ELLSWORTH — If you had big plans Monday, they were probably canceled.

The fierce winter storm that brought blustering winds, a foot of snow and intermittent whiteout conditions to the area and much of the Northeast left the state at a near standstill.

Governor John Baldacci had declared a state of emergency Sunday in anticipation of the storm and closed state government Monday.

Locally, Ellsworth City Hall and Ellsworth District Court closed and numerous businesses stayed shuttered or shortened their hours due to the storm.

Drivers were cautioned to stay off the roads and most did.

Ellsworth police attributed the lack of collisions Monday to the reduced number of drivers on the road.

There were reports of cars off the road and vehicles unable to make it up Bridge Hill, but nothing serious in town.

The storm did contribute to a fatal Wells accident. Kennebunk High School teacher Richard Folsom, 59, died Sunday night after his truck crashed into a tree.

Blizzard conditions left many travelers stranded at airports.

The Mount Desert Island High School band, en route to London to march in a New Year’s Day parade, was stuck in Boston for two days after the group’s flight was canceled.

For more of the latest news, pick up a copy of The Ellsworth American.