SCARBOROUGH, Maine (AP) — Winter weather caused chaos across New England on Wednesday, as a mixture of snow, ice, and freezing rain led to hazardous driving conditions and the closure of numerous schools.
The combination of slick roads and heavy precipitation made it unsafe for school buses to operate. Districts across the region opted to delay or cancel classes to ensure student safety.
In southern Maine, residents reported ice coating trees and power lines. While the accumulation was expected to be less than the typical threshold for widespread power outages, thousands experienced outages due to falling limbs.
The Maine Regional School Unit 21 stated, With icy conditions forecast during both the morning and afternoon bus routes, ensuring the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. Children in the affected areas will face disruptions in their academic routines, as school administrations strive to make responsible decisions.
Reports indicated that highway authorities in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts experienced numerous incidents of accidents and spinouts on slick roads. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported as of late Wednesday morning, although major airports were busy de-icing planes in response to icy conditions.
Weather advisories were issued across all six New England states, with warnings that more severe weather could arrive late in the week. Another system may bring rain on Friday, followed by the risk of snow again on Saturday and Sunday, potentially complicating travel once more.
During a winter weather advisory, the National Weather Service noted that messy conditions could arise even without significant snowfall, emphasizing the safety issues presented by ice and sleet.
That was for the freezing rain and sleet and snow mixture, said Jerry Combs, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. That makes the road conditions that much worse.
As the region braces for additional winter storms, residents are advised to stay safe and informed about weather conditions.
