Weather
Maine Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Ice Storm Danger
Augusta, ME – Ice covered roads, fallen trees and widespread power outages are among Maine's most dangerous winter threats. As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Tuesday, October 27, residents ar
By Claire Benton · 2026-10-27T07:44:24.643Z
Augusta, ME – Ice covered roads, fallen trees and widespread power outages are among Maine's most dangerous winter threats. As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Tuesday, October 27, residents are being reminded that freezing rain and river ice jams can create serious emergencies with little warning.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , freezing rain creates hazardous conditions when liquid precipitation freezes on contact with cold surfaces. Significant ice accumulation can damage trees, bring down power lines and make travel extremely dangerous.
How Dangerous Can Ice Storms Become? Even a thin coating of ice can make untreated roads, bridges and sidewalks treacherous. Accumulations approaching half an inch can cause substantial tree damage and power outages, particularly in Maine's heavily wooded communities.
Drivers traveling Interstate 95, Interstate 295 and rural highways should avoid unnecessary trips during significant freezing rain.
Ice Jams Can Trigger Sudden Winter Flooding Ice storms aren't the only concern. River ice jams can develop when accumulated ice blocks water flow, causing water levels to rise rapidly upstream.
Winter thaws, heavy rainfall and melting snow can increase the threat, especially when frozen ground prevents runoff from soaking into the soil.
Communities along the Kennebec, Androscoggin, Penobscot and St. John rivers can face flooding during ice jam events.
What Maine Residents Should Do Now Emergency preparedness officials encourage residents to take several precautions before winter storms arrive:
Keep flashlights, batteries and emergency supplies accessible. Charge phones and prepare for extended power outages. Avoid downed electrical lines and ice covered roadways. Monitor river conditions during winter warmups. Never drive through flooded roads. Residents can follow official forecasts and river ice information through the NWS Gray/Portland office .
Maine Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31 ,