Mixed storm will bring around an inch of sleet to Katahdin region

By Leela Stockley, Bangor Daily News Staff

A storm that will bring a mix of snow, sleet, rain and high winds is expected to dump around an inch of ice over the Katahdin region on Thursday night. 

The storm will move in on Thursday afternoon, starting with rain that is expected to shift to snow on Thursday evening. The storm is expected to dump 3 to 5 inches of snow, mixed with up to three-quarters of an inch of sleet,  in the Katahdin region, parts of southern Aroostook County, northern Piscataquis County and the northernmost part of Somerset County, according to the National Weather Service office in Caribou. 

Wind gusts could reach up to 35 mph in these regions as well.

The north-western part of The County is expected to get 5 to 9 inches of snow accumulation starting on Thursday night and carrying into Friday morning, mixed with about a half an inch of sleet and accompanied with wind gusts of up to 35 mph, the Caribou weather office said. 

Southeastern Maine can expect high winds ranging from 15 to 25 mph overnight on Thursday, while the Down East region may experience winds ranging from 25 to 35 mph, with gusts reaching up to 60 mph.

Most of the state has been placed under a hazardous weather outlook, as winds and  possible mixed rain and snow are expected. However, forecasters have not issued wind speed outlooks for most of the western and central region of the state, as of 9 a.m. on Thursday morning. 

High winds can bring down power lines, and mixed sleet and snow can pose a danger for people traveling. 

The NWS reminds people that they should not touch downed power lines, as well as a reminder to travel with caution during periods of high winds and conditions that can cause slippery roadways.