SCARBOROUGH, Maine (AP) — Messy winter weather brought snow, ice, freezing rain, and dangerous driving conditions to New England on Wednesday as the region prepared for worsening weather later in the week.
Rain, snow, and slush covered roads, leading dozens of school districts to either close or delay opening. While total snow accumulation was expected to be minimal, officials deemed the roads too treacherous for bus travel.
About a tenth of an inch of ice coated some regions, sufficient to create perilous conditions but shy of the amount that typically leads to widespread power outages. Nevertheless, thousands in Maine and hundreds in Massachusetts experienced power outages.
\“With icy conditions forecast during both the morning and afternoon bus routes, ensuring the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority,\” said the administration of Maine Regional School Unit 21 in a statement.
Highway authorities in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts reported numerous accidents but no significant injuries by late Wednesday morning. Additionally, five airports, including Boston's Logan International, were treating aircraft with deicing fluid.
All six New England states were under winter weather advisories, with the weather service issuing several hazardous weather outlooks for northern areas expecting more winter storms soon. The forecast predicts heavy rain followed by plummeting temperatures, possibly leading to further hazardous driving conditions.
In southern Maine, the National Weather Service issued an advisory citing potential snowfall, even in areas expecting only two inches, because of the mixture of ice and sleet combined with snow.
As hazardous conditions continue, both local authorities and residents are urged to exercise caution in the coming days.
