Portland, Maine – A winter storm is increasingly likely to bring icy conditions across much of Maine late Sunday night into Monday, raising concerns for hazardous travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray, there is a moderate to high probability of at least one-tenth of an inch of ice accumulation across large portions of the state. The highest chances are focused across western, central, and interior Maine, where probabilities exceed 60 to 90 percent in some locations.
The icing threat is expected to develop late Sunday night as precipitation moves into the region and surface temperatures remain at or below freezing. This setup may lead to freezing rain, allowing ice to accumulate on untreated roads, sidewalks, power lines, and tree branches. Even relatively small amounts of ice can create dangerous driving conditions and increase the risk of slips and falls.
Areas including Lewiston, Augusta, Rumford, Fryeburg, and interior sections of western Maine currently show the greatest likelihood of measurable icing. Farther east toward the coast, including Portland and Rockland, probabilities are lower but still indicate a risk for slick conditions, especially inland from the immediate shoreline.
The National Weather Service emphasizes that the map reflects the chance of exceeding 0.10 inches of ice, not guaranteed totals, and that exact amounts may vary depending on temperature trends and precipitation type. However, confidence is increasing that icy travel conditions will occur somewhere across the region late Sunday night into Monday.
Drivers are urged to plan for slow and potentially hazardous travel, particularly during the overnight hours and early Monday morning commute. Untreated roads may become icy quickly, even if precipitation initially appears light.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecast updates and be prepared for possible advisories or warnings as the storm approaches. Small changes in temperature could significantly affect where and how much ice develops.
