A winter storm on Thursday is expected to drop a half-foot of snow across the region and cause messy driving conditions. Snow began falling in the Portland area by late morning and is expected to pick up in intensity throughout the afternoon.

This will bring snow, which will accumulate quickly and cause slippery roads. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service in Gray, beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 8 p.m.

Governor Janet Mills has announced that state offices will close early on Thursday due to expected snow. Her office says that they will close at 1 p.m. "I encourage all Maine people to exercise caution and stay safe during the Thursday afternoon commute – and as always,