Maine experienced unprecedented water levels on Saturday, resulting in historic flooding along its coastline. As high tide swept in, towns and cities along the coast were overwhelmed by the rising waters.

Prior to high tide, water levels in the Portland area surpassed those of the infamous Blizzard of 1978, setting a new record. Areas such as Wells, Portland, and the Midcoast saw waves towering over 16 feet, signaling the magnitude of the event.

Authorities had predicted a peak storm surge of 3 to 3.5 feet, leading to moderate to major coastal flooding in Coastal York, Coastal Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Coastal Waldo County. To prepare residents, a Winter Weather Advisory was issued and remained in effect throughout Saturday afternoon.

Rainfall was expected along the coast, with heavy rain forecasted for Saturday morning. As the storm intensified, winds along the southern Maine coast were set to gust up to 50 mph, while in Knox County and areas Downeast, gusts could reach up to 60 mph. To ensure public safety, a Wind Advisory was put in place from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m., along with a High Wind Warning for Knox County and areas Downeast.

The onshore flow contributed to extremely rough seas, with waves ranging from 13 to 17 feet. In Portland, seawater levels were projected to surpass the levels observed on Wednesday morning when they reached a crest of 13.84 feet, marking the third highest on record. During Saturday's high tide, seawater levels escalated beyond 16 feet, exacerbating concerns for properties situated along the coast.

Coastal communities faced a significant and imminent threat to their properties. Numerous structures were at risk of flooding, with water depths expected to exceed three feet, potentially inflicting severe damage upon vulnerable homes and businesses near waterfronts. The impact of the flooding was severe, leading to significant inundation in several structures and potentially isolating certain neighborhoods.

As a precautionary measure, evacuations may be necessary in specific areas, and floodwaters are expected to extend well inland in riverine tidal regions. The combined forces of high water levels, heavy rainfall, and strong winds continue to pose a serious threat to the safety and integrity of Maine's coastal communities.

Authorities and residents remain on high alert, closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary actions to mitigate the potential damage caused by the remarkable water levels and subsequent flooding.