Facts from public sources, not quotes. Where these numbers come from
Portland winters bring nor'easters, heavy roofs and constant freeze-thaw. Here's what MEMA, the cities and NOAA say about it.
Get a free quote How it worksThe Maine Emergency Management Agency says flat and low-pitched roofs are at the greatest risk of buckling, and suggests considering professionals for roof snow removal.
10 to 12 inches of fresh snow is about 1 inch of water, or about 5 pounds per square foot of roof (MEMA).
3 to 5 inches of old, packed snow weighs as much as a foot of fresh snow, and 1 inch of ice equals 1 foot of fresh snow (MEMA).
Two feet of old snow plus two feet of new can reach about 60 pounds per square foot, beyond the typical snow load capacity of most roofs, MEMA says.
Our analysis of NOAA daily records counts about 80 freeze-thaw days a winter at Portland Jetport, November through March, and about 5 freezing-rain days a season in the Jetport's hourly records.
Portland's code says sidewalk ice must be removed, or sanded and the sand reapplied. Keep sand and ice melt by the door.
Portland residents can take up to two 5-gallon pails from the Payson Park sand and salt pile. Contractors can't.
Falmouth suggests shoveling a pocket beside your driveway so the widening plow drops less snow back into the opening.
After the January 1998 ice storm, a state study found a generator in a basement or garage could increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning up to 300-fold (MEMA). Keep it at least 15 feet from windows and doors.
Our analysis of NOAA daily records puts the median first measurable snow at the Jetport on November 26.
Portland sidewalk fines run $75 to $250 for homes and $250 to $1,000 for businesses in a season.
Sources: NOAA NCEI, IEM ASOS archive, City of Portland Code, City of Portland, Town of Falmouth, Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).
| Place | Sidewalk rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Portland, businesses | 4-foot path within 12 hours after the snow stops, kept clear of later plow snow | City of Portland Code |
| Portland, homes (1–4 units) | 4-foot path within 18 hours after the snow stops or the city's last clearing of the street, whichever is later | City of Portland Code |
| South Portland | The city clears its sidewalks after streets, school routes first; private snow can't go onto a street or sidewalk | City of South Portland |
Want help? See tools in the Ice Fighter shop, read the winter travel advisories, or let a crew do it.
