With a winter storm forecasted to bring heavy snow and high winds that will create hazardous driving conditions across the state, Governor Janet Mills has directed all State of Maine offices closed Tuesday, March 14, 2023.

The winter storm is forecasted to arrive in the morning and continue through Wednesday afternoon. It is expected to bring heavy, wet snow to most of the state. The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted that southern, central, southwest, and western Maine could receive up to a foot of snow. High winds combined with heavy snow will create low visibility during the morning and evening commutes. Snow accumulation on tree branches could lead to downed power lines and power outages.

In the Pen Bay Pilot vicinity, postponements and cancellations include the following:

March 15

The Searsport Town Office will be closed today. This is due in part to the storm clean up and staffing issues. We are sorry for the inconvenience and will be open tomorrow. Senior Day luncheon at the Community Building is cancelled today. 

Rockland City offices will be opening at 11 a.m.

As of 6:30 a.m., the St. George Transfer Station is closed due to no power at the facility. It will open as soon as power is restored. 

Due to inclement weather, all City of Belfast non-emergency facilities will have a DELAYED OPENING at 9 a.m., today, Wednesday, March 15, 2023.

RSU 13 cancelled school for Wednesday

March 14

The Searsport Town Office closed at Noon. Senior Day luncheon at the Community Building was cancelled. 

Waldo County General Hospital’s Walk-in Care will close at 4 p.m., Tuesday, March 14. Regular hours will resume on Wednesday, March 15, at 8 a.m.

WCGH Walk-in Care is located in the Biscone Medical Building at 119 Northport Ave. in Belfast, across the street from the hospital. For more information about WCGH Walk-in Care, please visit wcgh.org/walkin or call 505-4567.

The St. George Town Office closed at 12 p.m. Regular business hours will resume Wednesday, March 15, at 8 a.m.

The Union Town Office closed at 11:30 a.m.

The Warren Town Office is closing at 1 p.m. due to the inclement weather.

The Hope Town Office will be closing early on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 due to inclement weather. In addition, the regularly scheduled Select Board meeting has been postponed until next Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

Mid-Coast Solid Waste facility will be closing at noon today due to the pending winter storm.

The Knox County Administrative Offices, Knox County Superior Court, and Rockland District Court will all be closing at noon, Tuesday, March 14, due to the weather.  They will all reopen on Wednesday March 15, 2023 at 8 a.m.

The Knox County Commissioners Meeting scheduled for today, Tuesday March 14, has been rescheduled to Tuesday March 21, at 2 p.m. 

Do to the incoming storm Rockland City Hall, Library, Flanagan Center and Transfer Station will be closed March 14. 

RSU 13 will release high school and middle school students at 11 a.m., and elementary students at noon.

Rockland’s City Wide parking ban starts at 1 p.m., March 14, and extends until 9 a.m., March 15. There is off street parking in the Winter Street parking lot.

Camden initiates a parking ban at noon  all streets and parking lots in Camden, except for the Public Safety lot on Washington Street, which is located behind the Fire Station. The ban ends at 10 a.m. Wednesday  March 15. Those who need street parking for short durations like store or pharmacy visits will not be subject to ticketing. “We just ask that these are short-duration parking situations,” the town said.

Tips from Maine EMA

Motorists are reminded to please give plow trucks plenty of room on the roads. Remember to update the emergency kit in your vehicle in case you become stranded and be sure to let someone know where you will be traveling and when you expect to arrive at your destination. If you must travel during the storm, please consider the following:

• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area such as a garage to avoid Carbon Monoxide poisoning
• Make sure tires are properly inflated and in good condition
• Check windshield wiper fluid
• Ensure the vehicle is clear of all ice and snow
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid the gas line freezing up or running out of gas and becoming stranded
• Bring a fully charged cell phone with roadside assistance numbers programmed in your contacts
• If you become stranded in your vehicle, stay with the vehicle, and tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or use other distress signals
• Run the engine and heater just long enough to remove chill to conserve gas

Folks using oil heat or propane are encouraged to monitor levels closely and if they are expecting deliveries, be sure to clear a path to allow easy access for the delivery driver. Mainers are reminded to ensure that alternate heat and power sources are in proper working condition and properly installed. Those who use heat pumps should clear snow drifts away from outdoor units but do not need to worry about snow and ice accumulating on them; heat pumps automatically defrost. For more information on heat pumps visit Efficiency Maine's website. For further tips or resources on heating during the winter months, visit the Governor's Energy Office's Winter Heating Guide.

Scattered power outages are possible with this storm system. Warming and Charging Centers operated by local municipalities could open in communities across Maine. Please visit MEMA's website to find a location near you. You may also dial 211 (or 1-866-811-5695) or text your zip code to 898-211 for a list of locations, or contact your local town office, fire, or police department. The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is monitoring the storm and prepared to assist the county emergency management agencies with any storm-related issues. For additional preparedness and safety information please log on to www.MainePrepares.com or visit MEMA on Facebook or Twitter.