Caribou, ME – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Special Weather Statement for much of northern and coastal Maine, warning residents and travelers about developing icy road conditions overnight due to rapidly falling temperatures. The advisory covers Hancock, Washington, Penobscot, and Aroostook counties, where roads are becoming slick after evening snowfall.
Icy Conditions Developing Overnight
According to the NWS in Caribou, a band of light snow that moved through the region earlier this evening left roads wet and slushy. As temperatures dropped to freezing or below, those wet surfaces began to ice over, creating hazardous travel conditions.
Communities including Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, Machias, Cherryfield, Bangor, and Houlton are expected to see patchy black ice forming overnight, with the risk extending into the early morning hours of Wednesday, November 12.
“Even a light coating of ice can create dangerous travel conditions,” meteorologists at the NWS cautioned. “Motorists should be prepared for slippery spots, particularly on untreated roads.”
Weather Details and Affected Areas
Forecasters say that temperatures across Hancock and Washington counties are currently hovering near 30°F, and roads are already turning icy in shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses. The icing risk will continue through daybreak, before improving later Wednesday morning as readings slowly climb above freezing.
No significant snow accumulation is expected, but the combination of black ice and below-freezing temperatures could make travel treacherous for commuters and early-morning travelers.
The NWS Special Weather Statement urges caution in key areas:
- Downeast Maine towns: Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, Machias, and Cherryfield
- Northern interior areas: Bangor, Houlton, and Presque Isle
- Rural and coastal roads, especially near shaded and elevated areas
Public Safety Guidance from Authorities
Authorities are advising drivers to reduce speed, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking. Black ice is especially dangerous because it’s nearly invisible on the road surface.
“Motorists are urged to reduce speeds, allow extra braking distance, and use caution,” the NWS said. “Bridges and shaded roads are likely to freeze first.”
Local emergency services in Bangor and Hancock County have reported a few minor slide-offs but no major accidents so far. Highway crews are monitoring conditions and may apply salt and sand treatments overnight to improve traction where needed.
Background and Seasonal Context
November’s weather in Maine often brings rapid temperature swings that lead to overnight icing, particularly after light snow or drizzle events. The transition into early winter makes roads especially unpredictable when daytime melting is followed by nighttime refreezing.
Meteorologists say this pattern could persist through the week, with more freezing drizzle and light snow chances expected in parts of northern Maine by the weekend.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The NWS Caribou office will continue monitoring conditions overnight and issue updates if the situation worsens. Residents can track real-time weather alerts through weather.gov/car and local news stations.
Travelers are encouraged to check road reports before heading out and to prepare for slower commutes early Wednesday morning.
Conclusion
As freezing temperatures grip northern and coastal Maine, drivers are urged to remain vigilant and take precautions against black ice through the morning commute. Even a thin layer of ice can cause serious accidents — a reminder that the winter travel season has officially begun across the state.
What are your local conditions like tonight? Share your experiences or photos from your area in the comments below.
