Winter Storm in Maine, April 3 to 5, 2024

Name: Winter Storm in Maine, April 3 to 5, 2024
Start: 2024-04-03T19:00
End: 2024-04-05T00:00
Location: Maine

April 3 to 5, 2024 · NWS GYX · 18 events in 18 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 18 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 18

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS GYX wrote it up.

Low pressure tracked trough the Mid Mississippi Valley on the 2nd to the southern tip of Lake Michigan, bringing a swath of heavy snow to parts of the Upper Midwest. High pressure building to the north of the storm forced it to stall and loop near Lake Michigan as the system became occluded. Early on the 3rd a strong cold air wedge was developing east of the Appalachians, and near this triple point a secondary low pressure center began to deepen. By the evening of the 3rd this was the dominant low center, and precipitation spread over New England as it tracked through Chesapeake Bay. The storm deepened further and occluded south of New England. Despite the calendar date, temperatures dropped into the low to mid 30s for most of northern New England, and a heavy, wet snow fell through the 4th. Low pressure meandered through the Gulf of Maine into the 5th, but the majority of the accumulating snowfall ended by the evening of the 4th. The storm ended up bringing a prolonged period of heavy snow that caused major power outages with thousands and thousands of downed trees along with countless snapped branches.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Gray, ME wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Apr 3, 5:58 PM EST, 1 hour 2 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Apr 3, 5:58 PM EST, 1 hour 2 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Gray ME
658 PM EDT Wed Apr 3 2024

.SYNOPSIS...
A major early spring snowstorm is under way across the forecast
area this afternoon. While precipitation is mainly in the form
of rain and sleet, snow will become the dominant precipitation
type through the evening, and become quite heavy at times. The
worst conditions, including a combination of heavy snow, strong
winds, and coastal flooding, will occur around Thursday morning.
Warmer temperatures near the coast may lead to sticky, wet snow
and associated damaged tree limbs and power outages. Snow
showers will linger through the first half of the weekend. After
that all attention will be on the eclipse Monday, where cloud
forecasts remain mostly clear.

&&

.NEAR TERM /TONIGHT/...
658 PM Update... Little to update right now other than the
usual loading in of current observations and smoothing out near
term trends to align with these obs. This didn't result in much
change, with the going forecast in good shape. Precipitation
continues to track north and overspread the region this evening,
with western and northern locations beginning the anticipated
transition to snow.

Previously...
...Major Long Duration Nor'Easter Impacts Region Tonight Into
Tomorrow...

What is new:

*Increased snow amounts a few inches along the ME coast,
 bringing some values just shy of a foot of snow. There will
 likely be a very sharp gradient of amounts with just a few
 inches of snow on immediate beaches, to significant amounts
 just inland.

*Increased wind and wind gusts on the western slopes of higher
 terrain, mainly the White Mountains due to downsloping. Peak
 gusts late tonight and Thursday morning may exceed 60 mph.

*See Coastal Flooding section for updates on expected surge and
 surf.

Precipitation continues to move north, whittling away dry air to
the NE. Surface flow has been relentless, and even drummed up
some convective seeder/feeder showers across interior ME this
afternoon. Some graupel was reported. These are amid a
distinctly different flow regime, with large scale surface
inflow from the NE, and overunning upper level SW. This
combination should further increase convergence tonight,
especially the higher terrain.

A mix of snow/sleet/rain is likely until sundown, then a trend
towards all snow takes place across the area. Other than SW NH
where a warm nose begins this evening, profiles are cold. And
with incoming dynamics, think there will be more flakes coming
down than rain for bulk of event north of southern NH. Colder
solutions today encouraged a shift towards double digit snow
totals for much of the coast, and this was the main change for
today's update. The incorporation of additional high res data
has also increased QPF amounts for the higher terrain, with 20
to 30 inches possible. Seeing this as plausible considering
higher ratios across the interior and lighter proximity to an
expected FGEN snow band that will develop and pivot along the ME
coast into Thursday.

HREF probs also shine light on much of interior locations seeing
8 or more inches of snow by 8am Thursday. This equates to very
heavy snow rates overnight, and can't rule out a rumble of
thunder with some observed to the south today. 1 to 2 inches per
hour is likely at peak intensity after midnight and before 9am
Thursday.

Snow consistency continues to be another main story, as wet snow
is expected for the coast and into portions of the interior. No
changes here, but the increase in amounts along the coast will
add to loading on trees.

Winds were largely left unchanged this package, however did
increase downslope winds west of the Whites through late tonight
into Thursday morning. Gusts have been very robust, up to 55
mph, in downslope regions of the Berks. With inversion setting
up above Mount Washington, believe some gusts over 60mph will be
possible towards Whitefield. Elsewhere, this will be a prolonged
event under windy conditions. Gusts that pick up this evening
will likely not abate until later Thursday afternoon/evening.

&&

.SHORT TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT/...
Storm will be underway across the area Thursday morning, and
the commute is expected to be treacherous. Not only will snow be
heavily falling, can imagine locations that have received
plowable snow already will also be experiencing debris in the
roadway from wind/snow loading. Travel is not advised.

Dry air aloft will move into much of the area midday Thursday,
and this...combined with warmer sfc temps...should limit additional
accumulations after 10am Thursday. That said, deformation zone
will still be over the region, and many hires models indicate
additional QPF from banding through the afternoon. Have adjusted
SLRs accordingly, but would not be surprised for a band
along/near the NH/ME border to continue to cause light snow
accumulations through the day. Some rain may begin to mix back
in along the Midcoast and into the ME capitol region.

This same story continues into Thursday night, although dynamics
will have slackened quite a bit and only expect additional light
accums across NH and the western ME higher terrain.

Wind gusts will slacken west to east Thursday afternoon, falling
below 25 mph after 8pm for all the area but the mountains and
towards central ME.

&&

.LONG TERM /FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
Overview: Upper low slowly drifts away from the region thru the
weekend. Seasonably mild temps return next week under ridging.

Impacts: Focus is mainly on high travel eclipse day Mon. Deep
snowpack in the path of totality...combined with melting and mud
will make for hazardous off road travel. Cold temps aloft and
gusty winds at elevation will produce winter like conditions in
the mtns.

Forecast Details: Active short term weather precludes putting
much detail into the extended beyond the eclipse Mon. Used NBM
outside of that day.

On Mon the cloud forecast remains optimistic. I have used
eclipse temp tool to reduce hourly values down during the hour
of totality. I would suspect with fresh snow on the ground in
the path that temp drop will happen rather fast. Otherwise
looking at conditions for eclipse chasers there are a couple of
concerns. One is that there will be deep snowpack in areas of
the path of totality...winter roads may be difficult or
impossible to travel. Other locations that see some sun or
warmer temps before Mon will see melting...and off road mud may
start to become an issue. Finally in the higher elevations it
will be near freezing...with inversion height forecast to be
near ridgeline. This would lead to gusty winds and apparent
temps closer to the lower to mid teens. Any hikers should be
prepared for winter conditions in the mtns.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
Short Term...IFR to LIFR conditions tonight into Thursday. Vis
reduction expected in +SN at most terminals. PL possible this
evening for NH terminals. Improvement will be slow, and likely
not until Thursday afternoon into the overnight. Very gusty
winds are expected, with most terminals along the ME/NH coast
and southern NH seeing gusts to 40 kt. Higher gusts are possible
in HIE due to downslope winds in vicinity of the White
Mountains.

Long Term...Widespread MVFR conditions are expected Fri...with
local IFR or lower possible in SHSN/SHRA. Those SHSN/SHRA may
continue into Sat. Trof passes east and CAA helps mix the
atmosphere with gusty northwest winds forecast. Surface gusts
around 30 mph are possible thru the day Sat. VFR returns to most
of the area by Sun.

&&

.MARINE...
Short Term...Conditions will deteriorate to Storm force this
evening through Thursday as low pressure rapidly intensifies in
the Gulf of Maine. Expect large and dangerous seas around 20ft
on the coastal waters building tonight and lasting through
Thursday. Winds slacken to Gale late Thursday into Thursday
night, with waves falling to 10 ft.

Long Term...Seas will continue to diminish Fri...but are
expected to remain above 5 ft outside of the bays thru the
weekend. Winds gusts diminish below SCA thresholds Fri as
well...but are expected to increase again late Sat as trof axis
passes east of the area. Winds once again diminish by Sun
night.

&&

.TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
Storm force winds Thursday morning and nearshore waves of 15-20
ft leading to minor to moderate coastal flooding impacts, with
the greatest impacts expected to east to northeast facing
shorelines. Highest storm surge values peak out near the time of
high tide. Given the east- northeast wind direction, the most
vulnerable locations will be from Portland and points south.
Some minor splashover is still likely through the MidCoast where
a coastal flood advisory has been issued, especially along east
facing shorelines. Despite low monthly astronomical tides, the
surge and building waves will lead to impacts along the
shoreline.

&&

.GYX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
ME...Winter Storm Warning until 8 PM EDT Thursday for MEZ007>009-
     012>014-018>028-033.
     Coastal Flood Warning from 6 AM to 10 AM EDT Thursday for
     MEZ023-024.
     Coastal Flood Advisory from 6 AM to 10 AM EDT Thursday for
     MEZ025>028.
NH...Winter Storm Warning until 8 PM EDT Thursday for NHZ001>015.
     Coastal Flood Warning from 6 AM to 10 AM EDT Thursday for
     NHZ014.
MARINE...Storm Warning until 8 PM EDT Thursday for ANZ150>154.

&&

UPDATE...Casey
NEAR/SHORT TERM...Cornwell
LONG TERM...Legro
TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...Clair

Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 3, 2:19 PM EST, 4 hours 41 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Gray ME
319 PM EDT Wed Apr 3 2024

MEZ023-024-NHZ014-041930-
Coastal York-Coastal Cumberland-Coastal Rockingham-
319 PM EDT Wed Apr 3 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON
TO 8 PM EDT THURSDAY...
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 10 AM EDT THURSDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southwest Maine and southern
New Hampshire.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.
   Coastal Flood Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

MEZ007>009-012>014-018>022-033-NHZ001>013-015-041930-
Northern Oxford-Northern Franklin-Central Somerset-Southern Oxford-
Southern Franklin-Southern Somerset-Interior York-
Central Interior Cumberland-Androscoggin-Kennebec-Interior Waldo-
Interior Cumberland Highlands-Northern Coos-Southern Coos-
Northern Grafton-Northern Carroll-Southern Grafton-Southern Carroll-
Sullivan-Merrimack-Belknap-Strafford-Cheshire-Eastern Hillsborough-
Interior Rockingham-Western And Central Hillsborough-
319 PM EDT Wed Apr 3 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON
TO 8 PM EDT THURSDAY...
...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON
TO 8 PM EDT THURSDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Maine, south central Maine,
southwest Maine, west central Maine, western Maine, New Hampshire,
central New Hampshire, northern New Hampshire and southern New
Hampshire.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

MEZ025>028-041930-
Sagadahoc-Lincoln-Knox-Coastal Waldo-
319 PM EDT Wed Apr 3 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON
TO 8 PM EDT THURSDAY...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 10 AM EDT
THURSDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for south central Maine.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.
   Coastal Flood Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

ANZ150>154-041930-
Coastal Waters from Stonington, ME to Port Clyde, ME out 25 NM-
Penobscot Bay-
Coastal Waters from Port Clyde, ME to Cape Elizabeth, ME out 25 NM-
Casco Bay-
Coastal Waters from Cape Elizabeth, ME to Merrimack River, MA out
25 NM-
319 PM EDT Wed Apr 3 2024

...STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 8 PM EDT
THURSDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Atlantic coastal waters.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

18 winter storm. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Storm, Southern Oxford

When: April 3, 7:00 PM EST to April 4, 8:00 PM EST
Where: Southern Oxford forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.500, -70.757 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow overspread the area during the evening of the 3rd, heavy at times overnight into the morning of the 4th. Given the late season nature of the storm, much of the foothills observed temperatures at or just above freezing in addition to the heavy snow. As a result much of the snow was wet and sticky, and widespread power outages occurred. Snowfall totals ranged from 10 to 15 inches, approaching 20 inches in parts of the Saco Valley. Key Impacts: Heavy snow, widespread power outages (23K), road closures, transportation delays.

Winter Storm, Interior Cumberland Highlands

When: April 3, 7:00 PM EST to April 4, 8:00 PM EST
Where: Interior Cumberland Highlands forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 43.806, -70.330 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow overspread the area during the evening of the 3rd, heavy at times overnight into the morning of the 4th. Given the late season nature of the storm, much of the foothills observed temperatures at or just above freezing in addition to the heavy snow. As a result much of the snow was wet and sticky, and widespread power outages occurred. Snowfall totals ranged from 10 to 15 inches. Key Impacts: Heavy snow, widespread power outages (107K), road closures, transportation delays.

Winter Storm, Androscoggin

When: April 3, 7:00 PM EST to April 4, 8:00 PM EST
Where: Androscoggin forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.166, -70.206 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow overspread the area during the evening of the 3rd, heavy at times overnight into the morning of the 4th. Given the late season nature of the storm, much of the Androscoggin Valley observed temperatures at or just above freezing in addition to the heavy snow. As a result much of the snow was wet and sticky, and widespread power outages occurred. Snowfall totals ranged from 10 to 15 inches. Key Impacts: Heavy snow, widespread power outages (39K), road closures, transportation delays.

Winter Storm, Central Interior Cumberland

When: April 3, 7:00 PM EST to April 4, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Central Interior Cumberland forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 43.806, -70.330 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Precipitation began during the evening of the 3rd in a marginal environment for snow. Light rain or rain/snow mix eventually changed to snow and became heavy at times overnight into the morning of the 4th. Given the late season nature of the storm, much of the Maine Lakes Region observed temperatures at or just above freezing in addition to the heavy snow. As a result much of the snow was wet and sticky, and widespread power outages occurred. Snowfall totals ranged from 10 to 18 inches. Key Impacts: Heavy snow, widespread power outages (107K), road closures, transportation delays.

Winter Storm, Interior York

When: April 3, 7:00 PM EST to April 4, 4:00 PM EST
Where: Interior York forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 43.429, -70.670 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Precipitation began during the evening of the 3rd in a marginal environment for snow. Light rain or rain/snow mix eventually changed to snow and became heavy at times overnight into the morning of the 4th. Given the late season nature of the storm, much of interior southwest Maine observed temperatures at or just above freezing in addition to the heavy snow. As a result much of the snow was wet and sticky, and widespread power outages occurred. Snowfall totals ranged from 10 to 18 inches, with amounts approaching 2 feet in the higher terrain west of the Saco Valley. Key Impacts: Heavy snow, widespread power outages (71K), road closures, transportation delays.

Winter Storm, Coastal York

When: April 3, 7:00 PM EST to April 4, 3:00 PM EST
Where: Coastal York forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 43.429, -70.670 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Precipitation began during the evening of the 3rd in a warm environment, hostile to snowfall. Light rain or rain/snow mix eventually changed to snow as dynamic cooling from melting aloft occurred in heavy precipitation. Snowfall became heavy at times overnight into the morning of the 4th. Given the late season nature of the storm, much of the Maine Seacoast observed temperatures at or just above freezing in addition to the heavy snow. As a result much of the snow was wet and sticky, and widespread power outages occurred. Snowfall totals ranged from 4 to 10 inches. Key Impacts: Heavy snow, widespread power outages (71K), road closures, transportation delays.

Winter Storm, Northern Oxford

When: April 3, 9:00 PM EST to April 4, 8:00 PM EST
Where: Northern Oxford forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.500, -70.757 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow overspread the area during the evening of the 3rd, heavy at times overnight into the morning of the 4th. The western Maine Mountains were far enough west to be well into the colder portions of the storm, and despite the late season winter event, temperatures remained at or below freezing. Only isolated power outages occurred due to snowfall amounts, especially near the Mahoosuc Mountains. Snowfall totals ranged from 8 to 12 inches. Key Impacts: Heavy snow, isolated power outages (23K), transportation delays.

Winter Storm, Southern Franklin

When: April 3, 9:00 PM EST to April 4, 9:00 PM EST
Where: Southern Franklin forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.974, -70.444 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow overspread the area during the evening of the 3rd, heavy at times overnight into the morning of the 4th. The western Maine Mountains were far enough north to be well into the colder portions of the storm, and despite the late season winter event, temperatures remained at or below freezing. Only isolated power outages occurred due to snowfall amounts, especially nearer the southern Kennebec Valley. Snowfall totals ranged from 10 to 15 inches. Key Impacts: Heavy snow, isolated power outages (500), transportation delays.

Winter Storm, Kennebec

When: April 3, 9:00 PM EST to April 5, 12:00 AM EST
Where: Kennebec forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.409, -69.767 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow overspread the area during the evening of the 3rd, heavy at times overnight into the morning of the 4th. Given the late season nature of the storm, much of the Kennebec Valley observed temperatures near freezing in addition to the heavy snow. As a result much of the snow was wet and sticky, and numerous power outages occurred. Snowfall totals ranged from 11 to 16 inches. Key Impacts: Heavy snow, numerous power outages(18K), road closures, transportation delays.

Winter Storm, Interior Waldo

When: April 3, 9:00 PM EST to April 5, 12:00 AM EST
Where: Interior Waldo forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.485, -69.122 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow overspread the area during the evening of the 3rd, heavy at times overnight into the morning of the 4th. Given the late season nature of the storm, much of the interior Midcoast observed temperatures near freezing in addition to the heavy snow. As a result much of the snow was wet and sticky, and numerous power outages occurred. Snowfall totals ranged from 12 to 16 inches. Key Impacts: Heavy snow, numerous power outages (4,500), road closures, transportation delays.

Winter Storm, Coastal Cumberland

When: April 3, 9:00 PM EST to April 4, 4:00 PM EST
Where: Coastal Cumberland forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 43.806, -70.330 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Precipitation began during the evening of the 3rd in a warm environment, hostile to snowfall. Light rain or rain/snow mix eventually changed to snow as dynamic cooling from melting aloft occurred in heavy precipitation. Snowfall became heavy at times overnight into the morning of the 4th. Given the late season nature of the storm, much of the Casco Bay region observed temperatures at or just above freezing in addition to the heavy snow. As a result much of the snow was wet and sticky, and widespread power outages occurred. Snowfall totals ranged from 8 to 12 inches. Key Impacts: Heavy snow, widespread power outages (105K), road closures, transportation delays.

Winter Storm, Northern Franklin

When: April 3, 10:00 PM EST to April 4, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Northern Franklin forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.974, -70.444 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow overspread the area during the evening of the 3rd, heavy at times overnight into the morning of the 4th. The western Maine Mountains were far enough north to be well into the colder portions of the storm, and despite the late season winter event, temperatures remained at or below freezing. Only isolated power outages occurred due to snowfall amounts, especially near the Rangeley-Stratton Range. Snowfall totals ranged from 8 to 12 inches. Key Impacts: Heavy snow, isolated power outages (500), transportation delays.

Winter Storm, Southern Somerset

When: April 3, 10:00 PM EST to April 4, 9:00 PM EST
Where: Southern Somerset forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.514, -69.959 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow overspread the area during the evening of the 3rd, heavy at times overnight into the morning of the 4th. The Kennebec River Valley was far enough north to be well into the colder portions of the storm, and despite the late season winter event, temperatures remained at or below freezing. Only isolated power outages occurred due to snowfall amounts, especially nearer the southern Kennebec Valley. Snowfall totals ranged from 10 to 15 inches. Key Impacts: Heavy snow, isolated power outages (900), transportation delays.

Winter Storm, Sagadahoc

When: April 3, 10:00 PM EST to April 4, 5:00 PM EST
Where: Sagadahoc forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 43.912, -69.839 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Precipitation began during the evening of the 3rd in a warm environment, hostile to snowfall. Light rain or rain/snow mix eventually changed to snow as dynamic cooling from melting aloft occurred in heavy precipitation. Snowfall became heavy at times overnight into the morning of the 4th. Given the late season nature of the storm, much of the Midcoast observed temperatures at or just above freezing in addition to the heavy snow. As a result much of the snow was wet and sticky, and widespread power outages occurred. Snowfall totals ranged from 12 to 16 inches. Key Impacts: Heavy snow, widespread power outages, road closures, transportation delays.

Winter Storm, Central Somerset

When: April 3, 11:00 PM EST to April 4, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Central Somerset forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.514, -69.959 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow overspread the area during the evening of the 3rd, heavy at times overnight into the morning of the 4th. The western Maine Mountains were far enough north to be well into the colder portions of the storm, and despite the late season winter event, temperatures remained at or below freezing. Only isolated power outages occurred due to snowfall amounts, especially nearer the southern Kennebec Valley. Snowfall totals ranged from 8 to 12 inches. Key Impacts: Heavy snow, isolated power outages (900), transportation delays.

Winter Storm, Lincoln

When: April 3, 11:00 PM EST to April 4, 5:00 PM EST
Where: Lincoln forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 43.998, -69.526 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Precipitation began during the evening of the 3rd in a warm environment, hostile to snowfall. Light rain or rain/snow mix eventually changed to snow as dynamic cooling from melting aloft occurred in heavy precipitation. Snowfall became heavy at times overnight into the morning of the 4th. Given the late season nature of the storm, much of the Midcoast observed temperatures at or just above freezing in addition to the heavy snow. As a result much of the snow was wet and sticky, and widespread power outages occurred. Snowfall totals ranged from 6 to 12 inches, although the coastal front lingering near some of the points kept totals as low as 2 inches. Key Impacts: Heavy snow, widespread power outages (21K), road closures, transportation delays.

Winter Storm, Knox

When: April 4, 2:00 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST
Where: Knox forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.076, -69.126 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Precipitation began during the evening of the 3rd in a warm environment, hostile to snowfall. Light rain or rain/snow mix eventually changed to snow as dynamic cooling from melting aloft occurred in heavy precipitation. Snowfall became heavy at times overnight into the morning of the 4th. Given the late season nature of the storm, much of the Midcoast observed temperatures at or just above freezing in addition to the heavy snow. As a result much of the snow was wet and sticky, and numerous power outages occurred. Snowfall totals ranged from 6 to 12 inches, although the coastal front lingering near some of the points kept totals as low as 3 inches. Key Impacts: Heavy snow, numerous power outages (11K), road closures, transportation delays.

Winter Storm, Coastal Waldo

When: April 4, 2:00 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST
Where: Coastal Waldo forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.485, -69.122 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Precipitation began during the evening of the 3rd in a warm environment, hostile to snowfall. Light rain or rain/snow mix eventually changed to snow as dynamic cooling from melting aloft occurred in heavy precipitation. Snowfall became heavy at times overnight into the morning of the 4th. Given the late season nature of the storm, much of the Midcoast observed temperatures at or just above freezing in addition to the heavy snow. As a result much of the snow was wet and sticky, and numerous power outages occurred. Snowfall totals ranged from 6 to 12 inches. Key Impacts: Heavy snow, numerous power outages (4500), road closures, transportation delays.

What these are

Winter Storm: A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Maine in 2024 Every state in 2024 This day in weather history Warnings in Maine, April 2024

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1175309, 1175310, 1175311, 1175315, 1175316, 1175317, 1175303, 1175308, 1175313, 1175314, 1175318, 1175305, 1175307, 1175319, 1175306, 1175320, 1175321, 1175322.