Motorists throughout Aroostook County found travel nearly impossible as wind-blown snow created whiteout conditions throughout the day Monday.
The Maine State Police, Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments urged everyone to stay off the roads, if travel wasn’t absolutely necessary. Social media served as the primary method to warn drivers of road conditions.
“Seriously, stay home. We are only out in this mess because we have no choice,” was the Facebook post from the Sheriff’s Office, with a picture from a cruiser’s dash cam showing nothing but white in the road ahead of the car.
Another ACSO post noted “strong wind gusts are causing severe visibility issues and drifts are blocking parts of roads.”
Shortly after 10 a.m. Monday, Sgt. Shawn Newell, of the Fort Fairfield Police Department advised motorists to avoid certain routes.
“Road conditions are terrible in the area. Route 1A in the Hamlin area is currently shut down due to a very serious crash and a multitude of crashes are being reported” throughout the region. “Route 1A from Fort Fairfield south is closed or possibly going to be closed due to five-foot-high drifts that the plows can’t keep up with at the moment, until winds subside. Traveling is discouraged unless you absolutely must,” said Newell.
Newell offered tips for drivers who find themselves in the midst of a whiteout.
“If you find yourself driving in whiteout conditions, turn your hazard lights on and follow the utility poles if you can see them. If your vehicle becomes stuck or disabled, do not exit the vehicle unless help has arrived — you’re likely to be hit from behind,” he said.
Though not their coverage area, the Presque Isle Police Department were warning drivers to avoid Route 1 (the Houlton Road) due to an accident in Westfield.
“Attention all: Route 1 (Houlton Road) southbound traffic is going to be stopped for a while due to a crash at the Westfield four corners intersection. Please plan for delays or an alternate route,” read a post on the PIPD Facebook page on Monday morning.
Police also advised motorists traveling routes including the Centerline Road and Route 10 between Easton and Presque Isle to use extreme caution, since open farmland in the area allowed snow to blow freely, reducing visibility to zero.
Sue Skidgell, clerk at the Mapleton Town Office, used the town’s Facebook page to advise motorists the Hughes Road was temporarily closed due to drifting snow late Monday afternoon.
Numerous accidents were reported throughout the day and evening.
No major injuries were reported as a result of poor visibility due to high winds and drifting snow.
