Portlanders unfazed by dire snow forecast and blanket of March slush

PORTLAND, Maine – Despite dire weather forecasts, thick, wet snow and a two-night parking ban that was put in place before the first snowflakes even fell, downtown residents were out and about Saturday.

With the all-night parking ban also called Friday and Saturday night, drivers were reluctant to give up their parking spaces. So, city traffic was minimal. Walking, cross-country skiing, and fat-tire biking have become the default mode of transportation in Portland.

The dogs dragged their owners through the treacherous slush of the Old Port. The sledders shot down the hill at the Eastern prom, then trailed back, their sleds trailing in the howling wind.