Caribou, ME – A dangerous mix of ice and snow is set to coat roads across Maine’s Central Highlands and North Woods by Tuesday evening, with travel quickly deteriorating ahead of the overnight hours.
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. Areas across northern Somerset, Piscataquis, Penobscot, and southeastern Aroostook counties could see up to 3 inches of snow and sleet, along with ice accumulations reaching 0.20 inches.
That level of icing is enough to create widespread slick roads and potential isolated power issues. Routes near Millinocket, Houlton, Greenville, and Patten are expected to become hazardous overnight, with bridges and untreated roads icing over first. Remote areas near Baxter State Park and Chamberlain Lake may see especially difficult travel conditions.
The combination of freezing rain and sleet will reduce traction and visibility at times, impacting both late-night travel and the Wednesday morning commute. Drivers should slow down, avoid unnecessary trips, and check Maine’s 511 system for live road updates.
Conditions are expected to improve after 11 a.m. Wednesday, though icy patches may linger into midday. Additional alerts could be issued if icing becomes more widespread overnight.
