Caribou, Maine – Mixed precipitation is expected to create slippery travel conditions across much of central and Downeast Maine on Monday, prompting Winter Weather Advisories during the morning commute and into the afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST Monday for portions of Central Penobscot, Southern Penobscot, Interior Hancock, Central Washington, Southern Piscataquis, and Northern Washington Counties. Snow and sleet accumulations of up to 2 inches are forecast, along with a light glaze of ice.
In Coastal Hancock and Coastal Washington Counties, including Bar Harbor, Ellsworth, Machias, Eastport, and Bucksport, a separate advisory is in effect from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. EST. In these coastal areas, forecasters expect a light glaze of freezing rain with up to 1 inch of snow and sleet.
The National Weather Service warns that roads, bridges, and overpasses are likely to become slick and hazardous, particularly during the Monday morning commute. Even light ice accumulation can significantly reduce traction, increasing the risk of accidents on untreated surfaces.
Cities and communities impacted include Bangor, Brewer, Old Town, Orono, Lincoln, Dover-Foxcroft, Calais, Princeton, Milo, Guilford, Danforth, and Vanceboro, as well as numerous rural areas across the Central Highlands, Penobscot Valley, and interior Downeast region.
Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and use caution, especially during the early morning hours when freezing rain and sleet are most likely. Conditions are expected to gradually improve later in the day as precipitation tapers off.
The latest Maine road conditions are available at newengland511.org, and officials encourage travelers to check conditions before heading out.
