special weather statement

Statement as of 11:12 am EST on February 8, 2013

Blizzard Warning expires 4:00 PM EST on February 09, 2013

Blizzard Warning remains in effect from 6 PM this evening to

4 PM EST Saturday.

* locations... Androscoggin... Kennebec... interior Waldo... and

interior Cumberland counties in Maine.

* Hazard types... heavy snow... with significant blowing and

drifting. Damaging winds possible late tonight into Saturday

morning.

* Accumulations... snow accumulation of 18 to 24 inches.

* Timing... light to occasionally moderate snow will fall today

amounting to a few inches. Conditions will rapidly deteriorate

late this afternoon and continue through Saturday... with heavy

snow and blowing snow. The worst conditions are expected after

midnight tonight through Saturday morning.

* Impacts... snow covered roads and low visibilities. Blowing and

drifting snow is likely. Whiteout conditions are likely at

times. North to northeasterly winds may become damaging for a

time late tonight into Saturday resulting in power outages.

* Winds... north 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

* Visibilities... one quarter mile or less at times.

* Temperatures... 8 to 24 above.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are

expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds

and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout

conditions... making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If

you must travel... have a winter survival kit with you. If you get

stranded... stay with your vehicle.

During extended power outages one of the greatest hazards is the

improper use of generators... as well as alternate heating and

cooking sources... that result in Carbon monoxide poisoning.