Flash Flooding and Winter Storm in Maine, January 9 to 10, 2024

Name: Flash Flooding and Winter Storm in Maine, January 9 to 10, 2024
Start: 2024-01-09T19:00
End: 2024-01-10T13:00
Location: Maine

January 9 to 10, 2024 · NWS GYX · 20 events in 15 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 18 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $34 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 20

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.

What happened

The episode as NWS GYX wrote it up.

A powerful storm tracked northeast through the Mid Mississippi River Valley on the 9th, rapidly deepening as it approached the southern Great Lakes. Precipitation formed along and ahead of the advancing warm front, which arrived in part of northern New England during the evening of the 9th. High pressure anchored to the north of Maine dammed low level cold air up against the mountains and allowed precipitation to start as snow for most locations in western Maine, except for those east of the coastal front. The coastal front was able to quickly mix westward as heavier precipitation moved into the area, and snow changed to rain into the foothills through midnight and the early morning hours. Rain closer to the coast and snow across the higher terrain was heavy at times through the overnight hours. Snowfall of 6 to 12 inches occurred in the higher terrain, with locally higher amounts in the high peaks. Rainfall was a widespread 2 to 4 inches where precipitation remained mostly rain. A strong low level jet accompanying the deep low pressure over the eastern Great Lakes arrived during the early morning hours on the 10th, with strong to damaging wind gusts along the coast. These warm winds along with rainfall helped to melt much of the fresh snow pack that had fallen on the 7th. The strongest east southeast winds also arrived just ahead of high tide, as they were approaching their monthly spring tides. Moderate to major coastal flooding and large, battering waves occurred all along the western Maine shoreline leading to widespread damage. By the morning of the 10th, snow, rain, and wind had all moved east of the area.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Gray, ME wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jan 9, 3:20 PM EST, 3 hours 40 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 9, 3:20 PM EST, 3 hours 40 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Gray ME
320 PM EST Tue Jan 9 2024

.SYNOPSIS...
A very active weather pattern will continue over the next seven days
with multiple storm threats.  The first storm arrives this evening
and continues into tomorrow bringing strong winds,heavy rain and
snow. The snow will start during the evening hours, and then
transition to rain overnight. Coastal flooding impacts are also
expected during Wednesday mornings high tide cycle. Relatively
quiet weather returns to close out the work week. Another
storm system will cross the region this weekend. Colder weather
returns late this weekend and early next week with another storm
possible by late Tuesday.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
Latest RAP13 sfc pressure analysis this afternoon shows high
pressure now well offshore of New England with low pressure
within a vigorous upper level trough over the upper Mississippi
River Valley. A sfc warm front is situated over the NYC region
with satellite imagery continuing to show cooler cloud tops
moving from southwest to northeast. Northeast radar mosaic shows
the northern edge of the precipitation shield now approaching
northwestern Massachusetts with upstream ASOS reports showing
light snow and even some sleet across western Massachusetts.
Snow will begin over the next few hours across southern
locations with deteriorating travel conditions.

Precipitation will begins this evening from southwest to
northeast as the mid and low-levels moisten. Initially
temperature profiles will support the majority if this to fall
as snow through between 8-10 pm before increasing southeasterly
winds bring in relatively warmer air in, resulting in a
transition to rain along the coast and south. Before this
happens a brief period of heavy snowfall bands are likely,
which will likely impact portions of the evening commute...
especially across southern NH. Latest mesoscale guidance and the
Weather Prediction Center Snowband Probability Tracker (SPT)
indicate the potential for snowfall rates to approach 1"/hr
starting between 5-7 pm, which will result in rapidly
deteriorating travel conditions and reduced visibility. This
region of increased snowfall rates is then progged to advance
northeastward through the remainder of the evening and overnight
hours.

The rain/snow line will gradually advance northward overnight as
increasing WAA brings warmer air from the Gulf of Maine.
Snow will transition to primarily rain along and east of the
I-95 corridor between 9pm to 12 am, although it may take a
little longer towards the Augusta area. Moderate to heavy wet
snow will continue through the predawn hours further inland
from north of the Lakes Region of NH and ME and especially
towards the mountains with snowfall rates between 1 to locally
3" per hour. This will make travel very hazardous and the weight
of the snow could bring down tree limbs and power lines. Most
locations will turn over to rain by dawn on Wednesday but before
then a moderate to heavy snowfall is expected. The snowfall
forecast ranges from 1-3" of slushy snow along the coast and in
southern locations to 3-6" from Concord to Lewiston to Belfast.
Further north, 6-12" is expected with greater than a foot
across the mountains and the taller hills.

Southeasterly winds will also increase through the overnight
hours with gusts between 40-60 mph after midnight through mid-
morning on Wednesday along the coast and extending up through
the lower Kennebec River Valley. Further inland, the low-levels
will likely remain more inverted until the front crosses on
Wednesday, thereby limiting the wind threat to generally 45
mph or less. Higher gusts of 50-60 mph are also expected across
the northwest downslope regions of northern NH.

Moderate to heavy rainfall will fall after the snow turns to
rain, which continues to pose hydrological concerns. One
notable trend has been for this system to exit faster with a
dry slot arriving by early Wednesday morning, thereby reducing
the threat some. For more information please see the hydrology
section below.

Minor with pockets of moderate coastal flooding are expected
during the Wednesday morning high tide cycle. For more
information please see the coastal flooding section below.

Rain and mountain snow will end by early Wednesday afternoon
with just some lingering showers in its wake. It will remain
breezy with gusts up to 30 mph as they become westerly. A few
breaks of sun are even possible by days end with temperatures
into the 40s.

&&

.SHORT TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT/...
Low pressure continues to depart on Wednesday night as weak
mid-level ridging builds to our south. We will remain under
cyclonic flow though and therefore continued upslope SHSN is
likely through the night. It will otherwise be partly cloudy
with lows into the upper 20s/low 30s.

&&

.LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
An extremely active weather pattern is expected to continue int he
extended forecast with two more storms on the horizon.

Global models in reasonable agreement for a storm arriving late
Friday Night and Saturday.  The global models diverge some for a
possible event late Tuesday.

At the start of the extended forecast period the region will be in
between systems with retreating low pressure over NE Quebec and high
pressure building toward the area from the Mid Atlantic Coast. The
cyclonic flow around the low may produce a few upslope snow showers
Thursday into Thursday Night, these will end as the high pressure
system moves in during Friday.

The high will quickly push off shore Friday Afternoon
as intensifying low pressure moves to the NE from the Tennessee
Valley. The track and evolution of this storm system closely
resembles the storm system that will be impacting us tonight into
Wednesday with the main storm system moving west of the area and a
triple point or weak secondary low crossing New England. This
should yield a similar result with regard to precipitation types
with snow quickly changing to rain along the coast Friday night and
snow changing to rain a bit more slowly inland to the mountains.
Precipitation amounts with this system do not appear to be as much
as with tonight's system.  Highest elevations of the mountains should
stay mostly snow or mixed rain/snow. Precipitation should wind down
late morning over NH and early to mid afternoon over Western Maine.
In the cyclonic flow behind the storm, expect scattered snow showers
over the mountains to linger Saturday Night and Sunday. A coastal
flood threat also exist with this storm, particularly with the mid
day Saturday high tide which may result in tides exceeding 12
ft MLLW at Portland and may approach 13 ft.

Weak high pressure will result in a brief break in the stormy
pattern before another area of low pressure approaches. This system
more resembles the storm system that gave us snow this past Sunday.
It originates from the Gulf of Mexico and moves up the east coast.
There is less agreement in the evolution of this system which is
what one would expect a week out.  The ECMWF for the past several
runs has phased the northern and southern streams resulting in a
deeper more organized storm threat off the New England Coast by late
Tuesday.  The GFS does not phase the system and thus has more of an
open wave further off shore while the Canadian global is in between
these two scenarios...stay tuned as models will likely shift around
some with how this storm will ultimately evolve.

&&

.AVIATION /20Z TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
Short Term...VFR/MVFR flight conditions will deteriorate to
IFR/LIFR this evening and persist through Wednesday morning as
widespread RA and SN arrives. Across southern TAF sites RASN
will transition to primarily RA between 03-06Z but it may
remain SN through 08Z at KHIE. South-southeasterly winds will
increase this evening and through the night with gusts of 45-50
kts possible at KPSM, KPWM, KRKD, KAUG, and KHIE. Winds will
begin to subside late Wednesday morning and afternoon as they
become westerly. LLWS of WS020/16060KTS is also expected
overnight into the early morning hours of Wednesday. Conditions
gradually improve Wednesday afternoon and night.

Long Term...Thursday and Friday expect mostly VFR conditions as
weak high pressure builds over the area. Widespread IFR with
areas of LIFR are expected Friday night through midday Saturday
as an organized area of low pressure brings snow and rain to the
region. Expect conditions to improve south of the mountains
Saturday Afternoon returning conditions to MVFR. Expect mostly
VFR conditions Saturday night and Sunday south of the mountains
with areas of IFR in scattered snow showers over the mountains.

&&

.MARINE...
Short Term...Low pressure will bring storm force southeasterly
winds and seas of 15-20 ft tonight through Wednesday with
hurricane force possible north of Port Clyde. Conditions will
improve later Wednesday and later Wednesday night.

Long Term...Weak high pressure results in conditions below SCA
levels Thursday and Friday. A strong area of low pressure
passing west of the waters will result in strengthening
southeast winds Friday Night and Saturday. Gale and possibly
Storm force winds are possible during this time frame. Strong
SCA to Gale winds possible as winds shift to the west Saturday
Night and Sunday. SCA conditions possible Monday.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Heavy rain and snowmelt overnight will raise the risk of flash,
urban, and small stream flooding across southern NH and
southwestern ME Wednesday. Rainfall and snowmelt combined will
produce around 2 to 3 inches of runoff over frozen ground.
Rainfall rates are expected to peak around 1"/hr, which will
support flash flooding especially in urban areas. Runoff storage
is also limited as numerous ponds and wetlands across the
region are already holding above normal volumes. Travel is
expected to be impacted with flooded roads in and around low
lying, urban, and small stream crossing areas. The snowpack is
expected to hold from the foothills northward, meaning less
runoff in these areas. The rain will do a fair job of ripening
the snow conditions and compressing the pack significantly by
late morning. Most of the snowpack is expected to melt out in
the flood watch areas apart from snow piles and in sheltered
areas.

Mainstem river flooding is expected to be limited, and focused
within the flood watch areas. Should runoff amounts exceed 3" then
the potential for low end moderate flooding is possible, with a
focus on the tributaries to the Merrimack River in S NH and SW
coastal ME rivers. Looking ahead, the similar looking system on
Friday night/Saturday is less robust in terms of moisture
content. It could still bring 1-2" of precipitation, which is
expected to fall mostly as rainfall. This is not likely to be a
significant flood producer, however there is the potential for
renewed river rises. Areas impacted over the next 24hrs will
need to be closely monitored for renewed impacts this weekend.

&&

.TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
Reviewing the storm surge guidance today...both deterministic
and ensemble guidance suggests 3-4' of peak surge with the
primary question centering on timing of the surge with respect
to high tide. Current expectation is that surge will be a bit
ahead of the time of high tide from Portland southwest to
Hampton...but increasingly align with the tide as you reach the
midcoast. Even without perfect alignment...there looks to be
sufficient surge to reach moderate flood levels at Portland with
wind trajectories favoring moderate impacts at Hampton at well.
Per typical surge model biases...expect water levels to remain
elevated longer than guidance indicates...which will allow for
warning level impacts despite peak surge arriving a bit early.
Also important will be wave impacts with 15-20' nearshore waves.
With today's updates pushed inundation forecasts to 1-2' in
line with surge forecasts. Also, significant beach erosion and
moderate splash over impacts are expected as well given the
expected waves.

Morning tide at Portland is at 9:36AM Wednesday - 10.3ft MLLW.

Also be aware that a similar system looks to impact the region
Friday night and Saturday with astronomical tides higher (Saturday
tide at Portland 11.2 MLLW at 12:05 PM).  Clearly timing the surge
will again be critical...so please watch for later forecasts as the
details for this second event become clearer.

&&

.GYX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
ME...Winter Storm Warning from 9 PM this evening to 11 AM EST
     Wednesday for MEZ007>009-013-014.
     Winter Storm Warning until 7 AM EST Wednesday for MEZ012-
     020>022-033.
     Winter Weather Advisory until 7 AM EST Wednesday for MEZ018-
     019-026>028.
     Flood Watch from 10 PM EST this evening through Wednesday
     afternoon for MEZ018>021-023>026.
     Wind Advisory from 10 PM this evening to 1 PM EST Wednesday
     for MEZ018-019.
     High Wind Warning from 10 PM this evening to 1 PM EST
     Wednesday for MEZ022>028.
     Coastal Flood Warning from 8 AM to noon EST Wednesday for
     MEZ023>028.
NH...Winter Storm Warning until 7 AM EST Wednesday for NHZ002-004-
     006.
     Winter Weather Advisory until 7 AM EST Wednesday for NHZ001-
     003-005-007>012-015.
     Flood Watch from 10 PM EST this evening through Wednesday
     afternoon for NHZ008>010-012>015.
     Wind Advisory from 10 PM this evening to 1 PM EST Wednesday
     for NHZ005-007>013-015.
     High Wind Warning from 10 PM this evening to 1 PM EST
     Wednesday for NHZ014.
     Coastal Flood Warning from 8 AM to noon EST Wednesday for
     NHZ014.
     High Wind Warning from 10 PM this evening to 10 AM EST
     Wednesday for NHZ001>003.
MARINE...Hurricane Force Wind Warning from 1 AM to 1 PM EST Wednesday
     for ANZ150.
     Storm Warning until 1 PM EST Wednesday for ANZ151>154.

&&

NEAR TERM...Tubbs
SHORT TERM...Tubbs
LONG TERM...Lulofs

Hazardous weather outlook, Jan 9, 2:35 PM EST, 4 hours 25 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Gray ME
235 PM EST Tue Jan 9 2024

NHZ013-101945-
Interior Rockingham-
235 PM EST Tue Jan 9 2024

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM EST
WEDNESDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM EST THIS EVENING THROUGH
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southern New Hampshire.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

Another significant storm system will bring the potential for
snow...rain...and wind Friday night and Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

MEZ023>025-NHZ014-101945-
Coastal York-Coastal Cumberland-Sagadahoc-Coastal Rockingham-
235 PM EST Tue Jan 9 2024

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM EST
WEDNESDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM EST THIS EVENING THROUGH
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON...
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO NOON EST WEDNESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for south central Maine,
southwest Maine and southern New Hampshire.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   High Wind Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   High Wind Warning.
   Coastal Flood Warning.

Another significant storm system will bring the potential for
snow...rain...wind...and coastal flooding Friday night and Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

MEZ007>009-013-014-101945-
Northern Oxford-Northern Franklin-Central Somerset-Southern Franklin-
Southern Somerset-
235 PM EST Tue Jan 9 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO
11 AM EST WEDNESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for south central Maine, west
central Maine and western Maine.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.

Another significant storm system will bring the potential for
snow...rain...and wind Friday night and Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

NHZ005-007-011-101945-
Southern Grafton-Sullivan-Cheshire-
235 PM EST Tue Jan 9 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST
WEDNESDAY...
...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM EST
WEDNESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central New Hampshire,
northern New Hampshire and southern New Hampshire.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.
   Wind Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.
   Wind Advisory.

Another significant storm system will bring the potential for
snow...rain...and wind Friday night and Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

MEZ018-019-NHZ008>010-012-015-101945-
Interior York-Central Interior Cumberland-Merrimack-Belknap-
Strafford-Eastern Hillsborough-Western And Central Hillsborough-
235 PM EST Tue Jan 9 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST
WEDNESDAY...
...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM EST
WEDNESDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM EST THIS EVENING THROUGH
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Maine, southwest Maine, New
Hampshire, central New Hampshire and southern New Hampshire.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.
   Flood Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.
   Flood Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

Another significant storm system will bring the potential for
snow...rain...and wind Friday night and Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

MEZ012-033-NHZ004-006-101945-
Southern Oxford-Interior Cumberland Highlands-Northern Carroll-
Southern Carroll-
235 PM EST Tue Jan 9 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST WEDNESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western Maine and northern
New Hampshire.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.

Another significant storm system will bring the potential for
snow...rain...and wind Friday night and Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

MEZ027-028-101945-
Knox-Coastal Waldo-
235 PM EST Tue Jan 9 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST
WEDNESDAY...
...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM EST
WEDNESDAY...
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO NOON EST WEDNESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for south central Maine.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.
   High Wind Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.
   High Wind Warning.
   Coastal Flood Warning.

Another significant storm system will bring the potential for
snow...rain...wind...and coastal flooding Friday night and Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

NHZ002-101945-
Southern Coos-
235 PM EST Tue Jan 9 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST WEDNESDAY...
...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST
WEDNESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northern New Hampshire.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.
   High Wind Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.
   High Wind Warning.

Another significant storm system will bring the potential for
snow...rain...and wind Friday night and Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

MEZ026-101945-
Lincoln-
235 PM EST Tue Jan 9 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST
WEDNESDAY...
...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM EST
WEDNESDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM EST THIS EVENING THROUGH
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON...
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO NOON EST WEDNESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for south central Maine.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.
   Flood Watch.
   High Wind Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.
   Flood Watch.
   High Wind Warning.
   Coastal Flood Warning.

Another significant storm system will bring the potential for
snow...rain...wind...and coastal flooding Friday night and Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

NHZ001-003-101945-
Northern Coos-Northern Grafton-
235 PM EST Tue Jan 9 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST
WEDNESDAY...
...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST
WEDNESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northern New Hampshire.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.
   High Wind Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.
   High Wind Warning.

Another significant storm system will bring the potential for
snow...rain...and wind Friday night and Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

MEZ022-101945-
Interior Waldo-
235 PM EST Tue Jan 9 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST WEDNESDAY...
...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM EST
WEDNESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for south central Maine.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.
   High Wind Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.
   High Wind Warning.

Another significant storm system will bring the potential for
snow...rain...and wind Friday night and Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

MEZ020-021-101945-
Androscoggin-Kennebec-
235 PM EST Tue Jan 9 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST WEDNESDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM EST THIS EVENING THROUGH
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for south central Maine and
southwest Maine.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.
   Flood Watch.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.
   Flood Watch.

Another significant storm system will bring the potential for
snow...rain...and wind Friday night and Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

ANZ150-101945-
Coastal Waters from Stonington, ME to Port Clyde, ME out 25 NM-
235 PM EST Tue Jan 9 2024

...HURRICANE FORCE WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 1 PM EST
WEDNESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Atlantic coastal waters.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Hurricane Force Wind Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Hurricane Force Wind Warning.

Another significant storm system will bring the potential for gale
to storm force winds Friday night and Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

ANZ151>154-101945-
Penobscot Bay-
Coastal Waters from Port Clyde, ME to Cape Elizabeth, ME out 25 NM-
Casco Bay-
Coastal Waters from Cape Elizabeth, ME to Merrimack River, MA out
25 NM-
235 PM EST Tue Jan 9 2024

...STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST WEDNESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Atlantic coastal waters.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Storm Warning.

Another significant storm system will bring the potential for gale
to storm force winds Friday night and Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

ARNOTT

The radar

The Portland,ME radar (KGYX), 11 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 13:57 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

7 winter storm, 6 high wind, 5 coastal flood, 2 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Storm, Interior Cumberland Highlands

When: January 9, 7:00 PM EST to January 10, 3:00 AM EST
Where: Interior Cumberland Highlands forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 43.806, -70.330 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Precipitation began during the evening of the 9th with a band of heavy snow lifting northeastward out of New Hampshire. Snowfall rates were briefly 1 inch per hour, before settling to a steady light to moderate snow. Snowfall rates increased again after midnight and snow continued into the early morning hours on the 10th until an advancing warm front changed precipitation over to rain. Snowfall totals ranged from 6 to 9 inches before rain began.

Winter Storm, Southern Oxford

When: January 9, 7:00 PM EST to January 10, 4:00 AM EST
Where: Southern Oxford forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.500, -70.757 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Precipitation began during the evening of the 9th with a band of heavy snow lifting northeastward out of New Hampshire. Snowfall rates were briefly 1 inch per hour, before settling to a steady light to moderate snow. Snowfall rates increased again after midnight and snow continued into the morning hours on the 10th until an advancing warm front changed precipitation over to rain. Snowfall totals ranged from 6 to 11 inches before rain began.

Winter Storm, Northern Oxford

When: January 9, 7:00 PM EST to January 10, 6:00 AM EST
Where: Northern Oxford forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.500, -70.757 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Precipitation began during the evening of the 9th with a band of heavy snow lifting northeastward out of the White Mountains. Snowfall rates were briefly 1 inch per hour, before settling to a steady light to moderate snow. Snowfall rates increased again after midnight and snow continued into the morning hours on the 10th until an advancing warm front changed precipitation over to rain. Snowfall totals ranged from 10 to 14 inches before rain began.

Winter Storm, Central Somerset

When: January 9, 8:00 PM EST to January 10, 6:00 AM EST
Where: Central Somerset forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.514, -69.959 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Precipitation began during the evening of the 9th with a band of heavy snow lifting northeastward out of the western Maine mountains. Snowfall rates were briefly 1 inch per hour, before settling to a steady light to moderate snow. Snowfall rates increased again after midnight and snow continued into the morning hours on the 10th until an advancing warm front changed precipitation over to rain. Snowfall totals ranged from 8 to 12 inches before rain began.

Winter Storm, Southern Franklin

When: January 9, 8:00 PM EST to January 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Southern Franklin forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.974, -70.444 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Precipitation began during the evening of the 9th with a band of heavy snow lifting northeastward out of the Mahoosucs. Snowfall rates were briefly 1 inch per hour, before settling to a steady light to moderate snow. Snowfall rates increased again after midnight and snow continued into the morning hours on the 10th until an advancing warm front changed precipitation over to rain. Snowfall totals ranged from 10 to 14 inches before rain began.

Winter Storm, Southern Somerset

When: January 9, 8:00 PM EST to January 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Southern Somerset forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.514, -69.959 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Northern Franklin

When: January 9, 8:00 PM EST to January 10, 6:00 AM EST
Where: Northern Franklin forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.974, -70.444 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Coastal York

When: January 10, 12:00 AM EST to 9:00 AM EST
Where: Coastal York forecast zone
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 43.429, -70.670 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

East of a deep low pressure in the eastern Great Lakes a strong low level jet developed. Deep, fresh snow cover across the interior prevented the strong winds from penetrating too far inland, but along the coast damaging wind gusts began around midnight on the 9th. The strongest gusts continued through mid morning on the 10th. A mesonet station in Ogunquit recorded a 59 mph wind gust around 230 am. Winds quickly diminished once the cold front moved through the coast.

High Wind, Coastal Cumberland

When: January 10, 12:00 AM EST to 9:00 AM EST
Where: Coastal Cumberland forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 43.806, -70.330 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

East of a deep low pressure in the eastern Great Lakes a strong low level jet developed. Deep, fresh snow cover across the interior prevented the strong winds from penetrating too far inland, but along the coast damaging wind gusts began around midnight on the 9th. The strongest gusts continued through mid morning on the 10th. The Portland Jetport recorded a peak wind gust of 63 mph at 428 am. Winds quickly diminished once the cold front moved through the coast.

High Wind, Sagadahoc

When: January 10, 1:00 AM EST to 10:00 AM EST
Where: Sagadahoc forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 43.912, -69.839 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

East of a deep low pressure in the eastern Great Lakes a strong low level jet developed. Deep, fresh snow cover across the interior prevented the strong winds from penetrating too far inland, but along the coast damaging wind gusts began very early in the morning on the 10th. The strongest gusts continued through mid morning on the 10th. The Wiscasset Airport recorded a peak wind gust of 53 mph at 424 am. Winds quickly diminished once the cold front moved through the coast.

High Wind, Lincoln

When: January 10, 1:00 AM EST to 10:00 AM EST
Where: Lincoln forecast zone
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 43.998, -69.526 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

East of a deep low pressure in the eastern Great Lakes a strong low level jet developed. Deep, fresh snow cover across the interior prevented the strong winds from penetrating too far inland, but along the coast damaging wind gusts began very early in the morning on the 10th. The strongest gusts continued through late morning on the 10th. A mesonet station in New Harbor recorded a 69 mph wind gust around 430 am. Winds quickly diminished once the cold front moved through the coast.

High Wind, Coastal Waldo

When: January 10, 2:00 AM EST to 11:00 AM EST
Where: Coastal Waldo forecast zone
Measured: 62 kt (71 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 44.485, -69.122 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

East of a deep low pressure in the eastern Great Lakes a strong low level jet developed. Deep, fresh snow cover across the interior prevented the strong winds from penetrating too far inland, but along the coast damaging wind gusts began very early in the morning on the 10th. The strongest gusts continued through late morning on the 10th. A mesonet station in Belmont recorded a 71 mph wind gust around 515 am. Winds quickly diminished once the cold front moved through the coast.

High Wind, Knox

When: January 10, 2:00 AM EST to 11:00 AM EST
Where: Knox forecast zone
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 44.076, -69.126 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

East of a deep low pressure in the eastern Great Lakes a strong low level jet developed. Deep, fresh snow cover across the interior prevented the strong winds from penetrating too far inland, but along the coast damaging wind gusts began very early in the morning on the 10th. The strongest gusts continued through late morning on the 10th. An equipment outage at the Knox County Regional Airport prevented a wind gust measurement there, but a mesonet station on Isle au Haut recorded a 95 mph wind gust around 630 am. Winds quickly diminished once the cold front moved through the coast.

Coastal Flood, Coastal York

When: January 10, 8:30 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST
Where: Coastal York forecast zone
Property damage: $15 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 43.429, -70.670 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

An intense and rapidly deepening area of low pressure over the Great Lakes region (975 mb) combined with modestly high astronomical tides to produce the third highest storm tide ever in Portland (records 1912-present). In the Portsmouth region at the relatively new Seavey Island gauge, the tide reached 12.46 feet at 9:36 am. The storm surge was recorded at 3.17 feet. In terms of erosion, significant splash-over occurred along the coast, especially in vulnerable southeast facing beaches. In Wells, flood waters damaged a home in Seabreeze Drive. In Kennebunkport, large waves closed the roads by depositing stones and debris on Ocean Avenue. Waves struck houses on Ocean Avenue in Kennebunkport. A portion of the sea wall and a garage along Beach Avenue in Kennebunk was ripped out by the waves. Private seawalls and bulkheads were heavily damaged by large rocks moved by the waves. Inundation flooding was also extreme across Southwest Maine. In Saco, the community of Camp Ellis was completely shut off with over a foot of water covering the corner of Route 9 and Lower Beach Road. North Ave in Camp Ellis was destroyed by wave action, and up to 2-3 feet of sand was left on parts of Riverside Ave and North Ave in Camp Ellis. Flood waters impacted businesses in Ocean Park area of Old Orchard Beach, several roads, including West Grand Avenue, and Cascade road were closed with water a foot deep and foam pouring onto Old Orchard Street. New Salt Road was heavily damaged due to flood waters. In Kennebunkport, numerous shops were flooded with water up to 2 feet deep. In Biddeford, Granite Point Road flooded up to 2.5 feet deep, with flood damage also occurring along Fortunes Rocks Beach.

Coastal Flood, Sagadahoc

When: January 10, 8:30 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST
Where: Sagadahoc forecast zone
Property damage: $5.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 43.912, -69.839 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

An intense and rapidly deepening area of low pressure over the Great Lakes region (975 mb) combined with modestly high astronomical tides to produce the third highest storm tide ever in Portland (records 1912-present). Further up the Maine coast the storm surge was slightly higher and aligned better with the high tide cycle leading to the all time highest water level reading at Bar Harbor with a water level of 15.49 feet MLLW. A new gauge in Belfast also recorded a water level of 16.38 feet MLLW. In terms of erosion, significant splash-over occurred along the coast, especially in vulnerable southeast facing beaches and necks. Large battering surf caused damage at both Popham and Reid Beach State Parks with severe erosion. In Bath, flooding occurred along the Kennebec River with 1 to 3 feet of inundation being recorded along the river front with numerous closed roads and flooding. Further south Rt. 127 in Arrowsic flooded with up to 2 feet of inundation along with numerous other roads in Georgetown and Arrowsic. Route 1 in Woolwich was also closed due to high water flooding the bridge in Hanson Bay.

Coastal Flood, Lincoln

When: January 10, 8:30 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST
Where: Lincoln forecast zone
Property damage: $5.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 43.998, -69.526 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

An intense and rapidly deepening area of low pressure over the Great Lakes region (975 mb) combined with modestly high astronomical tides to produce the third highest storm tide ever in Portland (records 1912-present). Further up the Maine coast the storm surge was slightly higher and aligned better with the high tide cycle leading to the all time highest water level reading at Bar Harbor with a water level of 15.49 feet MLLW. A new gauge in Belfast also recorded a water level of 16.38 feet MLLW. In terms of erosion the damage became worst along the Mid-Coast, significant splash-over occurred along the coast, especially in vulnerable southeast facing beaches and necks. Large battering surf caused major damage in Bristol and New Harbor with homes and piers being destroyed. Damage in Bristol also included a brick wall at the Historic Bell House at Pemaquid Lighthouse being destroyed. In East Boothbay, Ocean Point Rd. was completely destroyed due to pounding surf. In Boothbay Harbor, the waterfront was flooded along with many businesses. Inundation flooding was observed in Edgecombe with closed roads. Damariscotta was also flooded in the downtown area with parking lots and businesses inundated with 1 to 2 feet of water.

Coastal Flood, Knox

When: January 10, 8:30 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST
Where: Knox forecast zone
Property damage: $7.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.076, -69.126 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

An intense and rapidly deepening area of low pressure over the Great Lakes region (975 mb) combined with modestly high astronomical tides to produce the third highest storm tide ever in Portland (records 1912-present). Further up the Maine coast the storm surge was slightly higher and aligned better with the high tide cycle leading to the all time highest water level reading at Bar Harbor with a water level of 15.49 feet MLLW. A new gauge in Belfast also recorded a water level of 16.38 feet MLLW. In terms of erosion the damage became worst along the Mid-Coast, significant splash-over occurred along the coast, especially in vulnerable southeast facing beaches and necks. Large battering surf caused major damage to piers and docks in the county with debris from damaged docks up and down the county coastline. In Port Cylde, Marshall Road was washed out which would end up to become the first of two washouts in a week in that location. On the Island of Islesboro, significant flooding occurred from the storm. Camden reported significant flooding along the waterfront with water into numerous businesses. South Thomaston had multiple roads flooded and closed due to inundation. In Owls Head, a building was destroyed and washed into the sea.

Coastal Flood, Knox

When: January 10, 8:30 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST
Where: Knox forecast zone
Property damage: $2.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.076, -69.126 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

An intense and rapidly deepening area of low pressure over the Great Lakes region (975 mb) combined with modestly high astronomical tides to produce the third highest storm tide ever in Portland (records 1912-present). Further up the Maine coast the storm surge was slightly higher and aligned better with the high tide cycle leading to the all time highest water level reading at Bar Harbor with a water level of 15.49 feet MLLW. A new gauge in Belfast also recorded a water level of 16.38 feet MLLW. In terms of erosion the damage became worst along the Mid-Coast, significant splash-over occurred along the coast, especially in vulnerable southeast facing beaches and necks. Large battering surf caused major damage to piers and docks in the county with debris from damaged docks up and down the county coastline. In Belfast, the city dock and parking lot was severely damaged with over a foot of inundation. Route 1 in Lincolnville was closed and covered with 1-2 feet of inundation, in addition to water in businesses. Flooding was also reported further up the Penobscot Bay in Prospect with State Route 174 being closed due to flooding. Route 1A in Frankfort was also closed due to inundation flooding of marshland along the Penobscot River.

Flash Flood, Cumberland

When: January 10, 9:00 AM EST to 10:15 AM EST
Where: Cumberland County, 0.56 mi E of Portland to 1.45 mi S of Portland
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: $200,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 43.671, -70.259

Heavy rain and snowmelt impacted Cumberland County through the early morning hours of January 10th. The rainfall totals of 2 inches and melting snow on already saturated ground led to rapid runoff of small streams and rivers along coastal watersheds. The freshwater run-off coincided with the near historical storm tide water levels not allowing for water to drain into the oceans. This interaction led to flash flooding at the time of high tide, causing numerous low lying back-bay areas to flood, along with increased urban flooding in the city of Portland as storm drains became overwhelmed. Back bay flooding was reported on Marginal Way with the closing of exit 7 off of I-295. Many businesses were flooded in the back bay area as the freshwater couldn't drain to the ocean. Additional flooding was reported on the waterfront area with storm drains also being a small contributing factor during high tide.

Flash Flood, York

When: January 10, 9:00 AM EST to 10:15 AM EST
Where: York County, 2.63 mi N of Old Orchard Beach to 1.87 mi SSE of Highpine
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: $200,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 43.558, -70.388

Heavy rain and snowmelt impacted Coastal York County through the early morning hours of January 10th. The rainfall totals of 2 inches and melting snow on already saturated ground led to rapid runoff of small streams and rivers along coastal watersheds. The freshwater run-off coincided with the near historical storm tide water levels not allowing for water to drain into the oceans. This interaction led to flash flooding at the time of high tide, causing numerous low lying back-bay areas to flood, along with increased urban flooding in the town and city centers near the waterfront as drains became overwhelmed. Many roads became flooded and closed due to the combination of tidal water, rain and snowmelt that overwhelmed small streams and basins along the coast.

What these are

Winter Storm: A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.
High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.
Coastal Flood: Flooding of coastal land by the sea, from storm surge, onshore wind or high tides.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Maine in 2024 Every state in 2024 This day in weather history Warnings in Maine, January 2024

Sources

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 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1147171, 1147172, 1147361, 1147371, 1147372, 1147374, 1147375, 1147379, 1147380, 1147381, 1147382, 1147383, 1147384, 1159464, 1159497, 1159529, 1159530, 1159534, 1159544, 1159548.