Event narrative (NOAA)
High astronomical tides combined with strong northeast winds and large battering waves to produce severe coastal flooding across most of the Maine coast. It was the seventh highest tide ever recorded in Portland Harbor in modern day history (13.28 feet). The Fort Point tide gage reached 12.15 feet. Many roads were closed and residents evacuated. Damage to marinas, buoys, docks and coastal property was significant. Channel markers went adrift from their 20,000 pound blocks, causing navigation problems for mariners. The Portland Large Navigational buoy was heavily damaged while measuring 32 foot waves and was later found drifting near the Isles of Shoals. Water and waves were over the roads along the coast, including Saco and York.
Other notable coastal flood events in Maine
Source: NOAA/NCEI Storm Events Database. Deaths and injuries are those NOAA classifies as direct. Damage is the reporting office's estimate at the time and is not inflation-adjusted. This is a catalogue record, not a forecast.