Caribou, ME – A high-impact weather system is set to affect much of Maine on Friday, bringing strong winds, soaking rain, power outage concerns, and icy travel conditions by Friday night, according to the National Weather Service.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, strong south winds will increase Friday, with gusts up to 60 mph across Downeast Maine and 30 to 45 mph gusts across central and northern parts of the state. The strongest winds are expected from midday through Friday afternoon, and scattered power outages are possible, especially along the coast.
Rainfall totals from Thursday evening through Friday evening are expected to range between 0.5 and 1.5 inches, with the highest amounts across interior central Maine, including areas near Greenville and Mount Katahdin. The warm rain and wind will lead to rapid snowmelt, causing ponding on roads, flooding in low-lying areas, and water-covered pavement.
As colder air moves in Friday night, standing water and slush will refreeze, creating dangerous icy patches on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. Officials warn this ice could become especially hazardous as it may be hidden beneath new snowfall expected Saturday night, when around 2 inches of snow is possible across central and northern Maine.
Communities potentially impacted include Bangor, Bar Harbor, Ellsworth, Machias, Calais, Presque Isle, Caribou, Houlton, and surrounding towns.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor objects, prepare for potential power outages, and use extreme caution traveling Friday night into early Saturday when icy conditions develop.
