On May 23rd, a strong coastal low pressure system developed just off the Maine coast. High astronomical tides combined with strong northeast winds and large ocean waves to produce wind damage, coastal flooding and beach erosion.
Every event with a place to put it; 4 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS GYX wrote it up.
On May 23rd, a strong coastal low pressure system developed just off the Maine coast. High astronomical tides combined with strong northeast winds and large ocean waves to produce wind damage, coastal flooding and beach erosion. The tide gauge in Portland harbor reached 12.2 feet which was slightly above the 12.0 foot flood stage. Coastal flooding occurred in both York and Cumberland Counties, with a significant flood inundation in the Camp Ellis area. Damage to public and private property was estimated to be about a million dollars. Shore road in Saco was washed away. Gooch's Beach in Kennebunk had its seawall damaged. In addition in York County, numerous trees were blown down causing power outages affecting 15 to 20 thousand people. In Portland, several yachts were sunk and docks were damaged at a local marina due to the wind and waves. A 47 foot Coast Guard boat ran aground in Casco Bay while attempting to rescue people on a sailboat. A spotter in Pebbles Cove in Cape Elizabeth reported a wind gust of 62 mph.
The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
2 high wind, 2 storm surge/tide. Local standard time, as filed.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Maine in 2005Every state in 2005This day in weather historyWarnings in Maine, May 2005The 2005 hurricane season
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 5449876, 5449877, 5449874, 5449875.