SCARBOROUGH, Maine (AP) — New England is grappling with a severe winter storm that has dumped snow, ice, and freezing rain across the region, creating extremely hazardous driving conditions and prompting numerous school closures on Wednesday.
Many districts announced closures or delayed openings due to unsafe road conditions, although the total snowfall was not expected to be significant. Nonetheless, with icy conditions still forecast for the morning and afternoon, school administrators emphasized the importance of safety for students and staff.
“With icy conditions forecast during both the morning and afternoon bus routes, ensuring the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority,” commented a representative from Maine Regional School Unit 21 in Kennebunk.
The icy weather caused thousands of power outages primarily in Maine, while some areas received up to a tenth of an inch of ice which, although not enough for significant power disruptions, was sufficient to create hazardous driving conditions.
All six New England states were under winter weather advisories, with forecasts indicating that hazardous weather could reoccur later in the week, potentially leading to more school closures and travel issues.
Jerry Combs, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, noted that while some areas might see minimal snowfall of two inches, the freezing rain and sleet posed a significant risk. As the icy weather continues, officials are preparing for the forecasted rain and potential further snow expected by weekend.
Emergency services reported multiple accidents and vehicle incidents, but thankfully, no serious injuries had yet been reported by late Wednesday morning.
A mix of winter weather conditions is complexifying the daily commutes and life for residents, illustrating the ongoing challenges of dealing with extreme weather exigencies in New England.
