The National Weather Service is predicting a significant storm in Maine this weekend.
Widespread double-digit snowfall is expected in areas across the state by the end of Sunday. A potential storm surge could also cause minor flooding Sunday morning along coastal areas near Portland and farther south.
Derek Schroeter of the National Weather Service in Gray says the storm is not something to scoff at.
"In general this is kind of a once-in-a-year type storm,” Schroeter says. “So, you know, it's looking like it's definitely going to be the biggest storm of the year."
Schroeter says that as the snow fall wraps up, significant cold air will enter the region keeping temperatures well below freezing.
"We're looking at some pretty significant cold air moving in behind the storm. Lows Sunday night into Monday will be below zero up north and single digits south."
Although the National Weather Service is still working ahead of Sunday’s storm, but many of its employees are not collecting pay, as a result of the partial federal government shutdown.
Schroeter couldn't speak directly about the furlough, but said the service will continue throughout the storm with normal staff and potentially extra help.
"Operations is running business as usual in terms to make sure that we're adequately putting out warnings efficiently to protect life and property," says Schroeter.
Originally published 2:59 p.m. Jan. 18, 2019
