Coastal Flood — Coastal York, Maine

2022-01-17 · Coastal York, Maine

Event narrative

The astronomical tide in Portland of 9.6 feet combined with a storm surge of 3.1 feet at high tide to produce a 12.7 foot (MLLW) storm tide during the late morning hours. Flood stage in Portland is 12.0 feet (MLLW). The tide remained above flood stage for a full three hours and 26 minutes at the Portland tide gage. The intense easterly winds and high storm tides led to closed roads due to large battering surf and water flooding inland tidal areas. Flooded roads and parking lots were reported on Fortunes Rocks Rd & Hills Beach Rd in Biddeford, Dyke Rd. & Bayberry Ave. in Kennebunkport, and other street flooding in Ogunquit. Wave action erosion and damage was reported in Saco along North Ave., and in Kennebunk on Webhannet Drive.

Wider weather episode

Low pressure rapidly intensified into a strong storm (980 mb) and tracked over western New England on the morning of January 17th. This allowed for a strong easterly flow to develop as the system passed to our west. Winds peaked around the time of high tide with gusts over hurricane force reported across the Gulf of Maine. Astronomical tides were marginal during the event, however very high storm surge values tied for the eleventh highest of all-time during the midday high tide cycle on the 17th. The surge and large waves caused minor flooding across York and Cumberland counties.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1004016. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.