Maine is looking forward to three days of nasty weather, beginning today on the winter solstice, Dec. 21, and continuing through Monday, Dec. 23. With an ice storm warning now in effect for much of the northern half of the state, including Knox, Waldo, Hancock and Washington counties, severe winter weather conditions are being predicted.

Forecasters are now calling for a half-inch of ice or more accumulating tonight and tomorrow, Sunday. Travel is strongly discouraged. Ice and winds will likely lead to snapped power lines and falling tree branches, the National Weather Service advisory says.

With forecasts for rain, snow, freezing rain and sleet, the outlook is dismal, and local fire chiefs and public works directors encourage citizens to prepare for potential water back-ups and flooding that may occur as precipitation begins melting the snow banks — just before frigid temperatures follow it all Christmas Eve.

A hazardous weather advisory and ice storm warning has been issued. Freezing rain advisories have been posted through Monday morning. According to the National Weather Service, we are in the wobbly zone.

“A front will wobble back and forth across New Hampshire and southern Maine for the next few days,” a Dec. 21 advisory said. “As it does, several rounds of precipitation are expected to spread eastward along the front through Sunday night. Precipitation along and to the north of the front will fall predominantly in the form of freezing rain.”

Rockport Fire Chief Jason Peasley was up on the Rockport Public Safety roof clearing snow Dec. 20, hoping for the best, preparing for the worst. His department had just met with Rockport Public Works staff and meteorologist Ken McKinley about a potentially damaging storm.

Storm preparation resources

Maine Emergency Management Agency

National Weather Service

Knox County Emergency Management Agency

“It could go 50-50,” said Peasley. “We’re hoping for more water and rain, and it could go a little north.”

The weather system behind this massive winter storm extends out to the Midwest, even to northern Texas. Maine is now between a frontal boundary between a maritime tropical airmass and a polar continental airmass, according to meteorologists at the NWS. Significant amounts of ice on trees, power lines and roads is anticipated.

“Rockport Fire Department and Public Works are ready to go,” said Peasley. “Our generators are full and chainsaws sharpened.”

He advised homeowners to “keep your ditches clear so water has somewhere to go. If there is a hydrant nearby, shovel it out.”

Just last week, Camden Fire Department was called to the public tomb at the town’s Mt. View Cemetery to help clear four feet of standing water after the drain clogged there. There were no bodies waiting there for internment; nonetheless, it is a situation no fire department really wants to confront. Nor do area fire departments want to spend the next week pumping out flooded basements.

“Clear off your roofs,” said Camden Asst. Fire Chief Andrew Lowe. “And check your sump pumps.”

Digging snow off and around all drains is advised. Citizens can also help municipal public works crews by keeping storm drains clear of snow and debris. Take a shovel to it, and check them during the storm.

A furnace in a Camden home shut down the other morning when accumulated snow packed around the exhaust system. A carbon monoxide alarm went off in the Catholic Church as snow piled around the exhaust pipe serving the propane gas system.

Additionally, prepare for power outages. This includes ensuring home generators are adequately and safely vented. Carbon monoxide detectors are vital in homes with generators.

If your power goes out, call 800-696-1000. To see more information on storm safety and restoration, including a town-by-town listing of outages in the Central Maine Power service area with an area map, visit cmpco.com.

CMP personnel are holding pre-storm planning sessions to discuss staffing levels and finalize storm-response plans.

"We've put our storm response plan into motion, and we're watching the forecast closely," said Gail Rice, spokesperson for Central Maine Power, in a news release. "Freezing rain is always one of our biggest concerns, and the conditions forecast for Sunday could cause considerable ice buildup on roadways, tree limbs, and power lines. This could result in power interruptions and difficult travel, so we're getting crews, equipment and materials in place to respond."

The utility is coordinating its storm preparation efforts with other utilities in the North Atlantic Mutual Assistance Group. It is also lining up contract crews to assist local crews if the storm causes widespread damage. CMP is also keeping the Maine Emergency Management Agency apprised on preparation efforts.

CMP offers customers the following tips to prepare for the storm and stay safe and comfortable if power outages do occur.

Before a storm strikes:

• Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and non-perishable foods.
• Make sure that smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are fully charged.
• Fill your car's fuel tank.

During a power interruption:

• To report a power interruption, contact CMP at 1-800-696-1000. The telephone system automatically creates a work order and sets the stage for dispatch of crews to the outage location.
• When using an emergency heating source, like a wood stove, fireplace, or kerosene heater, keep fuels away from the flames and be sure to ventilate properly.
• Never use grills or camp stoves indoors — they can give off dangerous gases.
• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. Most food will last 24 hours or longer if you minimize the opening of refrigerator and freezer doors.

For customers with generators:

• Hire a licensed electrician to install permanent generators and transfer switches.
• Make sure portable generators are properly grounded.
• Carefully read and observe all instructions in your generator's operating manual.
• Never run a generator indoors, or even in an open garage.
• Do not store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it's running.
• Refer to CMP's web page on generator safety.

The company urges customers to use caution if they see downed lines.

"Everyone should stay clear of any downed power lines or fallen trees that may be tangled in the lines," said Rice. "All downed lines should be considered live and dangerous. Customers should leave the clean-up to our crews, who are trained and equipped to handle these situations safely."

CMP also reminds drivers to use caution when approaching utility crews. The working conditions are difficult, and the workers appreciate everyone's consideration for their safety.

Home preparations

— When using an emergency heating source, like a wood stove, fireplace, or kerosene heater, keep fuels away from the flames and be sure to ventilate properly.
— Never use grills or camp stoves indoors. They can give off dangerous gases.
— Don't run a generator indoors, even in an open garage, and hire a licensed electrician to install permanent generators and transfer switches.
— Make sure portable generators are properly grounded. Don't store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it's running.

Don't forget pets and livestock

Winter can be particularly difficult on pets that rely on us for their well being, especially for outdoor dogs and cats.

—  If you see an animal in distress, call your local police department or animal control officer. Don't assume someone else will. Bring your pets inside during cold winter weather.
— Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure they have access to non-frozen drinking water.
— Make sure their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles.
— If pets cannot come indoors, make sure they are protected by a dry, draft-free enclosure large enough to allow them to sit and lie down, but small enough to hold in the pet's body heat.
— Raise the floor a few inches off the ground and cover it with cedar shavings or straw. Turn the enclosure away from the wind and cover the doorway with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
— Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate a pet's paws. Wipe paws with a damp towel before pets lick them and irritate their mouths.
— Antifreeze is a deadly poison. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach.

On the road?

If you plan to travel to the mountains and want to know road conditions, call 511 or visit http://511maine.gov. Driving in winter conditions can be nerve-wracking and perilous.

Some tips from the Maine Department of Transportation:

— Drive slowly – below posted speed limits – to adjust to the conditions. This is especially true at intersections, off ramps, bridges and shady areas where black ice can form without being noticed.
— Four-wheel drive may help you get going faster but it doesn't help you stop sooner or maintain control better once you loose traction.
— Don't tailgate. Longer stopping distances and extra time are required during winter conditions to avoid chain reaction crashes.
— Take no chances when pulling out in front of approaching vehicles. When pavement is wet, slowing down and accelerating is not the same as on dry pavement.
— Avoid using cruise control. Don't let your cruise control make a bad decision for you.

Windshield wiper system care
Helpful hint from Mike’s Align and Repair, in Lincolnville, courtesy of Mike Eugley

‘Tis the season for good windshield wiper blades, I know, you just put some on last year. Good for you, but they live a hard life and need replacement more often than you probably are doing it.

1. Never ever leave your wipers on and shut the car off. EVER. Turn your wipers off and wait for the wipers to “park”. Yes , park. You know, when they reach the bottom of the windshield and stop. That is parked, a cool garage man term, feel free to use it. If you fail to follow Hint 1 and your wipers freeze down or are stuck with a foot of snow on them, you most likely will need wiper blades, wiper motor, wiper transmission etc etc.

If you get lucky the wiper arm will loosen on the shaft and the wipers just kinda do their own thing.

2. Be careful removing snow and scraping your windshield, so as not to damage the wipers and washers. Using a shovel is NOT recommended, we have seen the damage from such use. If possible lift your wiper into the upright position before the snow/ice storms, this will help a lot.

3. Snow load. Yeah, up on your roof. There are two good reasons for getting that snow off.

One is the fact that it will blow off as you scoot on down the road, no worries for you, but Uncle Ned who was traveling behind you just got a windshield full of snow and is now blinded.

He could plow into you, or even worse, little Johnny who was throwing snowballs while waiting for the bus.

The second reason is for your wiper system. When you come to a screeching halt after little Johnny hits your car with a snowball, all that snow will come down on to your windshield and your wipers, wiper systems do not like that, at all.
So, think of Uncle Ned, little Johnny and your wallet. Be nice to your car and it will be nice to you.

— Avoid any sudden or excessive actions while steering, braking or accelerating so you don't loose control.
— Brake early, brake slowly, never slam on the brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. Gently pump the pedal if the brakes are not anti-lock.
— Beware of what's going on well ahead of you. Other vehicles can alert you to problem spots on the road which may give you the split second you need to avoid a crash. Stay off the phone.

Speaking of phones

Storms can knock out power and communications can be stalled, damaged or become congested. Some more tips from MEMA, crafted especially for disasters.

— Maintain a list of emergency phone numbers in your cell phone and in or near the home phone.
— Keep charged batteries and car-phone chargers available for back-up power for the cell phone.
— If you have a traditional landline (non-broadband or VOIP) phone, keep at least one non-cordless phone in your home because if it will work even if power is lost..
— Prepare a family contact sheet. This should include at least one out-of-town contact that may be better able to reach family members in an emergency.
— Program "In Case of Emergency" contacts into your cell phone so emergency personnel can contact those people for you if you are unable to use your phone. Let your ICE contacts know that they are programmed into your phone and inform them of any medical issues or other special needs you may have.
— If you are evacuated and have call-forwarding on your home phone, forward your home phone number to your cell phone number.
— If you do not have a cell phone, keep a prepaid phone card to use if needed during or after a disaster.
— Have a battery-powered radio or television available (with spare batteries).
— If you don't know how to text on your cell phone, learn. Text messages can often get through when voice cell phone systems are jammed.
— Subscribe to text alert services from local or state government to receive alerts in the event of a disaster.

If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911. You cannot currently text 911. If you are not experiencing an emergency, do not call 911.

If you are in need of information such as location of emergency shelters, other services, or safety information, dial 211 (toll-free in Maine, 1-866-811-5695 if you are out of state) or visit 211maine.org.

For non-emergency communications, use text messaging, e-mail, or social media instead of making voice calls on the cell phone to avoid tying up voice networks. Data-based services like texts and emails are less likely to experience network congestion. Use social media to post status to let family and friends know you are okay. In addition to Facebook and Twitter, use resources such as the American Red Cross's Safe and Well program.

Keep phone calls brief. If you need to use a phone, try to convey only vital information to emergency personnel and/or family.

If you are unsuccessful in completing a call using your cell phone, wait 10 seconds before redialing to help reduce network congestion.

Conserve cell phone battery by reducing the brightness of the screen, placing phone in airplane mode, and closing apps, which draw power

What the weather currently holds

Today: A chance of rain or freezing rain before noon, then rain. High near 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. Little or no ice accumulation expected.

Tonight: Rain before 2 a.m., then freezing rain. Low around 28 F. Light and variable wind becoming northeast 10 to 15 mph in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New ice accumulation of 0.1 to 0.3 of an inch possible.

Sunday: Freezing rain before 5 p.m., then rain or freezing rain. High near 34 F. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New ice accumulation of 0.1 to 0.3 of an inch possible.

Sunday night: Rain likely, mainly before 8 p.m. Cloudy, with a low around 31 F. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Monday: A chance of freezing rain before 9 a.m., then a chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 39 F. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Monday night: A chance of freezing rain. Cloudy, with a low around 23 F. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 26 F.

Tuesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 7 F.

Christmas Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 19 F.

Related stories:

• Waldo County EMA director seeking individual ice storm impacts for disaster declaration application
• Snow-packed Waldoboro driveway hinders firefighters' attempt to save home
• Red Cross provides comfort, cots to those in need
• UPDATED: CMP crews restore power to more than 100,000 customers as ice storm recovery continues
• Snow in the forecast: Iced-up Midcoast to get the most
• Christmas Eve fire destroys garage at Lincolnville home
• Central Maine Power issues power restoration update, 7 p.m., Christmas Eve
• Storm damage lingers with extensive power outages; Waldo and Knox county shelters, warming centers open
• UPDATE: Belfast, Lincolnville called to help battle overnight house fire in Northport
• UPDATE - Fire heavily damages Union home; family says cat knocked over a candle
• Waldo County EMA, Red Cross shelter open at Troy Howard Middle School
• UPDATED - Storm closings and cancellations; Ice storm warning extended to 7 p.m.
• UPDATED: Lincolnville bearing brunt of power outage, trees falling onto wires, into roads
• It's icy out there, be careful
• UPDATED: Ice storm warning - Freezing rain on snow, make way for a big mess

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657