Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricanes can not affect Maine weather with high winds and heavy rain because of our colder waters, right?

WRONG!

While Hurricanes and Tropical Storms are generally associated with warmer climes, they can occur here in Maine and pack quite a punch.

In 2011, Hurricane Irene made landfall around New York CIty as a strong tropical storm and caused widespread power outages and flooding 250 miles north east here in Maine. 

In 1954, two Hurricanes, Carol and Edna, made landfall in Maine just 10 days apart causing millions in damage and claiming 11 lives. 

Even if a storm has weakened to a tropical or extratropical storm (similar to a winter Nor'easter), it can cause severe flooding and wind damage.

Although we live in Windham, approximately 8-12 miles from the Maine coast, we have to take notice when a Hurricane or Tropical Storm is moving up the east coast as is the case with Hurricane Irene. 

The strongest winds in a hurricane usually occur on the right (eastern) side of the track. If a hurricane makes landfall on the northern New England coast, the strongest winds will be to the east of the center of the storm. In contrast, most of the precipitation falls on the left (western) side of the storm track. Hurricane Bob in 1991 and Hurricane Gloria in 1985 are two recent examples of storms that had a major impact on Maine with two totally different tracks.

Hurricane Gloria - September 1985
In 1985, Hurricane Gloria (pictured above Courtesy of NOAA) took aim at Western Long Island and the Connecticut coastline. The storm continued to move rapidly through Western New England and moved west of Windham as a minimal Hurricane. This left Windham on the eastern side of the storm.

Despite the lack of rain (.41 inches officially in Portland), Maine still suffered significant damage from high winds that were clocked at 70 mph in Portland and 80 mph in Old Orchard Beach.  Those winds knocked out power for as many as 250,000 people at the height of the storm. Some people were in the dark for up to two weeks.

Hurricane Bob - August 1991
Hurricane Bob in 1991 struck Southern New England and moved into the Gulf of Maine just east of Portland as a strong Tropical Storm.

Being on the western side of the system, Portland received sustained winds of about 40mph (with a 60mph gust) but had a record (at the time) 7.83 inches of rain causing extensive flooding.

Several bridges in Windham and Gorham were washed out by the rapid rise of small rivers and streams. Total damages in Maine were estimated at over $200 million.

Just because we have not seen a direct hit from a hurricane in over 20 years doesn't mean it cannot happen. Sooner or later our luck will run out.

Great New England Hurricane - September 1938
Hurricanes do not have directly strike Maine to do heavy damage. The best example of this is the Great New England Hurricane of 1938. The storm raced at almost 60 mph toward Long Island, Connecticut and Western Massachusetts with 120 mph winds.

Most of southern and western Maine was hit with 60-80mph winds, though little rain. The winds created havoc all over Androscoggin County. Power outages were widespread and telephone service was disrupted. The roads into and out of Lewiston and Auburn were blocked by fallen trees. All of this from a storm that was centered 200 miles to the west.

Bottom line is to be prepared for the worst, and hope for the best with any Hurricane that threatens the area.

More about Hurricanes

2011 List of Names
Terminology
Emergency Supply Kit