Presque Isle, Maine – Roads across northern Maine could turn slick within minutes Friday morning as a mix of sleet and ice continues to coat key travel routes ahead of the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Northeast and Northwest Aroostook County until 5 p.m. Friday, with up to 1 inch of sleet and a tenth of an inch of ice accumulation expected. Snow totals remain light, but the ice layer is enough to reduce traction on untreated surfaces.
Communities including Caribou, Fort Kent, Madawaska, and Presque Isle are seeing hazardous conditions develop on secondary roads, bridges, and overpasses first. Portions of Route 1 and local connectors near the St. John Valley may become especially slick as temperatures hover near freezing.
Drivers should avoid unnecessary travel through mid-afternoon and allow extra stopping distance if heading out. Maine DOT urges motorists to check real-time conditions on newengland511.org before departing.
Conditions may briefly improve after 5 p.m., but any untreated surfaces could remain icy into Friday night. Additional advisories remain possible if temperatures drop faster than expected.
