Flash Flood in Cumberland County, Maine

A coastal front was established along coastal Cumberland County that became the focus for localized moderate to heavy rain through the morning hours of January 13th. The increased rainfall rates with rainfall totals of 2 inches on already saturated ground led to rapid runoff of small streams and rivers along coastal watersheds. The freshwater run-off coincided with the historical storm tide water levels not allowing for water to drain into the oceans. This interaction led to flash flooding at the time of high tide, causing numerous low lying back-bay areas to flood, along with increased urban flooding in the city of Portland as storm drains became overwhelmed. Back bay flooding was reported on Marginal Way with the closing of exit 7 off of I-295. Many businesses were flooded in the back bay area as the freshwater couldn't drain to the ocean. Additional flooding was reported on the waterfront area with storm drains also being a small contributing factor during high tide.

The second severe storm in a week's time struck the northern New England coastline during the middle of January. An intense and rapidly deepening area of low pressure over the Great Lakes region (979 mb) combined the highest astronomical tides of the month to produce extreme flooding along the coast. Portland had its all-time storm tide, posting a record flood water level (records 1912-present). Storm force southeasterly winds occurred along the coast with nearshore waves of 15 to 20 feet leading to wave run-up impacts along exposed areas, especially areas vulnerable to southeast swells. A flash flood warning was issued for Coastal Cumberland and York Counties prior to high tide due to rapidly rising ocean water and fresh waters as heavy rain accompanied a coastal front just prior to high tide.