Ellsworth, Maine – Snow and wind are combining to create slick, low-visibility travel across Coastal Hancock County as drivers head out before sunrise Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 7 a.m. EST Saturday. Up to an additional inch of snow is expected, with wind gusts reaching 30 mph along the coast. The combination is leading to snow-covered pavement and brief visibility reductions, especially in open and exposed areas.
Communities including Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, Bucksport, Castine and Orland are seeing light accumulation on untreated roads. Gusty winds may cause minor blowing snow on stretches of Route 1 and Route 3, particularly near the shoreline and across higher terrain. Bridges and overpasses could become slick quickly as temperatures remain below freezing.
Drivers should slow down, increase following distance and prepare for sudden changes in visibility. Real-time road conditions are available through newengland511.org.
Snow should taper toward or shortly after 7 a.m., but lingering slick spots may affect the early morning commute. Additional advisories could be issued if bands redevelop along the Downeast coast.
