Posted in Maine November 08, 2018 by

It’s Impossible To Forget The Year Maine Saw Its Single Largest Snowfall Ever

Last year’s winter was pretty unbelievable. Between the near-constant freezing temps and the snowfall that didn’t seem to stop, it may have felt like the worst winter season in the state’s history. But, it sure wasn’t! While it looks like this year’s winter might be surprising, we’re hoping it’s not like the winter Maine once experienced. The snowiest winter in Vacationland history was recorded in 2008 and it wasn’t pretty.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
There have been a dizzying amount of snowstorms in Maine that contribute to yearly snowfall levels that break records.
Stuart Rankin / Flickr
While most people can recall what they believe was the worst in their hometown, there is only one record-breaking storm to hit the state that has officially earned the distinction of being Maine's single largest snowfall.
notonyournelly / Flickr
It wasn't the Blizzard of 1978. Nor was it the "Storm of the Century" that hit in 1993.
smilla4 / Flickr
Nope. The heaviest single snowfall ever recorded was seen in 2013 during Winter Storm Nemo.
imagematters1 / Flickr
Now keep in mind that plenty of full winters have turned out snowier than the one in 2013. Take 2007-2008, for instance. Maine received nearly 200 inches of snow that year. But, no single snowfall surpassed what fell in 2013.
Between 2 and 3 feet of snow fell southern and central Maine over the course of February 8th and 9th.
Sara Löwgren / Flickr
Portland International Jetport saw 31.9 inches of snow, while Gorham saw the worst of it at 35.5 inches.
coreytempleton / Flickr
Other parts of the area were similarly affected with South Berwick seeing 32 inches, Westbrook seeing 30 inches, Saco getting 27 inches, Hollis experiencing 24.5 inches and 25.5 inches falling in Lewiston.
What made this storm particularly difficult was mix of heavy snowfall, incredibly high winds as well as the fact that the storm took almost 36 hours to actually clear out.
binkley27 / Flickr
Winds were also incredibly high, with the strongest sustained winds reaching as high as 77 mph in Matinicus. Areas like Portland and Augusta also measured huge gusts of wind at around 50 mph.
imagematters1 / Flickr
There have certainly been harsh storms since 2013, but the next time you feel like you're stuck in the midst of an endlessly snowy winter in Maine remember that it'll take a lot to surpass Winter Storm Nemo in 2013.
anathea / Flickr

While we’re still enjoying fall, winter will be here soon. To fully enjoy it, here’s a town you might want to check out. It turns into an absolute winter wonderland and it’s magical!