Freezing rain and an icy mix is causing tricky travel conditions in Maine on Monday.
Any untreated surfaces including stairs, driveways or walkways are extremely icy, so stay cautious. Power outages are possible throughout the day as well.
Winter weather advisories in Maine are in effect through 7 p.m.
The roads are very slick for the morning commute.
Up to 0.25 to 0.50 inches of ice could build anywhere north or west of the Sebago Lake region.
Freezing rain at the coastline will transition to plain rain by daybreak through mid-to-late morning.
This will slowly stretch inland.
As mentioned above, north and west of Sebago Lake is where there is the highest threat and most concern for ice accretion. The reason for this is that freezing rain could potentially linger through the afternoon in those spots.
Also, 2 to 4 inches of snow is expected in northern Maine with up to an inch across the interior.
By Monday evening, there could be possibly a half inch or more of ice in those spots. Precipitation will end during this time period as well.
Winds will begin to pick up on the back end of Monday. The main question is whether or not inland spots will warm up enough above the freezing mark to melt the ice before the wind moves in.
If not, the power outage risk will be relevant depending on ice load on trees.
By Tuesday, expect a cold and windy day as afternoon temperatures run in the teens.
Wind chills will be near 0 degrees or below.
Tuesday evening will feature the coldest wind chills.
The mountains could get as low as -25 degree wind chill with negative single digits at the coast.
Clouds filter in on Wednesday with highs in the 20s. A cold front could possibly bring a snow shower or two on Wednesday night.
New Year’s Day will be cold in the teens and low 20s with lots of sun. The cold settles back in at the end of the week with highs in the teens and 20s.
