Updated at 2 p.m.

The nor’easter continues to howl across the areas with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour common along the coast.  Late this morning two bands were affecting much of southern Maine with heavy snow.

Snowfall will be moderate to heavy for the rest of the afternoon until the storm starts winding down in the early evening.  Snow should end in the  Portland area and over much of coastal southern Maine about 8 p.m.

Many areas had seen over 6 inches of snow by early afternoon, with much more on the way.  Totals will reach and exceed a foot of snow along the coast and foothills with less accumulation in the mountains.

Snow continued to fall early this afternoon across much of southern Maine. The heaviest snow was along and south of the Maine Turnpike. NOAA

Morning Update

Today’s nor’easter is going to be a fun one to watch but not participate in.  This won’t be a record-breaking snowstorm, but will bring a healthy dose of snow to Maine’s largest cities and towns including Greater Portland.  During the height of the storm through the middle of the day snowfall rates could exceed 2 inches per hour, mostly likely along the coastline and just inland.

Snow will be heaviest from roughly 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and at its peak we could see 3-6 inches of snow in a few short hours in coastal Maine. The snow will be less intense in the mountains, but even there a plowable storm will occur.  In York County, it shouldn’t surprise you to hear thunder and see some lightning during the storm.  If that happens, you are experiencing thundersnow and some of the most intense snowfall rates we see.

This is a fast-moving storm, and should be all but over by 9-11 p.m.  Some snow will continue Downeast into the early morning hours Friday.

Although it’s not very cold this morning, temperatures are going to fall all day and be in the teens this evening.  With the wind and blowing snow, it will be necessary to dress appropriately.   Wind chill readings head near zero by dark.

Snow overspreads the area rapidly this morning and exits this evening after a major snowfall (WeatherBell Analytics) WeatherBell Analytics

While a foot or more of snow is possible in the hardest hit areas, the snow will generally be light and powdery. You can thank temperatures in the 20s for that.

Coastal areas which will be closest to the center of the storm will see the most snow. Dave Epstein

Along the coast a coastal flood advisory is posted.  This is the least severe of the coastal advisories and means coastal flooding isn’t going to be a big issue.

There may be some splash over and a few road closures at the time of high tide today Dave Epstein/NOAA Data

Coastal flood advisories are posted for Thursday during the time of high tide mid-morning and mid-evening. 

A winter storm warning is posted for much of southern Maine, with advisories in the mountains where there will be less snow.  Travel is not recommended today during the height of the storm along the coast.

Winter Storm Warnings are posted for Greater Portland today. Dave Epstein Data/NOAA

A bit of light snow is likely on Saturday, but a more important storm needs to be watched for Sunday night and early Monday.  This system could bring more accumulating snow to the area.

You can follow Dave Epstein’s forecast on Twitter @growingwisdom