Maine faces a challenging morning commute on Wednesday due to a winter weather system bringing snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain. The storm system begins late Tuesday night and extends into Wednesday morning, complicating road conditions across the state.
Temperatures will remain cold, ranging from the teens to the low 30s, with snow starting as precipitation. Northern Maine is expected to receive between 3 and 6 inches of snow, while the mountainous regions will see accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. Coastal plains might experience a light dusting up to 2 inches.
Freezing rain presents an added hazard, especially along the coastal plain, where ice accumulations could reach 0.15 inches. This ice buildup raises concerns about slippery road surfaces and the possibility of scattered power outages, given recent vulnerabilities to winter storms.
A winter weather advisory is in effect starting 7 PM Tuesday until 10 AM Wednesday, signaling the need for heightened caution during travel. Authorities advise motorists to prepare for slick and treacherous roads, particularly during the early Wednesday rush hour.
By Wednesday afternoon, conditions are expected to improve considerably, making travel safer. Thursday will bring the best weather of the week, with sunshine and temperatures climbing near 40 degrees.
Additional precipitation is forecast for Friday afternoon, featuring rain and mountain mix, followed by another round of mixed precipitation early Saturday into Sunday. Despite this, a warmer-than-average pattern is anticipated across New England by mid-January.
Travelers in Maine should plan accordingly and monitor local updates to adjust travel plans promptly. The combination of snow, freezing rain, and variable temperatures requires caution and preparedness during this period of unsettled winter weather.
Read more at: wgme.com
