Coastal Flood — Coastal York, Maine

2021-02-02 · Coastal York, Maine

Event narrative

The astronomical tide in Portland of 10ft MLLW combined with a storm surge of 1.9ft to bring the storm tide water level up to 11.9ft, which was just below flood stage at the Portland tide gage. The significant near shear waves of up to 25ft combined with the high tide to cause wave run-up along the coast. Battering waves caused splash-over and over-wash of coastal roads in Saco, which led to flooding and a stranded truck on Riverside Avenue.

Wider weather episode

Low pressure rapidly intensified down to 988mb as it passed off the New England coast into the Gulf of Maine during the day on February 2nd. This produced storm force northeastly winds over the coastal waters that led to 25 foot nearshore waves. In addition, a storm surge up to 2 feet was also recorded at tidal gauges. The combination of the high tide, surge and large breaking waves caused coastal flooding across York County Maine.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 946441. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.