GRAY — The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for all of Maine today calling for heavy snow and gusting winds in the first major winter storm of the season.

Snow was expected to spread from southwest to northeast across the region in the overnight hours Monday morning. At least 6 inches was predicted for most everywhere, with up to 20 inches in mountain and northern areas by the time the storm wraps up on Tuesday, the weather service said.

Sleet was expected to mix with snow in southern and coastal areas, lowering snowfall accumulations a bit.

Even before the storm arrived, towns and cities were calling parking bans for Monday and Tuesday, and travel was disrupted at the Portland International Jetport with flights that were canceled because of poor conditions at connecting airports. Parents were preparing for school cancellations across the state.
The storm will be a dangerous one, the weather service said, with difficult travel conditions and power outages likely.

Forecasters said high winds would result in blowing and drifting snow with reduced visibilities.

Officials in both Augusta and Scarborough have announced parking bans today. Both bans begin tonight, with parking on public ways prohibited until 7 a.m. and noon Tuesday in Augusta and Scarborough, respectively.