KNOX COUNTY — Some warming centers have been open to the public today during regular business hours as storm crews continue to restore power to the region.

A March 14 - 15 nor’easter brought strong wind gusts and heavy, wet snow to the southern half of Maine. Starting at approximately 3:30 p.m., March 14, visibility declined considerably, and vehicles began sliding off of roads, bumping into trees or other vehicles. The reports were minor, yet kept local law enforcement at a run until approximately 6:30 p.m., when most commuters and travelers had hunkered down for the remainder of the storm.

Firefighters were called out through the evening and night from Lincolnville to Warren, and St. George to Appleton. 

In Lincolnville, a falling tree knocked a powerline off of the side of a house, creating a visible flame that prompted a 911 call and a First Alarm assignment. Firefighters responded from Lincolnville and Camden, with Northport waiting in the wings. NorthEast Ambulance was also called, per policy. However, the flame had extinguished on its own prior to firefighters’ arrival, and all mutual aid were cancelled before most arrived.

In Rockland, a large tree on Laurel Street fell to the ground, requiring a homeowner’s electricity to be shut off during the night. The same tree pulled down a powerline that was attached to a pole on nearby South Main Street. That section of Main Street has been shut down for much of the daylight hours on March 15 as Central Maine Power crews restore safety and function.

Powerlines also fell throughout the night in other parts of Rockland, as well as Owls Head, Rockport, Warren, and Camden.

In St. George, among the calls regarding fire and carbon monoxide alarms going off, and reports of downed trees and lines, the FD also received a call regarding a flooded basement.