Portland, Maine – Snow will begin falling during the midafternoon hours Tuesday and could quickly coat I-95 and I-295 before the evening commute peaks around 5 p.m., creating slick and slow travel across southern Maine.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for much of southern and interior Maine as well as southern New Hampshire. Snow is expected to overspread the region from south to north during the afternoon, with most communities picking up 2 to 4 inches. Higher totals up to 5 inches are possible toward the Lakes Region and parts of western Maine.
Road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly after 3 p.m., especially along I-95 from Kittery through Portland and north toward Augusta. Route 302 and US-1 may also become snow-covered before sunset. In southern New Hampshire, a period of freezing rain could mix in during the evening, increasing the risk of icy patches on untreated roads and overpasses.
Drivers should allow extra travel time, reduce speeds and keep a safe following distance. Untreated sidewalks and parking lots may become slippery by early evening. School and municipal officials are monitoring conditions for potential delays or cancellations Wednesday morning.
Snow tapers off after midnight, but lingering slick spots may persist into early Wednesday. Additional advisories remain possible if icing becomes more widespread during the evening hours.
