Gray, ME – Roads across western Maine could quickly turn icy Tuesday evening as freezing rain and sleet move in, creating dangerous travel conditions overnight into the Wednesday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. Tuesday until 8 a.m. Wednesday. The system is expected to bring up to one inch of snow, around a tenth of an inch of sleet, and ice accumulations reaching up to 0.20 inches across northern Franklin, Somerset, and Oxford counties.
That level of icing is enough to create widespread slick conditions, especially on untreated roads, bridges, and elevated surfaces. Communities including Rangeley, Kingfield, Jackman, and Andover are likely to see deteriorating travel conditions shortly after sunset as temperatures remain below freezing.
Drivers should avoid unnecessary travel overnight, reduce speeds, and allow extra stopping distance. Sidewalks, driveways, and stairs may also become icy, increasing the risk of falls.
Hazardous conditions are expected to persist through early Wednesday morning before gradual improvement after 8 a.m. Additional advisories may be issued if icing becomes more widespread.
