Thunderstorm Wind — Piscataquis, Maine

2024-06-30 · near Brownville Jct, Piscataquis, Maine

Event narrative

A line of thunderstorms produced a downburst...almost a mile in length...in the vicinity of Brownville Junction producing straight line wind gusts estimated at up to 70 mph. Numerous trees were toppled or snapped along with utility poles and downed wires. Extensive power outages occurred in the vicinity of the downburst. Along Front Street in Brownville Junction approximately 10 medium to large pine trees were snapped. Several trees were toppled along Davis Street in Brownville. Approximately 20 to 30 trees were uprooted...approximately 10 snapped in a wooded lot along Route 11. An RV park along Route 11 also received damage. Several campers received damage to awnings...with several tents also damaged. Several large pieces of decor...including a canoe...were blown to the ground at the entrance to the park. Further north along Route 11...large individual trees were snapped or toppled on to power lines at several locations. Route 11 was shut down between Brownville and Millinocket due to fallen trees and power lines blocking the road.

Wider weather episode

Low pressure tracking north of Maine drew a cold front across the region during the afternoon of the 30th. Thunderstorms developed in advance of the front. Some of the thunderstorms reached severe levels producing damaging winds. A downburst in the vicinity of Brownville Junction...Piscataquis county...produced wind gusts estimated at up to 70 mph. In excess of 50 trees were toppled or snapped along with power lines and utility poles leading to power outages.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (45.3700, -69.0700)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1191694. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.