Persistent snowfall

A sudden snow squall in Brunswick and Topsham caused several crashes during Thursday morning’s commute, according to Maine State Police.
Authorities warned people to drive carefully on both sides of Interstate 295 after multiple crashes were reported before 9 a.m. Thursday.
Maine State Police spokesperson Shannon Moss said troopers responded to about 15 crashes along I-295 in the Brunswick area, with a few minor injuries reported.
“Conditions changed quickly during the squall, which has since subsided,” Moss said in a statement around 10:30 a.m.
Speed limits on I-295 between Freeport and Bowdoinham were reduced to 45 mph late Thursday morning, according to New England 511.
State police encouraged drivers to be aware as the weather system moves throughout the day.
The National Weather Service forecasts that the Topsham and Brunswick areas can expect snow through Thursday morning, with continued sprinkles and flurries later in the afternoon. Snow may be heavy at times.
The weather service issued a special weather statement warning of potentially heavy ocean-effect snow across Androscoggin, southeastern Cumberland, Kennebec, western Lincoln and southeastern Sagadahoc counties, including Boothbay, Brunswick, Lewiston, Livermore Falls and Oakland. That area includes lengthy portions of Interstates 295 and 95.
The statement warns that another 1 to 2 inches of snow, with localized amounts up to 4 inches, are possible in those areas before noon.
The Augusta area may also see snowy conditions throughout the morning as the weather system moves north, according to the weather service.