Gray, ME – A fresh Winter Weather Advisory is in place for Central Somerset County as forecasters warn of accumulating snow, mixed precipitation, and slick road surfaces expected from Saturday evening into early Sunday. The National Weather Service has outlined the risk of 2 to 5 inches of snow, with temperatures staying below freezing and increasing the likelihood of dangerous travel conditions during the overnight hours.
Snowfall Expectations and Advisory Timing
The latest update from the National Weather Service in Gray indicates that the advisory will remain active from 7 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday, covering the prime hours of evening and early morning travel. Meteorologists highlight the potential for quick accumulation as snow intensifies after sunset, particularly on untreated roadways, sidewalks, and driveways.
A brief window of mixed precipitation may occur overnight, adding to the slickness of surfaces before conditions shift back to all snow. This combination can make travel treacherous even with modest snowfall totals.
Communities Impacted by the Advisory
The advisory spans a wide section of Somerset County, bringing winter weather concerns to several communities including Jackman, Bingham, Brassua, Moosehead, New Portland, Pittston Farm, Seboomook, and Long Pond. Residents across these regions should prepare for rapidly changing conditions as temperatures remain firmly below freezing.
Local forecasts note that freezing temperatures will support steady snow accumulation, making nighttime travel especially risky.
Key concerns for residents include:
- Quick buildup of snow on roads and elevated surfaces
- Icy patches forming on sidewalks, stairs, and driveways
Drivers are encouraged to review conditions before leaving home and consider postponing unnecessary evening trips.
Travel Safety and Road Condition Updates
Forecasters emphasize that even light or moderate snowfall can deteriorate travel conditions quickly when temperatures are this low. Nighttime visibility may decrease as snowfall increases, and untreated roads could become slick within minutes of accumulation.
To help drivers stay informed, road condition updates for Maine are available through NewEngland511, which provides real-time traffic and weather impacts for commuters and emergency travel. The platform offers continuously updated road temperatures, closures, and plow activity across the region.
What to Expect Overnight and Early Sunday
As the system progresses, snow is expected to taper off shortly after sunrise on Sunday. However, lingering cold temperatures mean icy patches may remain on the roads through the early morning hours, particularly in shaded or untreated areas.
Forecasters advise residents to take precautions when stepping outside, as sidewalks and stairs may remain hazardous until temperatures rise later in the day.
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