FREEPORT

Public safety officials area already planning for the blizzard starting Thursday morning, including those in Freeport where a warming center has already been designated.

There is a blizzard warning in effect from noon Thursday until 4 a.m. Friday.

According to an emergency management storm briefing issued by Freeport Wednesday, the National Weather Service is calling for between 6 and 12 inches of snow, but possibly more. Temperatures should be in the mid-20s Thursday and fall to the teens Thursday night, dropping below zero Friday night. Overnight temperatures Friday and Saturday are expected to be around negative 15 degrees. Wind gusts will be as high as 45 miles per hour from the north in Freeport.

This anticipated weather will create several hazards, including blowing and drifting snow causing hazardous driving conditions. Residents are asked to stay off the road if at all possible.

The wind gusts will bring with them the possibility of power outages, especially since even higher wind gusts are possible should the storm track vary.

“Extreme cold on Friday and Saturday combined with the possibility of power outages could create life threatening situations,” the alert states.

The Town of Freeport will be opening a warming center at the public safety building Thursday at noon.

Public safety officials advice that should roads become impassible due to snow or downed trees or power lines, residents who are without heat are encourage to call 9-1-1 or 207-865-3421 and arrangements will be made to come get them.

In case of extended power outages there will be bulk water available at the rear of the public safety building. Call 865-3421 for availability and bring your own containers. Showers will be available at the Casco Bay YMCA on Old South Freeport Road.

 All of Freeport’s essential services have addressed staffing needs for the storm and its potential aftermath. Hours of operation for the town office, library, and transfer station will be dependent upon storm severity and timing. Visit the town website (freeportmaine.com) Thursday morning for an updated list of closures. 

Around the Midcoast

Public safety and emergency management officials in all local towns are discussing the storm and making preparations. Information about any warming centers and shelters will be passed on to 211 Maine, a 24-hour information and referral service that connects Maine people to local services.

Bowdoinham has announced the town will be posting information to its Facebook as needed. The town’s fire station will be open for warming, charging and showering if needed.

The Lisbon town office is designated as a warming center should residents have heating issues or lose power during the storm.

For Woolwich residents who lose power or heat, the Woolwich fire station will be open Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the hours will continue until no longer needed. The fire station offers hot showers, warming and electronic charging.

Topsham has canceled its Thursday night Board of Selectmen meeting.

Bath, Bowdoinham, Durham, Topsham and Richmond have announced town offices will be closed Thursday.

Brunswick and Lisbon school departments, RSU 1, RSU 2, RSU 5, SAD 75 and West Bath School have canceled school for Thursday.

Brunswick has a parking ban in effect from 3 p.m. Thursday to 7 a.m. Friday. Topsham has a parking ban in effect from 7 a.m. Thursday until noon Friday. Freeport’s parking ban will be in effect from 6 a.m. Thursday until noon Friday.

Bath Iron Works is closing all Bath and Brunswick first shift facilities Thursday. This includes first shift overtime personnel. All essential personnel should report to work including snow shovelers.

Maine state offices are closed Thursday as well.