Winter Weather — Northern Somerset, Maine

2023-11-27 · Northern Somerset, Maine

Event narrative

Storm total snow accumulations ranged from 5 to 7 inches.

Wider weather episode

Strong upper level dynamics supported the development of a rapidly intensifying coastal low. The low lifted across Maine through the 27th. The rapidly tightening pressure gradient supported a strong south/southeast low level jet which crossed Maine to the east of the low track during the morning. The strongest winds occurred along the Downeast coast and coastal waters where 50 to 60 mph gusts were common...with peak wind gusts around 65 mph. A maximum wind gust of 67 mph was measured at the Jonesport buoy. A 66 mph gust was measured at Blue Hill in Hancock county. The winds brought down trees and snapped branches...with wet soil contributing to the fallen trees. Numerous reports of downed trees and power lines were received along the Downeast coast. Some roads were blocked and closed due to downed trees and power lines. At the Milbridge harbor...5 boats broke from their moorings due to a combination of the strong winds and rough seas. Two of the boats were destroyed. One of these boats was driven against a pier which was heavily damaged. Wind gusts across interior Downeast areas generally ranged from 35 to 45 mph...though a 60 mph gust was reported at Bangor. Power outages exceeded 10000 customers. Coastal flooding was not a significant concern during this event. However...water levels did approach some roads along with splash-over from large waves.

The system drew warm air north. However...enough cold air was initially in place to support precipitation in the form of snow across northern Maine before a transition to rain. Across the Saint John Valley...snow accumulations generally ranged from 2 to 4 inches. The heaviest snow occurred across extreme northwest Maine...where totals of 5 to 7 inches occurred along portions of the Maine/Quebec border.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1147869. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.