Caribou, Maine – Icy winter weather is creating dangerous travel conditions across northern Maine this evening as freezing rain and sleet spread through the region with temperatures locked well below freezing.
Thermometers across the Caribou area hovered between 24 and 30 degrees late this afternoon, allowing rain to freeze on contact with roads, sidewalks, and untreated surfaces. According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, precipitation redeveloped after earlier dry air briefly slowed activity, leading to rapidly worsening conditions from the Central Highlands to the Downeast coast.
Northern Aroostook County, including Caribou, Presque Isle, Fort Kent, and surrounding communities, is seeing the highest risk for slick travel through the evening hours. Even areas that briefly warm near 32 degrees may refreeze quickly after midnight as colder air settles in. According to the National Weather Service, icy conditions are expected to persist until precipitation tapers to scattered showers overnight.
Drivers are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking, especially on secondary roads, bridges, and shaded areas. Local road crews are treating primary routes, but untreated surfaces may remain hazardous into early Tuesday morning. Emergency officials recommend delaying non-essential travel if possible.
Residents should use caution on walkways and steps, secure handrails, and prepare for refreezing where standing water remains. Power outages are not expected to be widespread, but isolated issues cannot be ruled out where ice accumulates on trees and lines. Conditions are expected to improve gradually overnight as precipitation ends and crews continue treatment operations.
