Beginning on December 22nd a powerful storm was developing over the Ohio River Valley. On December 23rd the center of the storm was deepening rapidly (974mb) as it lifted through the eastern Great Lakes. While the center tracked into southern Ontario, high pressure retreated into the Canadian Maritimes creating a strong pressure gradient across the region. Strong southerly winds developed as a result, with speeds in excess of 80 knots at around 2,000 feet. Several rounds of strong to damaging wind gusts occurred, which brought widespread power outages to the region with upwards to 240,000 customers without power.
Precipitation moved into southern Maine during the late evening hours of December 22, and moved across the remainder of the state into the early morning of December 23. Snow quickly changed over to rain on the night of December 22nd, with a changeover later in the mountains towards daybreak on December 23rd.  The precipitation continued through the evening hours of December 23, then gradually ended from south to north early morning, December 24. Overland flooding was prevalent for areas where rainfall exceeded 2 inches. The impacts varied from standing water in fields to complete road washouts. The runoff exceeded capacity for most feeder creeks and rivers.
The rapidly deepening area of low pressure over the Great Lakes region combined with very high astronomical tides to produce the fourth highest storm tide ever in Portland. In addition, storm to hurricane force east to southeasterly winds occurred along the coast with nearshore waves of 15 to 20 feet coinciding during peak storm surge.  Significant to major coastal damage occurred during the morning high tide cycle across the beaches and Mid-Coast of Maine.

High Wind in COASTAL WALDO, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 06:00:00 to 23-DEC-22 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 57.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

Parts of the Midcoast experienced two periods of strong to damaging winds. One during the morning hours of the 23rd generally had wind gusts in the 40 to 50 mph range. A second during the afternoon and evening featured wind gusts of 60 to 65 mph. Numerous trees and wires were reported down in the area, and power outages approached 30 percent of customers across the county.

Flood in ANDROSCOGGIN, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 18:30:00 to 23-DEC-22 19:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: WALES CENTER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Flooding on Ridge Road.

Flood in KENNEBEC, MAINE
From 24-DEC-22 19:40:00 to 24-DEC-22 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: HALLOWELL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Parking lots along Front Street in Hallowell flooded. The Kennebec River crested at 11.1 feet, just above the 11 feet flood stage based on the USGS river gage in Hallowell.

Flood in KENNEBEC, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 19:30:00 to 23-DEC-22 20:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: EAST MONMOUTH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Waugan Road washout.

Coastal Flood in LINCOLN, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 09:30:00 to 23-DEC-22 13:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 3.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The morning of December 23rd had perfect alignment of a very high astronomical tide, peak storm surge of 2+ feet and large battering nearshore waves of 15 to 20 feet all coinciding at high tide.  The astronomical tide in Portland was 11.3 feet MLLW at 10:16 am, already close to the established 12 foot MLLW minor flood level. The intense onshore winds produced a storm surge of 2.41 feet in Portland Harbor.  The resulting storm tide topped out at 13.72 feet MLLW, it���s fourth highest water level in modern history for the Forest City (records 1912-present). The tide remained above flood stage for 195 minutes (945 am - 100 pm). A temporary new tide gauge installed by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) in Bath reported a peak water level of 11.7 feet MLLW at high tide.
Boothbay Harbor reported flooding of the waterfront piers and footbridges. Some water reached into the base of buildings.  In addition, dock and pier damage was reported due to high water levels and wave action that resulted in structural damage in and around the Boothbay Area.  Pemaquid Beach had up to 20 feet of land erode into the ocean due to wave action.  Minor flooding was reported in Damariscotta where the town parking lots were flooded.

Flood in KENNEBEC, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 19:30:00 to 23-DEC-22 20:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: SOUTH GARDINER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Stony Meadow Brook flooded Pinkham Road.

Flood in OXFORD, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 22:30:00 to 24-DEC-22 02:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROXBURY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

The Swift River came out of banks reaching 8.2 feet on the evening of the 23rd, climbing 1.2 feet above flood stage set at the USGS gage in Roxbury. Flood waters inundated Route 17 in Byron near the intersection of Byron Village Road at 9 feet.

Flood in SOMERSET, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 20:00:00 to 23-DEC-22 22:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: SKOWHEGAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Waterville Road damaged along with a shopping plaza parking lot in downtown Skowhegan.

High Wind in CENTRAL INTERIOR CUMBERLAND, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 05:00:00 to 23-DEC-22 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Parts of the Maine Lakes Region experienced two periods of strong to damaging winds on the 23rd. One during the morning hours generally had wind gusts in the 40 to 55 mph range. A second during the afternoon and evening featured wind gusts around 60 mph, including a 59 mph gust at the Gray/Portland National Weather Service office. Numerous trees and wires were reported down in the area, and power outages approached 30 percent of customers across the county.

Flood in OXFORD, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 12:15:00 to 23-DEC-22 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: OXFORD KIMBALLS ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Road flooding at Robinson Hill Rd at Jam Hill Road in Oxford.

High Wind in INTERIOR YORK, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 05:00:00 to 23-DEC-22 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Southwest Maine experienced two periods of strong to damaging winds on the 23rd. One during the morning hours generally had wind gusts in the 40 to 55 mph range. A second during the afternoon and evening featured wind gusts around 60 mph. Numerous trees and wires were reported down in the area, and power outages approached 30 percent of customers across the county.

Flood in OXFORD, MAINE
From 24-DEC-22 02:00:00 to 24-DEC-22 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: (RUM)RUMFORD
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Ice flows from Gorham were transported downstream to Rumford on December 23rd when rain and snowmelt raised river levels. The ice jammed at the Rumford dam, causing fast rising water during the early morning hours of December 24. All three roads into Rumford from the west were flooded. Route 232 and Route 2 were severely flooded with water 1 to 5 feet deep. Flood waters entered around a dozen properties, including the first floor of at least 5 structures. Multiple cold water rescues were conducted for motorists surprised by the flooded roads at night. No fatalities or injuries were reported.

High Wind in NORTHERN OXFORD, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 07:00:00 to 23-DEC-22 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Utility Company

A significant downslope windstorm occurred in the western Maine Mountains on the 23rd. With a temperature inversion sitting right around ridgeline, strong to damaging wind gusts were able to mix down the lee side of the higher terrain. For most of the day winds gusted between 40 and 60 mph. Numerous trees and wires were reported down in the area, and power outages approached 30 percent of customers across the county.

High Wind in SAGADAHOC, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 05:00:00 to 23-DEC-22 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Utility Company

Parts of the Midcoast experienced two periods of strong to damaging winds. One during the morning hours of the 23rd generally had wind gusts in the 50 to 60 mph range. A second during the afternoon and evening featured wind gusts of 60 to 65 mph. Numerous trees and wires were reported down in the area, and power outages approached 30 percent of customers across the county.

High Wind in COASTAL YORK, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 03:00:00 to 23-DEC-22 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Southwest Maine experienced two periods of strong to damaging winds on the 23rd. One during the morning hours generally had wind gusts in the 40 to 55 mph range. A second during the afternoon and evening featured wind gusts around 60 mph. Numerous trees and wires were reported down in the area, and power outages approached 30 percent of customers across the county.

Coastal Flood in COASTAL YORK, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 09:00:00 to 23-DEC-22 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 15.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The morning of December 23rd had perfect alignment of a very high astronomical tide, peak storm surge of 2+ feet and large battering nearshore waves of 15 to 20 feet all coinciding at high tide.  The astronomical tide in Portland was 11.3 feet MLLW at 10:16 am, already close to the established 12 foot MLLW minor flood level. The intense onshore winds produced a storm surge of 2.41 feet in Portland Harbor.  The resulting storm tide topped out at 13.72 feet MLLW, it���s fourth highest water level in modern history for the Forest City (records 1912-present). The tide remained above flood stage for 195 minutes (945 am - 100 pm). A temporary new tide gauge installed by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) in Portland reached 13.78 feet MLLW.  Across the southern tip of Maine at the relatively new Seavey Island gauge, the tide reached 12.41 feet MLLW at 1054 am with a storm surge of 2.50 feet.
Significant to major coastal flooding occurred across most vulnerable locations in York County.  No injuries were reported but there were documented water rescues at Granite Point in Biddeford and in Wells on Mile Road as well as Webhannet Drive due to stranded motorists in flood waters. A documented water rescue also occurred in Old Orchard Beach due to residents trapped in their home.
Flooded roads were widespread along coastal communities.  In Wells, Mile Stretch Rd. and Ocean Avenue was inundated with numerous homes being cut-off as waves crashed through properties bringing seafoam and debris. Roads in the Ocean Park neighborhood of Old Orchard Beach were closed due to 3 feet of inundation that flooded homes and vehicles. A bridge on New Salt Road was damaged by the high water and tidal currents.  Additional inundated roads included Blaine, Sandpiper, Weymouth, Seaside, Randall, Temple, and Colby Avenue causing significant damage to area homes and cottages. The peak water level in Ocean Park did not arrive until a full 90 minutes after high tide due to tidal interactions with a nearby marsh in the Goosefare Brook estuary.  In Saco, significant splash-over flooded roads and ripped up pavement in the Camp Ellis area of North and Main Avenues.  Biddeford experienced numerous roads being flooded, along with significant damage to private property due to wave action in the Fortunes Rocks area.  Mile Stretch Rd., Granite Point Rd., Fortunes Rock Rd., and Hills Beach Rd. were all inundated with up to 2 feet of moving water. Wave damage occurred in Qgunquit as a hotel in Perkins Cove was damaged and the footbridge beach parking lot was inundated.  Flooding and beach erosion was also reported in York and Kennebunkport.

Flash Flood in CUMBERLAND, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 10:45:00 to 23-DEC-22 11:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: SOUTH PORTLAND
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Moderate rainfall coincided with a very high astronomical tide and storm surge, resulting in overtopped storm drains and flooding in low-lying urban areas.  Several portside business and parking lots were inundated. The flooding was a combination of freshwater runoff and high tide storm surge.

High Wind in NORTHERN FRANKLIN, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 07:00:00 to 23-DEC-22 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Reported by: AWOS

A significant downslope windstorm occurred in the western Maine Mountains on the 23rd. With a temperature inversion sitting right around ridgeline, strong to damaging wind gusts were able to mix down the lee side of the higher terrain. For most of the day winds gusted between 40 and 60 mph, including a 59 mph gust at Stephen Bean Municipal Airport . Numerous trees and wires were reported down in the area, and power outages approached 30 percent of customers across the county.

High Wind in KNOX, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 04:00:00 to 23-DEC-22 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 57.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

Parts of the Midcoast experienced two periods of strong to damaging winds. One during the morning hours of the 23rd generally had wind gusts in the 40 to 50 mph range. A second during the afternoon and evening featured wind gusts of 60 to 65 mph. Numerous trees and wires were reported down in the area, and power outages approached 30 percent of customers across the county.

High Wind in COASTAL CUMBERLAND, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 03:00:00 to 23-DEC-22 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Reported by: ASOS

Casco Bay experienced two periods of strong to damaging winds on the 23rd. One during the morning hours generally had wind gusts in the 40 to 55 mph range. A second during the afternoon and evening featured wind gusts of 60 to 65 mph, including a 64 mph gust at the Portland International Jetport. Numerous trees and wires were reported down in the area, and power outages approached 30 percent of customers across the county.

Coastal Flood in COASTAL CUMBERLAND, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 09:00:00 to 23-DEC-22 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 10.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The morning of December 23rd had perfect alignment of a very high astronomical tide, peak storm surge of 2+ feet and large battering nearshore waves of 15 to 20 feet all coinciding at high tide.  The astronomical tide in Portland was 11.3 feet MLLW at 10:16 am, already close to the established 12 foot MLLW minor flood level. The intense onshore winds produced a storm surge of 2.41 feet in Portland Harbor.  The resulting storm tide topped out at 13.72 feet MLLW, it���s fourth highest water level in modern history for the Forest City (records 1912-present). The tide remained above flood stage for 195 minutes (945 am - 100 pm). A temporary new tide gauge installed by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) in Portland Back Cove reached 13.78 feet MLLW.  Across the southern tip of Maine at the relatively new Seavey Island gauge, the tide reached 12.41 feet MLLW at 1054 am with a storm surge of 2.50 feet.
Significant to major coastal flooding occurred across most vulnerable locations in Cumberland County.  Significant flooding occurred along the city wharfs and side streets in Portland with inundation of up to 2 feet that included Amethyst Park, the Portland Pier, the Harbor Fish Market, Union Wharf, Widgery Wharf as well as the Custom House Wharf. Portions of Marginal Way also flooded but inundation levels were slightly less.  Flooding also occurred in the Back Cove area to include the Bayside Trail, Sewage Plant Rd. and parts of Commercial Street.  South Portland had flooding along Willard Beach and Bug Light State Park.  The historic seawall of Fort Preble was damaged due to large battering waves.  The iconic Portland Head Light was damaged as large battering waves crashed into the building which blew out windows and flooded the building in Cape Elizabeth.  Additional wave damage to roads with tons of rock debris on roads that had to plowed in Cape Elizabeth. Further south, Scarborough experienced flooding on Black Point Rd. Haggis Parkway, Payne Road and sections of Route 1.

Coastal Flood in COASTAL WALDO, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 09:30:00 to 23-DEC-22 13:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The morning of December 23rd had perfect alignment of a very high astronomical tide, peak storm surge of 2+ feet and large battering nearshore waves of 15 to 20 feet all coinciding at high tide.  The astronomical tide in Portland was 11.3 feet MLLW at 10:16 am, already close to the established 12 foot MLLW minor flood level. The intense onshore winds produced a storm surge of 2.41 feet in Portland Harbor.  The resulting storm tide topped out at 13.72 feet MLLW, it���s fourth highest water level in modern history for the Forest City (records 1912-present). The tide remained above flood stage for 195 minutes (945 am - 100 pm). A temporary new tide gauge installed by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) in Belfast, reported a peak water level of 14.5 feet MLLW at high tide.
In Belfast minor flooding was reported, Heritage Park was flooded with up to 1 foot of water.  The city parking lot was also flooded with up to 1 foot of inundation along with debris.  Route 1 in Lincolnville Beach area had water over the road and the parking lot was inundated with water.

High Wind in CENTRAL SOMERSET, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 07:00:00 to 23-DEC-22 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Utility Company

A significant downslope windstorm occurred in the western Maine Mountains on the 23rd. With a temperature inversion sitting right around ridgeline, strong to damaging wind gusts were able to mix down the lee side of the higher terrain. For most of the day winds gusted between 40 and 60 mph. Numerous trees and wires were reported down in the area, and power outages approached 30 percent of customers across the county.

High Wind in SOUTHERN SOMERSET, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 08:00:00 to 23-DEC-22 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Utility Company

Parts of the Kennebec River Valley experienced two periods of strong to damaging winds. One during the morning hours of the 23rd generally had wind gusts in the 40 to 50 mph range. A second during the afternoon and evening featured wind gusts around 60 mph. Numerous trees and wires were reported down in the area, and power outages approached 30 percent of customers across the county.

Flood in SOMERSET, MAINE
From 24-DEC-22 09:45:00 to 24-DEC-22 16:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: MALBONS MILLS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Flooding at campgrounds in Skowhegan off Route 2 with water 1 to 2 feet deep.

Coastal Flood in SAGADAHOC, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 09:30:00 to 23-DEC-22 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 3.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The morning of December 23rd had perfect alignment of a very high astronomical tide, peak storm surge of 2+ feet and large battering nearshore waves of 15 to 20 feet all coinciding at high tide.  The astronomical tide in Portland was 11.3 feet MLLW at 10:16 am, already close to the established 12 foot MLLW minor flood level. The intense onshore winds produced a storm surge of 2.41 feet in Portland Harbor.  The resulting storm tide topped out at 13.72 feet MLLW, it���s fourth highest water level in modern history for the Forest City (records 1912-present). The tide remained above flood stage for 195 minutes (945 am - 100 pm). A temporary new tide gauge installed by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath recorded a peak water level of 11.7 ft MLLW at high tide.
Flooding occurred in multiple locations along Washington, Harward and Commercial Street in Bath with up to 2.5 feet of inundation at the Kennebec Tavern parking lot and waterfront.  State Route 127 in Arrowsic flooded at the marsh with up to 2 feet of inundation.  The director of the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands stated that minor to moderate beach erosion was sustained at Popham Beach State Park to include some walkway structural damage. Flooding was also reported in Georgetown, with Williams Rd. under 3 feet of water in some places.  Little Crow Island bridge also had waves crashing into it with minor damage being reported.

Flood in KENNEBEC, MAINE
From 24-DEC-22 17:00:00 to 24-DEC-22 22:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: (AUG)AUGUSTA STATE A
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Water from the Kennebec River flooded parking lots on Front Street in Augusta. The river crested at 13.3 feet, 1.3 feet above flood stage of 12 feet based on the USGS river gage at Calumet Bridge.

Flood in OXFORD, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 13:30:00 to 23-DEC-22 15:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: NORWAY CENTER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Cobb Road washout between Ashton Road and Country Club Road.

Coastal Flood in KNOX, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 09:30:00 to 23-DEC-22 13:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The morning of December 23rd had perfect alignment of a very high astronomical tide, peak storm surge of 2+ feet and large battering nearshore waves of 15 to 20 feet all coinciding at high tide.  The astronomical tide in Portland was 11.3 feet MLLW at 10:16 am, already close to the established 12 foot MLLW minor flood level. The intense onshore winds produced a storm surge of 2.41 feet in Portland Harbor.  The resulting storm tide topped out at 13.72 feet MLLW, it���s fourth highest water level in modern history for the Forest City (records 1912-present). The tide remained above flood stage for 195 minutes (945 am - 100 pm). A temporary new tide gauge installed by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) in Belfast, reported a peak water level of 14.5 feet MLLW at high tide.
In Rockport, Kononen Park was flooded near the Andre the Seal Statue along with a complete inundation of the Rockland breakwater.  The Saint George working waterfront was inundated with flooding on Factory, Cold Storage and Drift Inn Beach Roads reporting splash-over.  Port Clyde Co-Op parking lot and working yard in was also inundated with multiple feet of water.  Turkey Cove Road and State Route 131 in Tenants Harbor also reported splashover flooding with minor inundation. On the island of Vinalhaven numerous roads and parking lots were inundated and flooded.

Flood in OXFORD, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 14:00:00 to 23-DEC-22 15:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: HIRAM
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Bullring Road flooding from Dragon Meadow Brook.

High Wind in INTERIOR WALDO, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 08:00:00 to 23-DEC-22 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Utility Company

Parts of the Midcoast experienced two periods of strong to damaging winds. One during the morning hours of the 23rd generally had wind gusts in the 40 to 50 mph range. A second during the afternoon featured wind gusts around 60 mph. Numerous trees and wires were reported down in the area, and power outages approached 30 percent of customers across the county.

High Wind in LINCOLN, MAINE
From 23-DEC-22 05:00:00 to 23-DEC-22 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 58.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

Parts of the Midcoast experienced two periods of strong to damaging winds. One during the morning hours of the 23rd generally had wind gusts in the 50 to 60 mph range. A second during the afternoon and evening featured wind gusts of 60 to 65 mph. Numerous trees and wires were reported down in the area, and power outages approached 30 percent of customers across the county.