Bangor, Maine – A messy winter storm moved across Maine early Monday, creating hazardous travel conditions as snow transitioned to a wintry mix and rain in many areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, precipitation began as snow overnight and early Monday before changing to a wintry mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain from southwest to northeast. In Bangor, snow and wintry mix were expected during the early morning hours before transitioning to rain, while northern areas remained primarily snow.
Farther north, including Caribou and Presque Isle, snow lingered longer into the morning, with some locations seeing a changeover between 9 and 11 a.m. Ice accumulation forecasts showed up to 0.14 inches near Presque Isle, with localized higher amounts elsewhere in northern and central Maine.
The National Weather Service warned that snow would have a high liquid water content, making it heavy and difficult to shovel. Combined with sleet and freezing rain, road conditions quickly became slick, with hazardous travel expected through Monday night into early Tuesday.
In Downeast Maine, including Bar Harbor and coastal communities, rain became more prevalent. Forecasters cautioned that standing water may freeze overnight as colder air moves in behind the cold front, increasing the risk of icy surfaces.
Gusty winds were also expected late Monday into early Tuesday, capable of blowing loose snow and reducing visibility in open areas. Drivers were urged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and consider delaying travel where possible.
Commuters, students, and holiday travelers were advised to closely monitor road conditions and use caution throughout the day as conditions continued to change statewide.
