HOULTON, Maine — Residents of Aroostook County spent the weekend digging out from a blizzard as bitterly cold temperatures also embraced the area.
Priscilla Farrar, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Caribou, said Monday that snowfall predicted for the day would not be as heavy or accumulate as fast as it did during the winter storm that blew through the state last Thursday and Friday.
“We are only expecting approximately one to four inches in Aroostook County,” she said. “The winds also are not going to be as strong or the temperatures as cold.”
Police across Aroostook County reported numerous accidents and cars off the road following the blizzard. Mainers also experienced a significant cold snap from Dec. 27 through Sunday, when daytime temperatures in much of the state peaked in the single digits and fell below zero at night.
Farrar said that last week’s blizzard dropped the most snow on Madawaska, where 22 inches was reported. The winter storm also dumped 18.8 inches on Caribou, 18 inches on Presque Isle and 17 inches Houlton.
Temperatures were “really cold” last week, according to Farrar. Thermometers recorded temperatures as low as 22 degrees below zero in Presque Isle, minus 19 in Caribou and minus 20 in Houlton on Jan. 3.
The snowpack in Aroostook County stood at 27 inches before Monday’s snowfall, according to the meteorologist.
A hazardous weather outlook was extended across Aroostook County Monday, as the storm will bring not only snow but light winds to the area from the south, with gusts of between 5 to 10 mph.
Farrar said that snow showers also are possible for Tuesday. There is some light on the horizon, however.
“Temperatures are supposed to warm up by the end of the week,” she explained. “It should be up to 40 degrees by Friday.”
