Caribou, Maine – Roads across northern Maine could turn slick within hours Tuesday evening as a surge of mixed precipitation brings a growing risk of freezing rain across Aroostook County and surrounding .
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, precipitation will expand north by Tuesday afternoon, with a 70 to 85 percent chance of freezing rain from Caribou to Presque Isle and Houlton through early Wednesday. Forecasters say even a light glaze could create hazardous travel, especially on untreated roads and elevated surfaces.
The system will split the state, with Bangor and Downeast areas seeing mostly rain while northern communities face a wintry mix. Along I-95 north of Bangor, conditions may shift quickly from wet pavement to ice by the evening commute. Breezy winds will add to the impact, reducing visibility at times and increasing the risk of scattered power issues if ice accumulates on lines.
Drivers are urged to avoid non-essential travel Tuesday night, slow down on bridges and overpasses, and keep emergency supplies in vehicles. Residents should also charge devices and prepare for brief outages.
Mixed precipitation may linger into Wednesday morning before tapering, with another round of unsettled weather possible later in the week. Warnings or advisories could be issued as confidence in ice amounts increases.
