PORTLAND, MAINE — Major flooding concerns are spreading into northern New England as the stubborn nor’easter lingers through Monday. Strong onshore winds have already pushed coastal waters inland, and an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain is forecast along the Northeast coast from New Jersey to Maine, only making ongoing flooding worse. The latest forecast through 8 PM Monday, September 28 shows Portland, Maine near 1 inch of additional rain, Concord, New Hampshire around 0.88 inch and Augusta, Maine near 0.64 inch, with the heaviest bands of 1 to 2 inches or more focused on southeastern New Hampshire and the southern Maine coast.
New Hampshire Seacoast in the Heaviest Band
The deepest colors on the forecast map over northern New England sit across southeastern New Hampshire, near the Massachusetts border. Totals of 1.5 to 2 inches or more are shown in this area, placing the Seacoast region and Rockingham County in line for another soaking.
Communities such as Portsmouth, Hampton, Exeter, Salem and Manchester sit near this heavier band. With the ground already wet from days of rain, even moderate amounts could quickly cause street flooding and rising creeks and streams.
Concord and Central New Hampshire Face Nearly an Inch
Farther inland, Concord is forecast to pick up around 0.88 inch of additional rain through Monday evening. A band of 1 inch or more extends north through parts of central New Hampshire, including areas along the Merrimack River valley.
While these totals are lower than on the coast, rain falling on saturated ground can still lead to ponding on roads and poor drainage flooding.
Portland and Southern Maine Coast on Alert
In Maine, Portland is forecast for about 0.99 inch of additional rain, with the southern Maine coast from Kittery and York through Ogunquit, Kennebunk, Saco and Biddeford falling in the 1 to 1.5 inch range.
These coastal towns are also dealing with strong onshore winds pushing water toward the shoreline. The combination of tidal flooding and heavy rain can overwhelm storm drains, especially during high tide, when rainwater has nowhere to drain.
Augusta and Interior Maine See Lighter Totals
Moving north and inland, rain totals begin to drop. Augusta is forecast for around 0.64 inch, while much of interior and northern Maine sees lighter amounts.
Western Vermont also stays on the drier side, with Burlington forecast for just 0.13 inch.
Onshore Winds Push Coastal Water Inland
The biggest problem along the coast is not just the rain. For days, strong northeast winds have been driving ocean water toward land, raising water levels in harbors, bays and tidal rivers.
In Maine, low-lying waterfront areas in Portland, including parts of the Old Port and Commercial Street, as well as harbors in York, Wells and Kennebunkport, are vulnerable when high tide combines with wind-driven water. On the New Hampshire coast, Hampton Beach and parts of Seabrook are known trouble spots during strong nor’easters.
Storm Refuses to Leave
This nor’easter has been especially damaging because it stalled near New Jersey and Long Island instead of moving out to sea. As it slowly lingers into Monday, bands of rain keep rotating north into New England.
To the south, the storm has already brought flooded streets to the Jersey Shore, massive waves in Greenport, New York and Brant Rock, Massachusetts, and heavy rain across Boston and Providence, where another 2.25 and 1.86 inches are forecast through Monday.
Flooding Risk Builds With Each Round
With soils already soaked across northern New England, it will not take much additional rain to cause problems. Areas to watch include urban streets, underpasses, low-lying coastal roads and small streams that respond quickly to heavy rain.
Rain falling during high tide is especially problematic along the coast, since tidal water can block storm drains from emptying.
How to Stay Safe Through Monday
Never drive through flooded roads, especially along the coast where saltwater flooding can damage vehicles and hide debris. Turn around, don’t drown.
Move vehicles away from flood-prone waterfront areas before high tide, clear storm drains and gutters near your home, and stay away from seawalls and rocky shorelines where waves can sweep people into the water.
Keep phones charged and watch for any Flood Advisories or Coastal Flood Warnings from the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine.
