Flash Flooding and Winter Storm in Maine, March 10, 2024

Name: Flash Flooding and Winter Storm in Maine, March 10, 2024
Start: 2024-03-10T00:00
End: 2024-03-10T20:00
Location: Maine

March 10, 2024 · NWS GYX · 25 events in 9 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 6 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: $220,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 25

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 multifaceted storm brought strong winds and heavy rain to the coast, and heavy snow to the mountains on March 10th. A period of heavy rain between daybreak and noon caused excessive runoff and flash flooding in parts of Cumberland County where rainfall totals exceeded 3 inches. Elsewhere, the rain and snowmelt combination resulted in minor river flooding and nuisance overland standing water. Gale force easterly winds accompanied the low with the strongest winds occurring before high tide. The resultant storm tide reached 13.32 feet. This represented the eighth highest storm tide on record in Portland Harbor (1912 to present) and the third top ten storm tides for the year. High astronomical tides combined with strong onshore flow and storm surge to bring mostly minor coastal flooding to the Maine coast along with some localized areas of moderate flooding.

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 Mar 9, 10:15 PM EST, 1 hour 45 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 9, 10:15 PM EST, 1 hour 45 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Gray ME
1015 PM EST Sat Mar 9 2024

.SYNOPSIS...
A significant multifaceted storm will approach the region this
evening and bring a variety of hazards to the area. Strong wind
gusts are expected at the coast and northwest of the mountains,
heavy rainfall and minor flooding south of the mountains, heavy
snow in the higher terrain, and coastal flooding from the
Seacoast to Penobscot Bay. In the wake of the storm, upslope
snow showers linger through Monday night. Westerly winds will
also stay gusty through Tuesday, with some gusts approaching 40
to 50 mph. The rest of the week looks to be warm with fair
weather.

&&

.NEAR TERM /OVERNIGHT/...
1015 PM Update... Have incorporated latest 00Z guidance into the
forecast which resulted in a few minor changes, but the overall
logic of this system is largely intact. Of note... decreased
ratios in northern valleys with temperatures expected to be
marginal both at the surface and aloft, which resulted in a more
elevation-based accumulation toward the north. While I still
have a foot or more for the spine of Appalachia, with up to 2 ft
possible through the Whites as forcing pivots and upsloping
enhances snow fall... northern valleys will likely see a bit of
wet compaction of snowfall with somewhat lower totals.

717 PM Update... Quick update for observational trends with
little change at this time. Taking a little bit of a deeper dive
in the next couple of hours as 00Z runs start to trickle in.

Previously...
Overcast skies continues, with high radar returns spreading over
the area. Will begin to see lower returns invade east and north
this evening, with most locations seeing precipitation ongoing
shortly after midnight. SE flow is evident at the surface this
afternoon, and this is set to continue overnight. Some higher
winds aloft are already being brought to the surface in lee of
the Whites, likely assisted by temp inversion through 850mb.

Low pressure tracks have trended a bit further west this cycle,
which has some implications for the rain/snow line and winds
along the coast. While cool temps will still support snow at
onset for much of the area, strong WAA will push inland
overnight marching the rain/snow line closer to the foothills
just after daybreak.

For points that stay all snow overnight, the mountains and
immediate foothills, it will be wet and fall at heavy rates.
Banding is likely, and HREF probabilities do bring a likely
possibility of seeing rates > 1.5 or 2 inches per hour. These
are mainly along the spine of the Whites and mountains extending
into NW Maine. This could result in a very rapid accumulation
of significant snow by daybreak Sunday. Up to 2 or 3 inches of
very wet snow will be possible across the interior before
changing to rain late, again showing impressive precip rates.

Some downsloping is expected and this will both impact winds and
snow amounts in the north, specifically up the CT River Valley.
There will be a very sharp gradient between lower valley
locations and those at higher elevation. In addition to any
warming/drying brought by downslope, wind will also have an
impact. Gusts to 50 mph will be possible here in far northern NH
and western ME late tonight into early Sunday.

Rain rates will be enhanced by terrific forcing overnight, and
the risk of overland flash flooding increases tonight into
tomorrow as soil is still plenty damp from early week storm.
Any frozen ground can also assist in quicker runoff.

850mb jet continues to show about 80kts tracking along the NH/ME
coast. The coastal interface will see the highest gusts, among
the lowlands, with gusts generally tapering quickly as you move
inland. This will begin first along the NH seacoast and York Co
coast after midnight up to 50 mph, and then the Midcoast early
Sunday morning up to 60 mph.

&&

.SHORT TERM /SUNDAY THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/...
Storm continues Sunday morning with rain/snow line pushed back
to the mountains and heavy rain moving into southern central
Maine. The core of strong winds will have also moved north to
encompass only the Midcoast, but also portions of the ME capitol
region. Behind this, winds subside to around 20 mph from the
SW.

Precip will taper through the morning, moving out of southern NH
and far southern ME shortly after noon. Lighter rates continue
in the mountains and interior, but large impacts from ongoing
precip should be lesser by Sunday afternoon. Main concern will
be hydrologic response from earlier heavy rains. More on this in
the Hydrology section below.

Whats left of the low consolidation will be very broad, and
ME/NH will see ongoing upslope snow on the NW side of the
mountains. Additional light accumulations are possible, but
drying occurs into the foothills and coast. This will occur for
the better part of Sunday night and Monday. Winds will pick back
up Monday, gusting just shy of 40 mph from the NW for much of
the CWA.

&&

.LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
Overview: Broad ridge to near zonal flow will dominate much of
the week. Temps will remain above normal thru period. Overall
dry...with the next best shot of precip coming over the weekend.

Impacts: Northwest winds stay gusty thru Tue. Gusts approaching
45 to 50 mph possible Mon. This could delay or add to power
outage numbers from Sun.

Forecast details: With active weather in the short term...the
extended is largely the multi-model consensus blend. Temps
remain above normal...with the warmest weather likely late in
the week. Precip will be below normal...with the next chance for
widespread QPF coming next weekend. A weak S/WV trof Thu may
bring showers to the area...but coverage is expected to be
scattered.

&&

.AVIATION /03Z SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
Short Term...MVFR to IFR this evening, with areas of LIFR
tonight and early Sunday morning. This is set to occur in
periods of rain along the coast, and rain/snow for the interior,
and all snow towards the mountains. Cigs trend MVFR Sunday
afternoon. Vis will be impacted by this precipitation, with IFR
to LIFR restrictions. SE winds also increase late tonight, with
gusts to 40 kt possible. These gusts may begin early at HIE,
influenced in vicinity of the Whites. Coastal winds peak early
Sunday, and taper through the morning south to north. SW winds
result, shifting NW Monday and becoming gusty once again. LLWS
will also be possible, mainly towards HIE and coastal terminals.

Long Term...Much of the area improves to VFR conditions Mon as
winds stay westerly. MVFR CIGs and occasional SHSN are possible
at HIE and even LEB thru the day Mon. Surface wind gusts in
excess of 30 to 35 kt are possible Mon and again Tue.

&&

.MARINE...
Short Term...Storm force winds are expected later tonight as low
pressure moves just inland over NH and ME. Wave heights will
also rise swiftly to 8 to 18 ft. Winds fall below 30 kts Sunday
afternoon, but wave heights will remain elevated...slowly
decreasing through Monday evening. Winds become NW on Monday,
perhaps with some Gale conditions possible.

Long Term...West southwest winds remain gusty thru Tue. Gales
are possible into Tue morning. Winds and seas will gradually
diminish Tue evening. Winds and seas are expected to remain
below SCA thresholds Wed into the weekend.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Flash flooding and renewed river flooding possible Sunday. The
weather will be dry today into Saturday which will allow small
streams and standing water to recede, however many larger streams
and rivers will still be elevated. Antecedent conditions will be
favorable for rapid runoff with saturated top soils and frozen frost
depths underneath. Confidence is growing in the model consensus
showing widespread 1-2" QPF, some of which will be snow from the
foothills northward. The precipitation will be heavy between 3 am
and noon Sunday, which will be sufficient to cause rapid onset
flooding. The position of the rain/snow line and duration of both
precip types will play a significant role in the potential runoff
and flood risk. Should the RA/SN line drift further north then
the flood risk will be expanded northward along with it. There
is a high potential for flash flood conditions Sunday with the
freshwater runoff and high tide combination. Riverine flooding
will likewise be closely tied with the p-type. The heaviest rain
looks to fall in the lower basins, particularly near the coast.
Expectation is for renewed bankfull to minor river flooding,
with a low probability (<10%) of exceeding moderate flood stage.
Note that the rain will greatly compress the earlier snow, and
fresh snow under 3" deep will likely melt out entirely and
contribute to the runoff.

&&

.TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
Astronomical tides reach their monthly peak on Sunday. ETSS and
SNAP- EX guidance continues with 1.5 to 2.5 foot surge
forecasted for the Sunday midday high tide, which is the highest
astronomical tide of the month at 11.3 feet in Portland.
Moderate to major coastal flooding is likely during the midday
high tide on Sunday. A coastal flood warning has been issued for
Sunday's midday high tide. Numerous roads may be closed due to
inundation of 1 to 2 feet. Low lying property including homes,
businesses, and some critical infrastructure will likely be
inundated. Significant shoreline erosion will likely occur due
to large, battering waves. Infrastructure that remains damaged
from previous storms in January is particularly vulnerable to
further damage and impacts during the high tide cycle.

&&

.GYX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
ME...Winter Storm Warning until 2 PM EST Sunday for MEZ007>009-012-
     013.
     Flood Watch from 7 AM EST Sunday through Sunday afternoon for
     MEZ014-018>028-033.
     Wind Advisory from 5 AM to 2 PM EST Sunday for MEZ021-022.
     Wind Advisory from 3 AM to 2 PM EST Sunday for MEZ023.
     Coastal Flood Warning from 10 AM to 3 PM EST Sunday for
     MEZ023>028.
     High Wind Warning from 5 AM to 2 PM EST Sunday for MEZ024>028.
NH...Winter Storm Warning until 2 PM EST Sunday for NHZ001>005.
     Flood Watch from 7 AM EST Sunday through Sunday afternoon for
     NHZ006-008>010-012>014.
     Wind Advisory from 3 AM to 2 PM EST Sunday for NHZ014.
     Coastal Flood Warning from 10 AM to 3 PM EST Sunday for NHZ014.
MARINE...Storm Warning from 7 AM to 4 PM EST Sunday for ANZ150>154.

&&

UPDATE...Casey
NEAR/SHORT TERM...Cornwell
LONG TERM...Legro
HYDROLOGY...Jamison
TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...Clair

Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 9, 10:52 PM EST, 1 hour 8 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Gray ME
1052 PM EST Sat Mar 9 2024

MEZ007>009-012-013-NHZ001>005-110400-
Northern Oxford-Northern Franklin-Central Somerset-Southern Oxford-
Southern Franklin-Northern Coos-Southern Coos-Northern Grafton-
Northern Carroll-Southern Grafton-
1052 PM EST Sat Mar 9 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM EDT SUNDAY...

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

.DAY ONE...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...Sunday through Friday.

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

   Winter Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

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

MEZ024>028-110400-
Coastal Cumberland-Sagadahoc-Lincoln-Knox-Coastal Waldo-
1052 PM EST Sat Mar 9 2024

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 2 PM EDT
SUNDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM EDT SUNDAY THROUGH SUNDAY
AFTERNOON...
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 3 PM EST SUNDAY...

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

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

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

   High Wind Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

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

   High Wind Warning.
   Flood Watch.
   Coastal Flood Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

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

MEZ023-NHZ014-110400-
Coastal York-Coastal Rockingham-
1052 PM EST Sat Mar 9 2024

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 2 PM EDT SUNDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM EDT SUNDAY THROUGH SUNDAY
AFTERNOON...
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 3 PM EST SUNDAY...

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

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

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

   Wind Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

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

   Wind Advisory.
   Flood Watch.
   Coastal Flood Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

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

MEZ021-022-110400-
Kennebec-Interior Waldo-
1052 PM EST Sat Mar 9 2024

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 2 PM EDT SUNDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM EDT SUNDAY THROUGH SUNDAY
AFTERNOON...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for south central Maine.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

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

   Wind Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

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

   Wind Advisory.
   Flood Watch.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

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

MEZ014-018>020-033-NHZ006-008>010-012-013-110400-
Southern Somerset-Interior York-Central Interior Cumberland-
Androscoggin-Interior Cumberland Highlands-Southern Carroll-
Merrimack-Belknap-Strafford-Eastern Hillsborough-Interior Rockingham-
1052 PM EST Sat Mar 9 2024

...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM EDT SUNDAY THROUGH SUNDAY
AFTERNOON...

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

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

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

   Flood Watch.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

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

NHZ007-011-015-110400-
Sullivan-Cheshire-Western And Central Hillsborough-
1052 PM EST Sat Mar 9 2024

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

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

A strong storm system will cross over the region tonight into
Sunday. This system will bring heavy rainfall which will result in
stream rises along with possible flooding. In addition, heavy wet
snow accumulations are expected across the higher terrain.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

ANZ150>154-110400-
Coastal Waters from Stonington, ME to Port Clyde, ME out 25 NM-
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-
1052 PM EST Sat Mar 9 2024

...STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 4 PM EST SUNDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Atlantic coastal waters.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

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

   Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

In the hours before

Local storm report, Mar 9, 9:46 PM EST, 2 hours 14 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Gray ME
946 PM EST Sat Mar 9 2024

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0848 PM     Snow             5 N Bristol             43.66N 71.72W
03/09/2024  M1.0 inch        Grafton            NH   Trained Spotter

&&

The radar

The Portland,ME radar (KGYX), 79 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 12:01 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

17 flood, 4 coastal flood, 2 winter storm, 2 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Storm, Northern Oxford

When: March 10, 12:00 AM EST to 8:00 PM 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 as a light mix, especially across the lower elevations and valleys of Northern Oxford County. As heavier precipitation moved into the region, the precipitation type transitioned to snow, which became heavy at times in the higher terrain. In the lowest elevations (below 1000ft), warmer temperatures kept snow from accumulating significantly. By the time snow tapered off with a light mix, snowfall totals ranged from 6 inches in the valley to as much as 6 to 10 inches in the higher terrain.

Winter Storm, Northern Franklin

When: March 10, 12:00 AM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where: Northern Franklin forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.974, -70.444 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Precipitation began as a light mix, especially across the lower elevations and valleys of Northern Franklin County. As heavier precipitation moved into the region, the precipitation type transitioned to snow, which became heavy at times in the higher terrain. In the lowest elevations (below 1000ft), warmer temperatures kept snow from accumulating significantly. By the time snow tapered off with a light mix, snowfall totals ranged from 6 inches in the valley to as much as 6 to 10 inches in the higher terrain.

Flood, Cumberland

When: March 10, 7:00 AM EST to 11:00 AM EST
Where: Cumberland County, 0.85 mi NW of Cumberland Mills to 0.73 mi NW of Cumberland Mills
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 43.690, -70.360

Westbrook Police Department reported Cumberland Street at Park Road closed due heavy rainfall and excessive run-off causing it to flood.

Flood, Cumberland

When: March 10, 8:22 AM EST to 11:15 AM EST
Where: Cumberland County, 1.47 mi SSE of West Cumberland to 1.59 mi SSE of West Cumberland
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 43.800, -70.310

Heavy rainfall and excessive run-off caused flooding at Route 100 at Lower Methodist Road from the Piscataqua River following 3 inches of rain over already saturated grounds.

Flood, Cumberland

When: March 10, 8:30 AM EST to 10:45 AM EST
Where: Cumberland County, 1.38 mi N of West Falmouth Corner to 0.99 mi N of West Falmouth Corner
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 43.770, -70.300

Flooding caused Route 26 in Falmouth to close following approximately 3 inches of rainfall.

Flood, Androscoggin

When: March 10, 9:00 AM EST to 12:00 PM EST
Where: Androscoggin County, 1.07 mi ENE of Lewiston to 1.09 mi ENE of Lewiston
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.105, -70.180

Excessive runoff settled into a low spot on Highland Spring Road in Lewiston following 2 inches of rainfall, resulting in the road closure.

Flood, Androscoggin

When: March 10, 9:00 AM EST to 12:00 PM EST
Where: Androscoggin County, 0.35 mi E of Rumford Corner to 0.34 mi NNE of Rumford Corner
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.050, -70.243

Excessive runoff settled into a low spot on Hackett Road at Broad Street in Auburn following 2 inches of rainfall, resulting in the road closure.

Flood, Androscoggin

When: March 10, 9:30 AM EST to 11:00 AM EST
Where: Androscoggin County, 0.99 mi SSW of Rumford Corner to 1.12 mi S of Rumford Corner
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.036, -70.254

Excessive runoff overwhelmed drainage ditches on Danville Corner Road between Mountain View Drive and Old Danville Road.

Flash Flood, Cumberland

When: March 10, 9:35 AM EST to 1:45 PM EST
Where: Cumberland County, 2.43 mi ESE of Fosters Corner to 2.27 mi ENE of Windham Center
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 43.791, -70.353

Windham Police Department reported deep flowing water from the McIntosh Brook over Falmouth Road in the area of Cottage Road due to heavy rainfall and excessive run-off.

Flood, Knox

When: March 10, 9:48 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST
Where: Knox County, 0.49 mi W of Hope to 0.56 mi W of Hope
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 44.270, -69.160

Heavy rainfall and excessive run-off caused Wiley Brook to flood Route 105 in Hope south of High Street.

Flood, Androscoggin

When: March 10, 10:00 AM EST to 12:00 PM EST
Where: Androscoggin County, 1.64 mi WNW of South Lewiston to 1.68 mi SE of Lewiston
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.080, -70.180

Swale Lane in Lewiston was closed due to water over the road due to heavy rain and excessive runoff.

Flood, Androscoggin

When: March 10, 10:00 AM EST to 12:00 PM EST
Where: Androscoggin County, 0.96 mi NE of Rumford Jct to 0.85 mi NE of Rumford Jct
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.079, -70.236

Washington Street was flooded due to heavy rainfall and excessive run-off near Brickyard Circle forcing the closure of the southbound lanes.

Flood, Androscoggin

When: March 10, 10:00 AM EST to 11:00 AM EST
Where: Androscoggin County, 0.59 mi E of Lewiston to 0.64 mi E of Lewiston
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.100, -70.188

Farwell Street in Lewiston closed due to a partial washout due to heavy rainfall and excessive run-off.

Flood, Androscoggin

When: March 10, 10:00 AM EST to 10:45 AM EST
Where: Androscoggin County, 0.64 mi NW of Auburn to 0.58 mi NW of Auburn
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.106, -70.240

Gamage Avenue closed between Wilson Street and Davis Avenue due to a partial washout caused by heavy rainfall and excessive run-off.

Flood, Androscoggin

When: March 10, 10:00 AM EST to 12:00 PM EST
Where: Androscoggin County, 1.39 mi ESE of Danville Jct to 1.44 mi ESE of Danville Jct
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.015, -70.243

Excessive runoff overwhelmed drainage ditches on Trapp Road resulting in the road closure.

Flood, Androscoggin

When: March 10, 10:00 AM EST to 12:00 PM EST
Where: Androscoggin County, 2.88 mi NNW of West Durham to 2.53 mi WNW of West Durham
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 43.985, -70.180

Libby Brook came out of banks and flooded Stackpole Road in Durham due to heavy rainfall and excessive run-off.

Coastal Flood, Coastal York

When: March 10, 10:00 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST
Where: Coastal York forecast zone
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 43.429, -70.670 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The astronomical tide in Portland was 11.3 feet MLLW at 11:41 am. Flood stage is 12 feet MLLW. The easterly gales produced a storm surge of two feet in Portland Harbor. The storm tide topped out at 13.32 feet MLLW in the Forest City with the tide remaining above flood stage for a full two hours and 46 minutes (10:08 am - 12:56 pm). The tidal flooding was exasperated by fresh water flooding in estuaries due to runoff from heavy rainfall. The temporary new tide gauge at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) in Portland reached 13.4 feet MLLW. Across the southern tip of Maine at the relatively new Seavey Island gauge, the tide reached 11.97 feet at 11:48 am. The storm surge was recorded at two feet as well.

In terms of inundation along the southwest coast of Maine, area homes were flooded in Kennebunk along with the closure of Beach Ave and Bayberry Rd. Flooding occurred along Main Avenue in the Camp Ellis area of Saco. Old Orchard had flooding waters into their main square and the community of Ocean Park flooded for the third time this year.

Coastal Flood, Coastal Cumberland

When: March 10, 10:00 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST
Where: Coastal Cumberland forecast zone
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 43.806, -70.330 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In terms of inundation along the southwest coast of Maine, route 1 was closed in the Scarborough marshes at high tide, in addition Bayview Ave was damaged near Higgins Beach due to wave action. Further north, in Portland, flooding occurred along the piers near Commercial Street with 1 to 2 feet of inundation being reported. Rain run-off interacted with tidal flooding to cause 1 to 2 feet of inundation in Memorial Park in the Back Bay area.

Coastal Flood, Sagadahoc

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

In terms of inundation along the coast, Route 32 near the intersection of Route 130 was closed due to flooding.

Coastal Flood, Coastal Waldo

When: March 10, 10:30 AM EST to 1:30 PM EST
Where: Coastal Waldo forecast zone
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.485, -69.122 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In terms of inundation along the coast, significant splash-over caused partial inundation and debris on Route 1 in Lincolnville. In Islesboro, splash-over closed a causeway on the island. Belfast waterfront was flooded with 1 to 2 feet of inundation with water surrounding an area restaurant.

Flood, Cumberland

When: March 10, 10:50 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST
Where: Cumberland County, 0.5 mi W of Dog Corner to 0.39 mi W of Dog Corner
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 43.770, -70.490

A low spot along Sebago Lake Road just north of Barstow Road in Gorham was flooded due to heavy rainfall and excessive run-off with water several feet deep. A motorists needed water rescue.

Flood, Androscoggin

When: March 10, 11:00 AM EST to 2:00 PM EST
Where: Androscoggin County, 0.44 mi NNW of Rumford Corner to 0.28 mi NNW of Rumford Corner
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.055, -70.255

Heavy rainfall and excessive run-off caused route 202, also called Washington Street, to flood on the northbound lanes near Hackett Road.

Flood, Androscoggin

When: March 10, 11:00 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST
Where: Androscoggin County, 0.75 mi NE of Fair Grounds to 0.63 mi NNE of Fair Grounds
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.128, -70.220

Heavy rainfall caused an unnamed stream to flood a portion of Stetson Road and Center Street in Auburn.

Flood, Androscoggin

When: March 10, 11:00 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST
Where: Androscoggin County, 2.18 mi N of South Lewiston to 2.1 mi N of South Lewiston
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.101, -70.154

Excessive runoff in an urban portion of Lewiston caused flooding on Sabattus Street near Pond Road intersection, resulting in the road closures.

Flash Flood, Cumberland

When: March 10, 11:30 AM EST to 12:00 PM EST
Where: Cumberland County, 1.1 mi NNE of Pownal to 1.05 mi NNE of Pownal
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 43.915, -70.243

Heavy rainfall caused a full washout on Dougherty Road in New Gloucester. Rainfall was estimated around 3 inches with rates up to an inch an hour. The rain fell over saturated and partially frozen ground which supported rapid runoff.

What these are

Winter Storm: A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.
Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.
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.
Coastal Flood: Flooding of coastal land by the sea, from storm surge, onshore wind or high tides.

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, March 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: 1169881, 1169882, 1155433, 1155434, 1155435, 1155444, 1155490, 1155493, 1155447, 1155437, 1155440, 1155441, 1155445, 1155446, 1155491, 1155495, 1169890, 1169891, 1169892, 1169894, 1155438, 1155439, 1155442, 1155443, 1155430.