MIDCOAST — The National Weather Service in Gray is warning that a winter storm will bear down on Maine and the Midcoast over a 24-hour stretch beginning in the early hours of Monday.

Heavy snow is anticipated, with snow accumulations between six and 10 inches, or more, between 1 a.m. Feb. 23 to 1 a.m., Feb. 24. This will add to an already firm and substantial snowpack on the ground. 

Winds may gust up to 45 mph.

"Periods of moderate and heavy snow will combine with low visibility to create dangerous driving conditions," said the NWS.. "The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and break some tree limbs. The power outage threat is limited. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions can be obtained by going to newengland511.org."

Then, it will be cold for a few days, with more snow on Wednesday, and then maybe rain and snow on Friday. And then, optimistically, perhaps 40 degrees F next Saturday. And sunny.

With the NWS saying power outages may be limited with the Monday storm, Mainers know better. Bring more wood in, feed the birds, fill up water jugs, and the tub. Lay in some tasty provisions. Just in case.

Detailed Forecast

Today
Sunny, with a high near 35. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon. 

Tonight
A 30 percent chance of snow after 5 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. 

Monday
Snow, mainly after 7 a.m. Widespread blowing snow, mainly between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. High near 27. Blustery, with a northeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible. 

Monday Night
Snow, mainly before midnight. Areas of blowing snow before 7 p.m. Low around 18. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible. 

Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 31. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. 

Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 8.

Wednesday
Snow likely, mainly after 3 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Night
Snow likely, mainly before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday
Partly sunny, with a high near 38.

Thursday Night
A chance of snow before 4 a.m., then a chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday
A chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 36. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 19.

Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.