Caribou, Maine – Drivers across northern Maine face a narrow window to travel safely this afternoon before a sharp temperature drop turns wet roads into ice by late evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, light sleet and freezing drizzle will continue across Aroostook County through 4 p.m. Friday, creating scattered slick spots from Fort Kent to Presque Isle. Road conditions may briefly improve as temperatures climb slightly above freezing, but that relief will be short-lived.
By 9 p.m., temperatures are expected to fall rapidly below 32°F across northern Penobscot and Aroostook counties, triggering a flash freeze through 1 a.m. Saturday. Slushy surfaces on Route 1, I-95 near Houlton, and secondary roads in towns like Caribou, Ashland, and Millinocket could harden into black ice within minutes. Snow showers developing overnight may further reduce traction and visibility.
Emergency officials urge drivers to avoid unnecessary travel overnight. If travel is required, reduce speed, allow extra stopping distance, and watch for untreated bridges and overpasses, which freeze first.
The risk for icy roads will persist into early Saturday morning, and additional advisories may be issued as conditions evolve.
