Working boats were frozen at their moorings at a Portland Harbor wharf in the middle of a cold snap. Gannett Publishing Company newspapers, such as the Portland Press Herald and Portland Evening Express focused heavily on local news and featured a large number of photos. Pictures like this typically highlighted severe winter weather.

According to a February 18, 2015 article in the Portland Press Herald, the Portland Harbor is usually free of ice because of the strong tides and salt water typically freezes at about 28 degrees. Snowfalls bring fresh water into the harbor, however, making it more possible that the surface water will freeze.