Lewiston, Maine – Roads across interior Maine and northern New Hampshire could turn slick quickly Friday night as freezing rain spreads into the region, creating hazardous travel before daybreak Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray, a Winter Weather Advisory takes effect at 7 p.m. Friday and remains in place until 10 a.m. Saturday for a wide stretch of western and central Maine along with northern and central New Hampshire. Forecasters expect freezing rain and freezing drizzle, with ice accumulations generally under 0.10 inches, enough to coat untreated roads and sidewalks.
Communities including Augusta, Lewiston, Farmington, Bethel, Rangeley, Skowhegan, and Waterville in Maine, along with Littleton, Berlin, North Conway, and Laconia in New Hampshire, could see icy conditions develop overnight as temperatures hover near freezing.
Secondary roads, bridges, and shaded areas will likely become the slickest. Drivers along U.S. Route 2 through western Maine, Interstate 95 near Augusta, and Route 16 through North Conway should prepare for slower travel and possible delays through the early morning hours.
Residents heading outside late tonight or early Saturday should use caution on stairs, driveways, and sidewalks, which may develop a thin glaze of ice.
The freezing rain threat should ease after 10 a.m. Saturday as temperatures slowly climb above freezing, but lingering slick spots may persist through the morning. Officials say additional advisories could follow if icing becomes more widespread overnight.
