Penobscot River at Eddington

1. 25.00 ftComparable to the FEMA 0.2 percent flood level. A large portion of the Penobscot River Valley underwater. Flood waters reach Main St in Old Town with significant impacts to Water Street properties. Down Street on Indian Island flooded near West Street cutting off access south. Significant flooding in Milford with access in and out of the area on Route 2 cut off. State Route 116 near Tree Farm Road in Old Town flooded.
2. 23.00 ftFlood inundation near the FEMA 1 percent flood hazard level. Record flooding similar to the Flood of 1987. Floodwaters breach the railroad tracks in Old Town, flooding portions of Water Street. Lower portions of French Island including Bodwell St and River St inundated. Significant flooding along Main St in Bradley depending on backwater and flows from the Otter Stream. Wabanaki Way on Indian Isolated flooded in multiple locations.
3. 22.00 ftSignificant inundation of low lying lands along the river. Potential for greater impacts in the upper portion of the reach around Old Town with large contributions from the Stillwater River. The backyards of properties north of North Main St in Brewer inundated with some impacts to outbuildings possible.
4. 21.00 ftBackwater effects from the Penobscot can cause flooding at the confluence of the Otter and Great Works Streams in Bradley, flooding portions of Route 178.
5. 18.00 ftMinor lowland flooding occurs. Swiftly moving water can pose an imminent threat to life.
6. 16.00 ftRiver approaches bankfull.

Chance of flooding, September to November

The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 21, 2026.

Most recent crests

• December 21, 2023: 17.13 ft
• December 3, 2020: 14.69 ft
• April 15, 2020: 15.27 ft
• April 23, 2019: 16.75 ft
• January 14, 2018: 18.30 ft
• April 18, 2014: 17.93 ft
• January 13, 2014: 17.57 ft
• December 15, 2010: 17.30 ft
• April 8, 2009: 16.61 ft
• May 1, 2008: 19.57 ft

• UpstreamPenobscot River at West Enfield
• DownstreamPenobscot River at Bangor
• Kenduskeag Stream at Bangor
• Bucksport Tidal Gage (MLLW)
• Piscataquis River at Medford
• Black Stream at Dover-Foxcroft
• Sebec River at Sebec
• Frenchman Bay at Bar Harbor (IN MLLW)

Forecasts by the Northeast River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available. Stage may be affected by ice. Stage may be affected by ice.

Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service. Streamflow and the daily record from the U.S. Geological Survey.