snow in Portland (how much, home, store)

[McJ]

How much does it snow in Portland? How many months? Basically I want to know is it the type that requires snow tires/chains or is it just a light dusting?

Thank you

[deerislesmile]

There are so many variant answers to that question, I don't know if you will find one that would be completely accurate. You might have a winter where is it bitter cold, but doesn't snow, and the next winter, you'll have a foot of new snow every week. It may be a dusting or a dumping. It can start as early as October, or as late as January, and end as early as March or as we saw this year, well into April!

I can't imagine a lot of people drive through the streets of Portland with chains on, but most people I know do put on snow tires in winter as a regular habit. At the very least, some all-weather tires would do.

[Unhappycamper]

They clear the snow in Portland quite fast. They have a small army of plow trucks and city workers. They keep up with the storms really well. Chains are not nessesary.

[McJ]

Thank you both for the reply. I'm not really looking for an area that snows but if it's not too crazy to get around in, I guess I wouldn't mind it.

[deerislesmile]

Crazy is as crazy does (sorry to paraphrase Momma Gump there)- I find that even though Maine gets more snow than other states, there are less accidents and worry because we Mainers don't start to freak out when we encounter snow. I think a lot of other places (mid-Atlantic states, I'm looking at you!) people do not know how to drive in snow, and then they drive in it anyway and chaos ensues. Whereas here, if the going is really THAT bad, we either have the sense of mind to stay home or leave 3 hours earlier and lurk for plow trucks to follow behind. I would think that Portland, being bordered by the Atlantic, would also have less snow than inland areas.

[skytrekker]

It can snow as early as mid to late October, but you will not see snow on average till mid November- a few flurries. First measurable snow 3+" around Thanksgiving and shortly after. Heavier snows of 6" or more by Christmas is possible.

Portland averages about 70-75" of snow a year. With most of it occurring in January and February into early March. Last year was below average, and in the last few decades has become more inconsistent, due to global warming.
Snow can occur in early-mid April.

[7th generation]

Originally Posted by McJ

How much does it snow in Portland? How many months? Basically I want to know is it the type that requires snow tires/chains or is it just a light dusting?

Thank you

Snowfall levels have dramatically declined since the 60's and 70's. During those years we had LARGE accumulations snow. I remember waking up one morning in '68 or '69 and a gentleman had parked hi Impala in my Father's driveway because he couldn't get up the Pond Road. At daylight my Dad opened the store and all you could see was the cars antenna! Dumped over 3 and 1/2 ft. that night. Ahhhh.......those were the days. It is all relevant, it snows,you shovel and plow and then get to enjoy the splendor and beauty of the landscape.

[oceanfit185]

snow tires are a good idea. But you can get by with out them. Chains might be a little over board. But if you've never driven in the snow, not a horrible idea.

We do get real snow here. But because we are on the coast we get more slush than more inland.

It can snow from October to May. But in lately the bad snow has been from Jan -March.

The snow does add to the beauty, but by April you are sick of it.

I think the summers make up for the long hard winter