CARIBOU, Maine — The National Weather Service Office in Caribou has issued an urgent winter storm warning for the local area beginning at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, 2017, and going through 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 15.
The Nor’easter is expected to impact northwest and northeast Aroostook County, including the local communities of Allagash, Clayton Lake, Madawaska, Fort Kent, Frenchville, Presque Isle, Caribou, Van Buren, Mars Hill, Baker Lake and Billy-Jack Depot.
The storm will track northeast from the Mid-Atlantic region Tuesday and across the Gulf of Maine on Tuesday night, weakening as it tracks through the state on Wednesday.
The NWS forecasts snow accumulation of 14 to 22 inches in northern Maine with heavy and blowing snow. The heavy snow and strong winds will create treacherous traveling and may cause near whiteout conditions at times later Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night.
Northeast winds are expected to be 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph, and temperatures in the lower 20s. Visibility may be one-quarter mile or less at times.
A winter storm warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Motorists are advised to travel only in an emergency. Those who must travel should keep an extra flashlight, food and water in their vehicles in case of an emergency.
