Winter Storm — Coastal Hancock, Maine

2023-03-14 to 2023-03-15 · Coastal Hancock, Maine

Event narrative

Storm total snow accumulations ranged from 4 to 7 inches. The majority of this snow occurred with a snow band which moved across the region during the time of the evening commute. Snowfall rates with this band ranged from 2 to 4 inches per hour. The snow band was accompanied by 50 to 60 mph wind gusts. The winds and snow rates produced near blizzard conditions for several hours...including during the evening commute which was significantly impacted. Numerous accidents occurred...with many vehicles also sliding off roads.

Wider weather episode

Rapidly intensifying low pressure tracked across the Gulf of Maine through the 14th. Snow developed during the afternoon of the 14th. A band of very heavy snow lifted across Downeast areas during the late afternoon into the evening. This band of snow significantly impacted the evening commute leading to very hazardous driving conditions. Snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour were common with the band...with an isolated report of up to 4 inches in an hour. Increasing winds also accompanied the band of heavy snow. Winds were sustained at 15 to 25 mph with gusts of generally 40 to 50 mph. However...some gusts in excess of 60 mph occurred along the Downeast coast. Offshore gusts of 60 to 70 mph occurred across the Gulf Of Maine. The very heavy snow and strong winds produced near blizzard conditions for several hours. The hazardous driving conditions led to many accidents...with other vehicles sliding off roads. A jack-knifed tractor trailer near Etna closed portions of I-95 northbound for several hours during the evening. Warning criteria conditions occurred during the evening.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1084650. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.