Caribou, Maine – Drivers across Maine should prepare for a tricky stretch of winter weather late tonight into Wednesday as snow spreads in from the west before changing to freezing rain and sleet across southern parts of the state. Cold ground temperatures left behind by the recent cold spell are expected to worsen road conditions, especially during the Wednesday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, light to moderate snow will overspread much of northern and central Maine late tonight, with accumulations generally ranging from 2 to 4 inches across the interior and locally higher totals of 4 to 6 inches near Greenville and the western highlands. Farther north, including around Presque Isle and Caribou, snowfall amounts are expected to stay closer to 1 to 3 inches.
Downeast Maine and the lower Penobscot Valley, including Bangor, Ellsworth, and coastal Hancock and Washington counties, are expected to see snow transition to freezing rain and sleet early Wednesday morning. Ice accumulations of a light glaze up to a quarter inch are possible in some areas, creating slippery roads, sidewalks, and untreated surfaces.
Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate late tonight and remain hazardous through Wednesday morning before precipitation tapers off by mid to late afternoon. Motorists are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and use caution on bridges and overpasses. Additional advisories may be issued as conditions evolve.
