Front Street in Augusta is closed because of worries of potential flooding along the Kennebec River. Police asked those who parked along the river to move their cars.
Officials say an ice jam started forming south of the Calumet Bridge, pushing the Kennebec River towards minor flooding stage. Augusta police said the river level rose more than a foot in just 12 minutes, and almost 2 feet in 30 minutes Sunday night. Minor flooding typically occurs at 12 feet, and according to the Kennebec Journal, the river reached 11.84 feet Sunday around 5 p.m.
High tide, which was just before noon, saw no cresting of ice into the parking lot, which is a good sign, NEWS CENTER Maine’s Shannon Moss reported Monday.
Kennebec County Emergency Management Agency Director Sean Goodwell said the river is currently back down to action stage, meaning 10 ft.
"Nature kind of dictates what we do," Goodwell said. "This is early this year...We have ice jams every year. Tidal water is always moving, you can never trust it."
Police and public safety officials continue to monitor the situation.
"As long as the ice jam is still there, watch what you do around the river," Goodwin said.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.