Portland, Maine – Drivers across Maine and New Hampshire could face rapidly changing and slippery road conditions Tuesday night as a winter system spreads snow, sleet, and freezing rain across the region, lingering into Wednesday morning. Even light accumulations are expected to create hazardous travel, especially on untreated roads and bridges.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray, Winter Weather Advisories are in effect from Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning for much of southern, central, and western Maine, along with large portions of New Hampshire. Coastal and interior southern areas are expected to see a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, with up to two inches of snow, a light sleet accumulation, and ice buildup approaching two-tenths of an inch in some locations.
Farther inland and north, including western Maine and northern New Hampshire, precipitation is expected to fall mainly as snow. Snow totals of 3 to 5 inches are possible in the foothills, interior highlands, and mountain communities, where roads could quickly become snow covered overnight. Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate late Tuesday evening and remain slick through the Wednesday morning commute.
Communities from Portland, Lewiston, Augusta, and Waterville to Concord, Manchester, and North Conway may all see impacts, depending on elevation and temperature. Officials urge drivers to slow down, avoid unnecessary travel overnight, and check New England 511 for updated road conditions. Advisories remain in effect into Wednesday, and lingering slick spots are likely even after precipitation tapers.
