Flood — Washington, Maine

2014-04-15 to 2014-04-17 · near Forest City, Washington, Maine

Event narrative

Runoff from heavy rain and melting snow contributed to flooding and several road closures. Flooding began to develop during the evening of the 15th...lasting into the afternoon of the 17th. Road closures included Route 6 near Lambert Lake and portions of Route 169 between Danforth and Springfield.

Wider weather episode

Mild temperatures and heavy rains contributed to rapid snow melt and ice movement during mid April. Rising river levels and ice jams led to flooding across portions of northern and eastern Maine. High temperatures on the 14th generally ranged from around 60 to the mid 60s north...to the mid 60s Downeast. These temperatures produced rapid snow melt which led to rising river and stream levels. The rising rivers caused ice to move which led to ice jams. Heavy rains then occurred across the region from the 15th into the 16th in advance of a cold front...with totals of 1.00 to 2.00 inches. Runoff from this rain...in addition to the melting snow...further contributed to rising river levels and ice jams.

River and stream flooding began to develop during the afternoon and evening of the 15th related to the rapid runoff due to snow melt and heavy rains along with ice jams. Runoff from fields and hills overwhelmed culverts and poor drainage areas which contributed to flooding and road closures along with the only fatality of the event.

Significant flooding across Piscataquis and Washington counties lasted into the afternoon of the 17th. Across Aroostook and Penobscot counties...significant flooding lasted into the early morning hours of the 18th.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (45.6636, -67.7719)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 512190. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.