Winter Storm, Severe

Descriptions:

Blizzard: Sustained winds or frequent gusts of thirty-five miles per hour (mph). Falling or blowing snow with visibility less than a quarter mile for greater than three hours.

Ice Storm: Rain which freezes upon impact. Ice coating at least one-half inch in thickness is heavy enough to damage trees, overhead wires, and similar objects and to produce widespread power outage.

Sleet Storm: One-half inch or more of frozen rain drops (ice pellets) which bounce when hitting the ground or other objects.

Snow Storm: National Weather Service (NWS) Caribou forecast area: Seven inches or more within twelve hours or ten inches or more within twenty-four hours.

NWS Gray forecast area: Six inches or more within twelve hours or nine inches or more within twenty-four hours.

Secondary Effects:

Hazardous driving conditions due to ice and snow on highways and bridges; loss of power and telephone service when utility lines yield under the weight of ice and snow; emergency services (police, fire, ambulance) unable to respond due to road conditions; emergency needs of remote or isolated residents for food or fuel, as well as feed, water, and shelter for livestock.

Vulnerability:

The entire State is vulnerable to severe winter storms. The western portion and northern portion have generally greater accumulations of snow with coastal areas receiving more incidents of freezing rain and sleet due to the moderating influences of the ocean. Coastal areas are also susceptible to tide surges and subsequent flooding when high winds accompany coastal storms.

Damages resulting from a severe coastal winter storm with tide surges resulted in a Presidential disaster declaration in 1978. An ice storm in 1998 resulted in over $140 million in damages and a Presidential disaster declaration.

Mitigation:

The NWS has developed effective weather advisories which are promptly and widely distributed. Radio and television provide the most immediate means to do this. Accurate public information, including recommended actions to prepare for adverse weather conditions continue to be most effective in preventing loss of life and minimizing property damages.

Citizens should be encouraged to keep posted on weather conditions and prepare early for anticipated severe storm warnings. These preparations should include an adequate supply of food, fuel, medical items, battery powered radio, and flashlight. Adequate insulation and winter proofing of homes will result in increased comfort in cold weather.

The Department of Transportation is responsible for the removal of snow and treatment of snow and ice with sand, salt and/or chemicals on primary highways and bridges. The Public Works Departments and road commissioners of local jurisdictions are responsible for the clearing and sanding of local roadways.

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MAINE PREPARES

Winter Storm, Severe

Descriptions:

Secondary Effects:

Vulnerability:

Mitigation:

MAINE HAZARDS