PORTLAND, Maine — It has been a long day for Mainers.
Even though this storm seemed like the one from this time last week, this round of wind and rain was way worse than the other storms we've had over the past month. We've had a lot of reports coming in all day for downed trees, power outages, road flooding, river flooding and onshore coastal flooding too. The storm is starting to wind down, but we aren't out of the woods (or rain) just yet.
Our main concern today, besides heavy rain, was high wind gusts. A lot of us gusted over 50 mph, which caused some damage, like power outages and downed trees.
Another concern was heavy rain. Several inches of rain have already fallen, and we are expecting additional amounts of about half an inch before the storm departs later tonight.
We've had a lot of issues with flooding all across the state today. Heavy rain on top of a melting snowpack, plus swollen rivers and saturated soil from last week's storm. That is a lot of water with not a lot of places to put it.
One place the runoff goes is Maine rivers. The important thing to remember here is that rivers often crest after the main weather event has taken place because it takes time for the water to move. So over the next day, be cautious around where these rivers typically flood.
The Kennebec River isn't forecast to crest until tomorrow in Augusta.
While the Androscoggin River is almost at the Major Flooding stage and is expected to crest tonight.
We still have more rain to contend with, but it has started to slow down. Here's what the rest of the night looks like.
OVERNIGHT:
Most of the heavy rain has departed, except for northern and eastern inland areas. Western Maine starts to see some clearing.
MIDNIGHT:
The precipitation has exited and the clouds start to clear out.
Even with the rain lightening, the damage doesn't leave with it. Flooding and compromised roads are very difficult to see in the dark, and can make an already dangerous situation worse. If you can stay in tonight, I would recommend it. If you can't, be extra cautious while travelling, and never drive through flooded or closed roads. It's safer for everyone that way.
The rest of the week will be quiet and storm-free. In fact, the tranquil pattern will probably hold through Christmas Day.
Todd & Dana
Todd - "Carson may have a six-pack, or is it an eight-pack? Either way, there's lots of fillers. You can follow my Instagram for shirtless selfies, too. And I'm all natural and about 10 years older."
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