera Maine and Central Maine Power customers.

The National Weather Service in Caribou Friday morning said that many areas in northern Maine could get up to 18 inches of snow, while the Greenville area could see up to two feet of snow.

The weather service said the storm will gradually wind down by late morning, but strong gusty winds will mean blowing and drifting snow throughout the day.

The wind gusts have led to power outages throughout the state. At about 8:15 a.m., Central Maine Power's website was reporting more than 97,000 outages, with more than 22,000 outages in both Cumberland and Kennebec counties.

Emera Maine said the storm knocked out power to nearly 15,000 customers, with Penobscot and Hancock counties getting hit the hardest.

The utility said crews will work to restore power throughout the day and into the weekend. Some customers in rural areas may not get their power back until Saturday.

Many businesses are closed for the day or are opening late. Governor LePage said the opening of State Offices would be delayed.