A messy winter storm is set to move across Maine Sunday night and Monday, bringing a wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain that could make travel hazardous, especially during the Monday morning and evening commutes, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters have issued winter storm warnings for much of northern and central Maine, while winter weather advisories are in effect for large portions of western, central and southern Maine.
In far northern and central Maine, including Aroostook County, northern Piscataquis, northern Penobscot and parts of Somerset counties, a winter storm warning will be in effect from 6 a.m. Monday through early Tuesday morning, with another warning running from 9 a.m. Monday to 3 a.m. Tuesday for portions of northern Aroostook County.
Across western, central and southern Maine, including much of Somerset, Franklin, Oxford, York, Cumberland, Androscoggin, Kennebec and Waldo counties, a winter weather advisory will be in effect from 10 p.m. tonight through 7 p.m. Monday.
The storm is expected to begin as a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain late Sunday, with ice becoming a major concern Monday. In advisory areas, forecasters are calling for up to 1 inch of snow, 0.1 to 0.2 inches of sleet, and 0.25 to 0.5 inches of ice accumulation.
“These conditions could lead to difficult travel, especially on untreated roads,” the weather service said, noting the storm may significantly impact both the Monday morning and evening commutes.
Along the Down East coast, including Hancock and Washington counties, precipitation will begin early Monday as a wintry mix before changing to rain. However, cold road temperatures are expected to create hazardous travel conditions during the morning hours.
Gusty winds are expected Monday night into Tuesday, and forecasters said isolated power outages are possible, particularly in areas where ice accumulates on trees and power lines.