Caribou, Maine – Roads across northern Maine could turn slick within hours Tuesday evening as a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain begins coating highways ahead of the Wednesday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 6 p.m. Tuesday through 11 a.m. Wednesday for much of northern and central Maine, including Aroostook, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Penobscot counties. Forecasters expect up to 4 inches of combined snow and sleet, along with ice accumulations reaching 0.25 inches.
The greatest impacts will stretch from Fort Kent and Presque Isle south through Millinocket and Greenville, where untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses could freeze quickly overnight. Travel along key corridors like I-95 near Medway and Route 1 in Aroostook County may become hazardous, especially after midnight when temperatures hover near freezing.
In smaller communities like Ashland, Madawaska, and Patten, reduced visibility and icy secondary roads could delay school transportation and early morning travel. Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and avoid unnecessary trips during peak icing.
Residents should charge devices and prepare for isolated power disruptions where ice builds on tree limbs and lines. Maine DOT recommends checking live road conditions at newengland511.org before heading out.
The advisory remains active through late Wednesday morning, and additional alerts could follow if icing intensifies overnight.
