Caribou, ME – A new Winter Weather Advisory is set to bring significant snowfall across northern and eastern Maine, with forecasters warning of difficult travel conditions beginning early Sunday and continuing into Monday afternoon.
The National Weather Service in Caribou states that the advisory will remain in place from 1 a.m. Sunday to 1 p.m. Monday, with 5 to 8 inches possible across the region. Areas west of Route 11, including Allagash, Baxter State Park, Clayton Lake, Churchill Dam, and the North Woods, are expected to see the highest totals.
Regions Included in the Winter Weather Advisory
The advisory spans several counties across the Aroostook and Central Highlands region. Impacted locations include:
- Northwest Aroostook
- Northeast Aroostook
- Northern Piscataquis
- Northern Penobscot
- Southeast Aroostook
Communities such as Caribou, Fort Kent, Presque Isle, Madawaska, Millinocket, East Millinocket, Medway, Sherman, Ashland, Houlton, and Mars Hill are under the advisory, according to details shared in the latest update from the NWS Caribou office, referenced directly in their regional briefing.
Expected Snow Timeline for Northern Maine
Snow is expected to develop after midnight early Sunday morning, becoming steady by sunrise. Forecasters say periodic heavier bursts may drop visibility rapidly, causing quick accumulation on untreated roadways.
The advisory continues through midday Monday as a slow-moving system pushes additional moisture into northern Maine. According to the NWS, travel impacts could be most severe during the Monday morning commute, especially for school buses and workers heading along major routes.
Travel Impacts and Affected Roadways
Forecasters caution that travel could become very difficult, with slick and snow-covered surfaces across much of the northern half of the state. Key roads likely to be affected include:
- U.S. Route 1
- Route 11
- Access routes toward Katahdin and the Central Highlands
Motorists are encouraged to reduce speed and allow extra time for travel. In their advisory discussion, meteorologists noted:
“Heavier snow bands may quickly lower visibility and create hazardous travel conditions, especially during the Monday morning commute.”
How Heavy Snow in Aroostook County Typically Impacts the Region
Winter storms in Aroostook and the Central Highlands often cause extended travel disruptions, particularly for smaller towns reliant on long stretches of rural routes. Heavy, early-season snow can lead to:
- Rapid road icing and reduced braking ability
- Complications for logging operations and commercial transport
- Slower emergency response in remote areas
These conditions frequently create challenges for residents in remote communities near the Allagash and Baxter State Park region, where plowing operations cover large distances.
Advisory End Time and Lingering Conditions
Snow is expected to taper off by early Monday afternoon, though forecasters warn that cold temperatures may keep roads slick into the evening. Even after snowfall ends, light winds and reduced sun angle may prevent rapid melting, especially on shaded or untreated routes.
Authorities remind residents that early storms often catch drivers off guard. Those traveling for work or school should prepare for delays across northern Maine.
Share your experiences in the comments below.
