Blizzard slows but doesn't stop Maine businesses

Photo / Peter Van Allen The digging out begins this morning in Yarmouth. Handy's market in Yarmouth was open despite the blizzard that dropped more than a foot and a half of snow. One staffer got to work on skis.

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By Staff

Many businesses, colleges, state and local offices and bus services were shut down Monday from the blizzard that dropped more than a foot-and-a-half of snow in most areas.

Around Maine, snowfalls were predicted in the 18- to 24-inch range, with Downeast Maine getting hit the hardest. High winds created hazardous conditions.

All state offices were closed.

“Travel conditions are expected to remain treacherous throughout Monday,” said Gov. Paul LePage. “I encourage Mainers to stay off the roads and avoid traveling unless it is an absolute emergency. Avoiding unnecessary travel will keep accidents to a minimum and allow state and municipal road crews to safely go about their work.”

Portland city offices and non-essential services were closed for the day. The city’s METRO line suspended service. The Portland International Jetport suspended flights until 8 p.m. Monday, it announced on Twitter. Bangor International Airport reported on Twitter that most flights were cancelled. A number of non-emergency health services closed their doors, they reported on social media.

At 10 a.m. Central Maine Power reported only 147 of its customers being without power in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford and York counties. Emera Maine reported outages in Exeter, Milburn and Washburn affecting 14 customers.