A storm that dropped another half-foot of snow on southern Maine overnight has moved out of the area, but has left behind a slippery morning commute.
The National Weather Service said most parts of York and Cumberland counties received between 5 and 7 inches of snow overnight. After a lull during the day, the storm is likely to resume later Thursday and last until early Friday.
Chris Kimble of the National Weather Service in Gray said overnight snowfall totals are still coming in, but early reports show 7 inches in Limington and 5.1 inches in Gray. He said most of the area received up to 7 or 8 inches overnight, but that the snow has ended in southern Maine for the day.
Temperatures in the Portland area should reach 29 Thursday. The average daily temperature through Tuesday was 11.9 degrees, putting this month on track to become the coldest February on record, according to the weather service. On Sunday, temperatures are expected to reach 36 degrees in Portland.
There were no reported accidents in the Portland area early Thursday, but roads are snow-covered and slick across the area. The speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph for the length of the Maine Turnpike, from Kittery to New Gloucester.
A Maine State Police dispatcher said there were no reported accidents Thursday morning, but there were several slide-offs with no injuries overnight. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office reported no accidents, but said they are beginning to take reports of slide-offs as the morning commute begins.
Several towns and cities have parking bans in effect until Friday morning, including Old Orchard Beach, Scarborough and Sanford. Portland’s overnight parking ban was lifted at 6 a.m. Thursday.
Southern Maine Agency on Aging announced Meals on Wheels will not be delivered Thursday and clients should use their storm packs.
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