Ice Storm Hits Maine Three Days Before Christmas [Updated]

An ice storm warning continues for much of the state of Maine on Sunday, with the exception of Aroostook County in the north and York County in the south.

The National Weather Service says freezing rain from Lincoln to Portland is expected to cause at least a half-inch of ice build-up, making travel dangerous or impossible in some areas. Bangor, Augusta and the mid-coast area are bracing for the brunt of the storm.

Bangor Hydro Electric Co. has notified its customers to prepare for the possibility of extended power outages. Over 9000 homes and businesses in Hancock and Washington Counties were without power at midday Sunday.. (click here for the latest Bangor Hydro outage information)

Central Maine Power Company says 170 line workers are available to deal with downed trees and power lines. The utility also brought in 250 contract workers from the U.S. and Canada to help out. More than 4000 CMP customers lost service Sunday morning. (click here for the latest CMP outage information)

State Police are urging people in the affected areas to stay off the roads Sunday.

Bangor International Airport canceled or delayed several flights Sunday morning as the storm overspread the area. Some flights have also been canceled at the Portland International Jetport as icing conditions are predicted into the day on Monday.

For current power outages in New Brunswick, click here.