Portland could set a new Dec. 3 record for snowfall accumulation, the National Weather Service said Monday.

Meterologist Mike Cempa said between 4 to 6 inches of snow had fallen in the Portland area by mid-Monday, with more snow expected to accumulate into the late evening hours.

Cempa said the snowfall record for Dec. 3 in Portland was set in 1890. Cempa said 8.5 inches fell in Portland 117 years ago.

Meanwhile, Gov. Baldacci announced that state government would be closing at 2 p.m. Officials said about 14,000 state workers across Maine would be allowed to leave work early.

Major employers such as Bath Iron Works were expected to staff its second shift operation, though Brunswick Naval Air Station sent all its non-essential personnel home at noon.