Portland, Maine - A major storm is causing havoc along the Maine coast on Saturday, with forecasters predicting a historic high tide at noon. The anticipated water levels are expected to break all previous records, causing significant inundation and potential damage to coastal areas.

The worst of the rain and wind are expected to occur between 6-10 am, exacerbating the already challenging conditions. Coastal flooding is expected to peak between 11 am to 1 pm, coinciding with the high tide around noon.

Meteorologists are warning that Saturday's high tide, predicted to crest at 14.3 feet, is likely to surpass the previous record of 14.17 feet set during the blizzard of 1978. This unprecedented water level has raised concerns about major damage, particularly since significant erosion has already occurred along coastal dunes and protections in recent days.

Furthermore, areas that have never experienced coastal flooding before are also at risk. Travel along the coast is expected to be severely impacted during late morning and early afternoon, with some communities potentially becoming isolated.

The storm's strong winds, with gusts up to 50mph, are another worrisome factor. While power outages are possible, the situation is not currently expected to result in major power issues.

Fortunately, the fast-moving nature of the storm should keep rainfall amounts below flood levels. However, snowfall is expected in some areas, with the mountains likely to receive a significant amount of snowfall of 5-10". For the rest of the region, a quick transition to rain will limit snow accumulation.

Once the storm passes, Sunday is expected to bring quieter weather conditions with a mix of sun and clouds, along with breezy winds and a few snow showers or flurries.

Looking ahead, next week will see colder temperatures, with Monday and Tuesday expecting sunny skies and highs in the 20s.

As Maine braces for the impact of this historic storm, it is advised for residents to stay updated on weather alerts and exercise caution in areas prone to flooding and storm damage.