Tropical Storm — Southeast Aroostook, Maine

2023-09-16 · Southeast Aroostook, Maine

Event narrative

Post-Tropical Cyclone Lee brought gusty winds and rain to the region. Wind gusts generally ranged from 35 to 43 knots (40 to 50 mph). A peak wind gust of 47 knots (54 mph) was measured at Houlton. Rainfall generally ranged from 1.25 to 2.25 inches. Snapped branches and trees falling on power lines produced isolated to scattered power outages. No structural damage or flooding occurred. The driver of a vehicle received minor injuries when they were unable to avoid a falling tree which smashed through the windshield. Other passengers were not injured. The incident occurred on Route 11 near Moro Plantation.

Wider weather episode

Tropical Storm Lee transitioned to a post-tropical cyclone while approaching the region. The storm made landfall in extreme southwest Nova Scotia during the afternoon of the 16th...near Long Island...before lifting across New Brunswick. The lowest pressure measured across northern and eastern Maine was 981.3 mb at Eastport in extreme southeast Washington county. A large wind field accompanied the storm...which impacted much of northern and eastern Maine. The highest wind gust also occurred in Eastport...closest to the point of landfall...measured at 54 knots (62 mph) during the morning of the 16th. The highest marine wind report was measured at 55 knots (63 mph) at the Jonesport buoy...also during the morning of the 16th. Wind gusts south of a line from southern Aroostook to central Piscataquis counties generally ranged from 39 to 48 knots (45 to 55 mph) through the morning into the afternoon of the 16th. Wind gusts across the remainder of northern and northwest Maine generally ranged from 30 to 39 knots (35 to 45 mph). These winds snapped branches and brought down many trees across northern and eastern Maine. The fallen trees and branches brought down power lines which contributed to power outages. No structural damage was reported across the region due to winds. A falling tree which smashed through the window of a van injured the driver.

Heavy rain accompanied the storm. The greatest rain totals occurred in southeast Washington county where local totals exceeded 6.00 inches...with a maximum total of 6.50 inches near Steuben. Localized flash flooding occurred in this area along with damage to roads and flooded basements. A sharp gradient of lesser rainfall occurred north and west of this region...with generally 2.00 to 4.00 inches on a line from northern Washington to Hancock counties. Totals of 1.00 to 2.00 inches occurred on a line from southern Aroostook to southern Penobscot counties. Totals northwest of this line were generally less than an inch.

Coastal flood impacts were minimal due to the strong offshore winds. The offshore winds mitigated coastal flood impacts during the several high tide cycles which occurred during this event. A rogue wave capsized a lobster boat off the coast of Hancock county injuring 2 on board. A whale watch vessel broke from its mooring and ran aground. This led to the release of 1800 gallons of fuel...creating a HAZMAT incident.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1141156. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.