PORTLAND (NEWS CENTER Maine) -- The astronomical high tide occurring during Thursday's blizzard caused flooding along Portland's waterfront and damaged homes and businesses.
Flooding is common in the area during storms, but people who live there said this is the highest they've ever seen it.
"I've never seen anything like this. This is crazy," said Herb Ivy, who could not reach his home down the Portland pier. "[My] concerns are lobby is flooded -- of the building -- maybe the elevator shaft. My car is in there somewhere, so I don't think I'm going home any time soon."
Many people drove or walked by the area to see the unusually high water levels.
"Losing property and stuff that's in the buildings. That's like J's Oyster -- every year they lose property," said Tony McGillivray, who has lived in Portland for decades.
The high tide impacted Casco Bay Islands as well, raising the ferry's landing platform at Peaks Island. Casco Bay Ferry Lines workers had to compensate for the gap to help cars get off the boat.
Portland's Marginal Way flooded out in some areas as well.
Despite adding extra firefighters and plow drivers, there was nothing crews could do to stop the seas from rising.
"I'm hearing from my kids and my wife who are in the house, and they're sending me pictures from that end," said Ivy. "They're safe. They're warm. Power's on. They're safe. That's the main thing."
