The Latest on the New England snow storm. (all times local):

3 p.m.

Ski areas are cheering the snowstorm that could dump nearly 20 inches of snow in parts of northern New England after a dismal season last winter.

By Thursday afternoon, Mount Snow in southern Vermont said it already had received more snow this season than in all of last season and more is in the forecast.

Loon Mountain in Lincoln, New Hampshire, has many more trails open than this time last year. The resort could get 12 to 18 inches of snow in the storm which extends into Friday.

Resorts expect to be opening more terrain as the storm continues.

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1:45 p.m.

The snowstorm that could dump almost 20 inches of snow in parts of northern New England is moving into the region.

Roads in Vermont were snow covered and snow was falling at the rate of about 1 to 2 inches per hour by Thursday afternoon. No significant problems had been reported, but motorists were warned to expect hazardous driving conditions.

In Maine and New Hampshire, parts of the state are expected to get a foot or more of snow. Officials are also concerned about the wind. The National Weather Service expects gusts of up to 45 mph.

Utilities are preparing for power outages.

The Vermont Health Department is reminding people that overexertion shovelling snow can lead to heart attacks. People should also keep heat vents clear of ice and snow.

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12:12 a.m.

A powerful nor'easter is poised to move into northern New England.

A winter storm warning has been posted for much of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. National Weather Service meteorologist Andy Pohl says accumulations of a foot or more are expected inland but that a changeover to rain will reduce snowfall totals near the coast.

The storm will pack a wallop. Pohl says the barometric pressure associated with the storm is projected to be the lowest since the Valentine's Day storm in 2014.

Pete Rogers of Maine Emergency Management Agency said it's important for residents to be prepared for heavy snow and strong winds.

The storm is expected to arrive in the Connecticut Valley late Thursday morning and in western Maine by Thursday afternoon. It wraps up Friday.

News from © The Associated Press, 2016