A large portion of the state will likely see heavy wind gusts on Wednesday evening, following a day filled with mixed precipitation and ice.
National Weather Service forecasters have issued a winter weather advisory until 4 a.m. Wednesday morning, as snow and freezing rain fall throughout the evening. Around an inch of snow could fall overnight, accompanied by a 10th of an inch of freezing rain.
Down East Maine and coastal Hancock County can expect to see significant ice formation through the night, making for dangerous traveling conditions.
Starting Wednesday afternoon, winds will reach 20 to 30 mph extending north and east from the Penobscot Valley region. Gusts could reach up to 60 mph. Midcoast and southwest Maine will likely see 25 to 35 mph winds, with similarly strong gusts.
High gusts, combined with a coating of freezing rain, will likely bring down tree branches and powerlines. Depending on how widespread damages are, ongoing power outages may occur Wednesday into Thursday.
Gusts will also carry off or damage outdoor decorations, and can cause damage to structures.
Offshore gusts will reach up to 60 knots, and can cause waves up to 21 feet tall.
Overnight temperatures throughout most of the state will hover just below freezing, although southwest and midcoast Maine will likely see overnight lows in the mid-30s.
Daytime temperatures climb to the high 40s and mid 50s across the state Wednesday.
