Caribou, Maine – A combination of dense fog, black ice, snowfall, and a rapid temperature drop is creating hazardous conditions across northern Maine Thursday, with a flash freeze expected tonight, according to the National Weather Service in Caribou.
A Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect for much of northern and central Maine until 8 a.m. Thursday, with visibility reduced to one-quarter mile or less in some areas. The fog, combined with light rain and snowmelt, is creating slick road surfaces, especially during the early morning commute.
The National Weather Service has also issued a Special Weather Statement for Black Ice, warning that pavement temperatures near or below freezing are causing rain and snowmelt to freeze on untreated roads. The highest risk areas include Northern Maine, the Upper Penobscot Valley, Northern Washington County, and the Central Highlands, including the Moosehead Lake region. Roads may appear wet while actually icy.
Snow across far northern areas and rain elsewhere are expected to taper off by this afternoon, but another round of snow is forecast tonight. Snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are possible across northern Maine overnight.
Temperatures are expected to fall rapidly below freezing tonight, leading to a flash freeze as residual moisture freezes solid. By daybreak Friday, lows are forecast to drop into the teens to near 20 degrees, ending a stretch of unseasonably mild daytime temperatures.
The National Weather Service warns that untreated roads, parking lots, and sidewalks could become dangerously slick overnight, particularly north of Bangor. Travel conditions may deteriorate quickly after sunset as temperatures fall.
Drivers are urged to reduce speed, increase following distance, and allow extra time for travel. Pedestrians should use caution on walkways and steps.
Commuters, school staff, and overnight workers in the Caribou area should prepare for rapidly worsening road conditions late tonight into Friday morning.
