CARIBOU — The first significant snowstorm of the season dropped 8 inches of snow on some portions of southern and central Aroostook County, according to the National Weather Service.
Blaine, in central Aroostook, picked up 8½ inches, while Houlton picked up 8 inches, said Tim Duda, meteorologist at the NWS office in Caribou.
Initial forecasts Thursday had called for up to 10 inches with hazardous driving conditions caused by strong winds in parts of Aroostook, but “blowing and drifting snow did not end up being a big problem,” Duda said.
In Washington County, the storm did not end up leaving that big of an impact. Vanceboro, with 4 inches, ended up seeing the most snow from the storm, said Duda.
Bangor and surrounding communities picked up just a trace amount, while the rest of the state experienced a cold rain. There were a number of delays and cancellations in Aroostook County, and ice and snow on the roadways made for slick travel. Several schools let classes out early.
In Presque Isle on Friday, Jim Heath was busy snowblowing his driveway. “I sure hated to dust off my snowblower,” he said Friday. “But my grandkids were so happy to be out there making snow angels that I guess in the end I did not mind.”
Duda said there is no sign of stormy weather through the end of next week. “In fact, temperatures are supposed to be above average,” he said. “They should be in the high 30s and close to 40.”
