Maine Weather: 'Bomb Cyclone' Could Dump 18" Of New, Heavy Snow

MAINE — Parts of Maine are now under a winter storm warning Friday as a developing "bomb cyclone" sets its sights on a wide swath of the United States, including our state.

A winter storm warning has been issued for much of northern Maine including the cities of Presque Isle, Caribou, Van Buren, Mars Hill and Ashland. The warning is in effect from 5 a.m. Saturday until 7 a.m. Sunday.

Meanwhile, a winter storm watch remains in effect for the mountains as well as the northern part of the Kennebec and Moose River Valley. A winter weather advisory is also in effect for northern Penobscot and southeast Aroostook counties.

A storm system capable of becoming a "bomb cyclone" will move through the Tennessee and Ohio valleys on Friday before heading for the East Coast on Saturday, kicking off a 24-hour period of terrible weather, according to the National Weather Service.

Areas of Maine under the winter storm warning can expect a mix of snow and rain Saturday morning before the precipitation changes to all snow, dumping anywhere from 6 to 18 inches of new snow on parts of the state. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph, according to the NWS forecast.

Conditions could create areas of blowing snow and reduced visibility, making travel extremely dangerous. Power outages are also possible.

While a bulk of the snow is expected in northern Maine, the central portion of the state could see a mix of snow and rain, according to a News Center Maine forecast. Meanwhile, coastal areas should expect mostly rain this weekend.

Check the latest forecast for your area here.