A fast-moving storm system will move across Maine during the first half of Sunday, ending in the afternoon. Overnight you can expect periods of heavy rain, with wet snow in the mountains and foothills. Winds and coastal flooding are also likely to cause problems. The storm began with snow in most areas on Saturday night, but turned to rain outside the mountains. Areas that see snow first will accumulate quickly but turn to slush with rain. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Oxford and Franklin counties as well as the northern half of Somerset County. Six to 10 inches of heavy, wet snow is possible in these areas, accumulating at a rate of an inch per hour at times. Winds will pick up as the storm system approaches the area. The wind will be 25 to 35 miles per hour from the south, but its speed will range from 40 to 50 miles per hour. Areas of the Central Coast will see stronger winds, possibly reaching speeds of up to 60 mph. A high wind watch was issued Sunday for all coastal areas of Maine. The ground is saturated and partially frozen throughout the area, so any rain that falls will flow directly into rivers and streams whose levels are already high. Water will collect in areas of poor drainage. Road closures are possible and evacuations may be needed. A flood warning has been issued in anticipation of these issues. Those who live in flood-prone areas should make a plan if they need to evacuate. Astronomical high tide will occur around 11:40 a.m. Strong onshore winds will enhance the coastal flooding threat, especially without damage to natural flood barriers during the early January floods. National Weather Service hydrologists in Gray expect a crest of 13.7 feet in Portland Harbor. That would be close to a major flood. It shouldn't be as bad as the January floods, but it will inundate many areas along the coast and bring heavy rainfall.
A fast-moving storm system will move across Maine during the first half of Sunday, ending in the afternoon. Overnight you can expect periods of heavy rain, with wet snow in the mountains and foothills. Winds and coastal flooding are also likely to cause problems.
The storm began as snowfall in most areas on Saturday evening, but turned into rain outside the mountains. Areas that see snow first will accumulate quickly but turn to slush with rain.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Oxford and Franklin counties as well as the northern half of Somerset County. Six to 10 inches of heavy, wet snow is possible in these areas, accumulating at a rate of an inch per hour at times.
Winds will pick up as the storm system approaches the area. The wind will be 25 to 35 miles per hour from the south, but its speed will range from 40 to 50 miles per hour. Areas of the Central Coast will see stronger winds, possibly reaching speeds of up to 60 mph. A high wind watch was issued Sunday for all coastal Maine.
The ground is saturated and partially frozen throughout the area, so any rain that falls will flow directly into rivers and streams whose levels are already rising. Water will collect in areas of poor drainage. Road closures are possible and evacuations may be needed. A flood warning has been issued in anticipation of these issues. Those who live in flood-prone areas should make a plan if they need to evacuate.
The astronomical tide will occur around 11:40 AM. Strong onshore winds will enhance the risk of coastal flooding, especially without damage to natural flood barriers during the early January floods.
National Weather Service hydrologists in Gray are predicting a 13.7-foot crest in Portland Harbor. That would be close to a major flood. It shouldn't be as bad as the January floods, but it will inundate many areas along the coast and bring heavy rainfall.
