MEXICO, Maine - The death toll from the devastating floods that swept through Maine earlier this week continues to rise, as the body of a woman who went missing during the storm has been recovered. This brings the total number of fatalities in the state to four.

The tragic incident occurred in Mexico, Maine, when a pickup truck carrying four people defied barricades and attempted to drive across a flooded road near the Red Bridge. However, the vehicle was quickly swept away by the powerful currents.

According to Mexico Police Chief Roy C. Hodsdon, two men inside the truck were able to escape and were eventually rescued by local firefighters. However, the 61-year-old woman who was driving the truck and her 20-year-old female passenger remained missing.

It wasn't until Wednesday morning, after the receding of floodwaters, that crews were able to locate the missing truck. Tragically, they discovered the body of the 61-year-old driver still inside the vehicle. It took until Thursday, when river levels receded even further, for crews to find the body of the 30-year-old woman approximately 100 yards away from where the truck was last seen before submerging.

The devastating storm that caused these floods resulted in a state of emergency being declared in 14 counties across Maine. Powerful winds, reaching speeds of up to 90 mph, toppled trees and power lines, causing widespread destruction. Parts of Augusta, Maine, experienced severe flooding after the Kennebec River burst its banks due to heavy rainfall.

In addition to the victims in Mexico, Maine, other fatalities were reported in different states along the Eastern Seaboard. A man in Windham, Maine, was tragically killed by a falling tree limb while clearing debris from his roof during the storm. Another 77-year-old man in Fairfield, Maine, lost his life while attempting to remove a fallen tree with a tractor.

The storm also caused several rivers across Maine and New England to swell beyond flood stage. With more than 7 inches of rain falling across parts of Maine, and widespread wind gusts of 50-60 mph, or even higher, nearly half of the state's residents experienced power outages. Trescott, Maine, recorded an incredibly strong gust of 93 mph.

The impact of this powerful storm has been felt along the East Coast, with a total of eight deaths reported across various states, including Massachusetts, New York, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

As communities in Maine and other affected areas begin the difficult process of recovering from the storm's destruction, authorities urge residents to exercise caution and heed evacuation orders to prevent further loss of life.