Low pressure rapidly intensified into a strong storm (980 mb) and tracked over western New England on the morning of January 17th. This allowed for a strong easterly flow to develop as the system passed to our west. Winds peaked around the time of high tide with gusts over hurricane force reported across the Gulf of Maine. Astronomical tides were marginal during the event, however very high storm surge values tied for the eleventh highest of all-time during the midday high tide cycle on the 17th. The surge and large waves caused minor flooding across York and Cumberland counties.

Coastal Flood in COASTAL CUMBERLAND, MAINE
From 17-JAN-22 09:30:00 to 17-JAN-22 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

The astronomical tide in Portland of 9.6 feet combined with a storm surge of 3.1 feet at high tide to produce a 12.7 foot (MLLW) storm tide during the late morning hours. Flood stage in Portland is 12.0 feet (MLLW).  The tide remained above flood stage for a full three hours and 26 minutes at the Portland tide gage.  In Portland, the intersection of Somerset and Pearl streets flooded up to two feet deep near the Whole Foods grocery store.  Flooding was also reported along the Portland Pier with over a foot of inundation in the normal vulnerable low-lying areas.  The intense easterly winds and high storm tides led to closed roads due to large battering surf and water flooding inland tidal areas.  In Scarborough, route one was closed in both the north and south lanes due to flooding from the marsh.  Parking lots and roads were reported flooded in Cape Elizabeth.

Coastal Flood in COASTAL YORK, MAINE
From 17-JAN-22 09:30:00 to 17-JAN-22 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

The astronomical tide in Portland of 9.6 feet combined with a storm surge of 3.1 feet at high tide to produce a 12.7 foot (MLLW) storm tide during the late morning hours. Flood stage in Portland is 12.0 feet (MLLW).  The tide remained above flood stage for a full three hours and 26 minutes at the Portland tide gage.  The intense easterly winds and high storm tides led to closed roads due to large battering surf and water flooding inland tidal areas.  Flooded roads and parking lots were reported on Fortunes Rocks Rd & Hills Beach Rd in Biddeford, Dyke Rd. & Bayberry Ave. in Kennebunkport, and other street flooding in Ogunquit.  Wave action erosion and damage was reported in Saco along North Ave., and in Kennebunk on Webhannet Drive.

Coastal Flood in SAGADAHOC, MAINE
From 17-JAN-22 09:30:00 to 17-JAN-22 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

The astronomical tide in Portland of 9.6 feet combined with a storm surge of 3.1 feet at high tide to produce a 12.7 foot (MLLW) storm tide during the late morning hours. Flood stage in Portland is 12.0 feet (MLLW).  The tide remained above flood stage for a full three hours and 26 minutes at the Portland tide gage.  The intense easterly winds and high storm tides led to closed roads due to large battering surf and water flooding inland tidal areas.  Flooding was reported on Washington Street in Bath, Route 209 Near Popham Beach in Phippsburg was closed and Williams Rd. in Georgetown was inundated and closed.