Caribou, Maine – Wind gusts up to 30 mph Thursday are causing blowing snow and reduced visibility across northern Maine roadways.
According to the US National Weather Service in Caribou, winds will increase through the day with gusts between 25 and 30 mph. The strongest gusts may loft snow in open areas, especially near farm fields and along exposed stretches of US-1 and Route 161.
Blowing snow may create drifting across rural roads in Aroostook County, impacting travel and cleanup efforts. Reduced visibility is possible in open terrain, particularly for drivers along US-1 between Caribou and Presque Isle and on portions of I-95 near Houlton.
Snow showers are expected to return Saturday, with brief periods of moderate snowfall that could suddenly lower visibility in heavier bursts. Officials advise motorists to allow extra following distance and remain weather-aware if traveling this weekend.
Wind chills Thursday morning dipped into the single digits in parts of northern Maine. However, temperatures are forecast to gradually warm through the weekend and into early next week. Much of the region is expected to rise above freezing by early next week, including Bangor and portions of Downeast Maine.
The warming trend will mark the first above-freezing stretch in Caribou since January 15, according to the National Weather Service. Bangor is projected to see temperatures climb above freezing for the first time since January 22.
Drivers, including students and early-morning commuters, may encounter drifting snow in open areas through Thursday afternoon.
