Anyone hoping to pick up that last-minute Valentine’s Day gift got more than they bargained for as the first major storm of the season dumped roughly a foot of new white stuff throughout Aroostook County.
While candy and flowers continued to be popular purchases for the festive holiday, shoppers could also be seen toting shovels and window brushes from area merchants.
Law enforcement were kept busy, as drifting snow made visibility an issue for many drivers. Route 1A proved difficult for this reason, hindering traffic to a crawl at best while road crews cleared lanes and wreckers removed motorists who’d been unfortunate enough to hit drifts, ending up off the road.
The Presque Isle Police Department answered several calls of minor fender benders in local parking lots and along city streets and roads. Most were limited to minor damage claims, with no reports of serious injuries. Police advice to use caution when driving, following the last snowfall, appeared to have been heeded with this storm.
“Using caution when driving this time of year is important. Cleaning windows, allowing adequate space between vehicles, cleaning lights and driving a bit slower based on road conditions – they’re all important measures that could save a life,” said Chief Naldo Gagnon, of the PIPD.
Though many businesses and schools closed early on Thursday due to the storm, some businesses actually saw an increase in customers as snowmobilers started showing up, attracted by the accumulation of white stuff on nearby trails. Sled traffic continued to flow throughout the County over the weekend, as enthusiasts took advantage of the belated snowfall.
The Maine Warden Service advises sledders to use caution when riding.
“Remember to ride safe and ride right on the trail. We’ve been lucky and haven’t had many serious accidents this year. But the snow came late and a lot of folks are trying to make up the time they missed. It’s important to remember it’s more fun when you operate machines in a safe manner,” said Sgt. Tom Ward, of the Maine Warden Service.
