Winter Weather — Northern Somerset, Maine

2023-12-11 · Northern Somerset, Maine

Event narrative

Storm total snow accumulations ranged from 4 to 7 inches.

Wider weather episode

Favorable upper level dynamics supported a rapidly deepening low which lifted across Maine during the 11th. Warm air was drawn north across the region along with abundant moisture. Heavy rain developed during the night of the 10th and persisted into the afternoon of the 11th. The heaviest rains fell across Washington and Hancock counties...through central and southern Penobscot county...into southern Aroostook county. Rain totals of 3.00 to 4.00 inches were common in this area with local totals in excess of 4.00 inches and isolated totals approaching 5.00 inches. Rain totals of 2.00 to 3.00 inches were common from southern Piscataquis county to northern Penobscot county. Generally 1.00 to 2.00 inches of rain fell across northeast Aroostook county...tapering to 0.50 to 1.00 inch across northwest Maine. Warm temperatures and rain also eroded the early season snow pack which contributed to additional run-off. Numerous roads were flooded to varying depths across mostly Washington...Hancock and Penobscot counties. The water depth was enough to result in some road closures...with some roads also damaged or washed out. The larger mainstem rivers rose significantly though generally remained within their banks. Flooding was mostly confined to smaller rivers and streams along with low lying and poor drainage areas. The rising rivers also broke up the early season river ice. Several ice jams did develop which did not lead to flooding. This event led to elevated river levels and wet ground which primed conditions for a more significant heavy rain and flood event which occurred only a week later. Precipitation was mostly in the form of rain with this event. However...snow accumulated 4 to 7 inches across northern Somerset county before the transition to rain. Snow also accumulated 3 to 6 inches across extreme northwest Aroostook county along the border with Quebec province.

A strong southerly low level jet crossed eastern portions of the forecast area from the early morning hours into the afternoon of the 11th. The strongest winds occurred along the Downeast coast with gusts up to around 60 mph. Numerous trees were toppled with branches snapped which helped bring down power lines. Some roads were closed due to fallen trees and power lines. Coastal flooding was not a concern during this event with only minor splash over occurring.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1153363. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.