Damaging Winds in Maine, July 4, 2000

A line of powerful thunderstorms moved southeastward across Maine during the late evening of the Fourth of July, providing natural fireworks to end the holiday. Several communities started their firework displays early in order to beat the storms; some were successful, some were not. Dozens of trees were downed by the wind along Route 35 between Harrison and Naples; wind gusts in the area were measured at 84 mph. Several homes and cars were damaged by falling trees. Witnesses also observed a funnel cloud which formed over Long Lake. In Otisfield, trees fell on the dining building and a cabin at a children's peace camp, causing an estimated $25,000-$35,000 in damage. In Bridgton, trees were reported down throughout the town, and a tree fell on a boy at Camp Wildwood; the boy was taken to a nearby hospital. Trees were also reported down in Poland, Mechanic Falls, Topsham, Wiscasset, and in Union. Statewide, Central Maine Power Company said that about 12,000 customers lost power from the storms.