September Nor’easter Rainfall Totals Across Maine Communities

Precipitation Totals Across Maine Counties

The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Gray, which covers southern and western Maine as well as New Hampshire, documented multi-day rainfall totals from September 26 through September 29. Cumberland County recorded some of the highest precipitation amounts in the state, led by South Portland at 4.21 inches, Falmouth at 3.73 inches, and Portland at 3.64 inches. Neighboring York County experienced comparable heavy downpours, with Biddeford registering 3.91 inches, Wells at 3.82 inches, York at 3.78 inches, and Ogunquit reaching 3.71 inches.

Further inland and along the midcoast, totals remained substantial. Waldo County saw Belfast accumulate 3.65 inches and Prospect record 3.47 inches. In Androscoggin County, Leeds measured 2.48 inches while Turner recorded 2.22 inches. Kennebec County saw Wayne reach 2.21 inches and Oakland log 2.20 inches. Knox County totals included 2.76 inches on Isle Au Haut, while Lincoln County saw Dresden record 2.28 inches. Oxford County totals reached 2.25 inches in Albany Township and 2.24 inches in Peru.

Northern and eastern Maine, monitored by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Caribou, experienced significantly lower precipitation amounts from the system. Aroostook County recorded minimal moisture, with Foxbrook seeing 0.13 inches, Westfield at 0.12 inches, and trace amounts reported in Houlton, Caribou, and Presque Isle Airport. Penobscot County totals ranged from 1.86 inches in Dixmont down to 0.64 inches in Millinocket. Washington County totals peaked at 2.92 inches in Milbridge, while eastern points like Eastport recorded just 0.34 inches.

Coastal Flooding and High Surf Hazards

Coastal flood and high surf advisories remained active across southwestern Maine and the New Hampshire seacoast during the storm’s peak. Zack Hargrove, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Gray, explained that York County served as a primary rain hotspot while a persistent northeast flow piled water up against the coastline. That persistent wind pattern prompted ongoing monitoring for minor coastal flooding during high tides.

High winds reaching up to 45 miles per hour coupled with volatile marine conditions to disrupt shorelines. In Kennebunk, independent meteorologist Jason Nappi observed rogue surf overflowing coastal defenses at Middle Beach, where sneaker waves surged over a seawall, submerged traffic on Beach Avenue, and shattered the windows of a parked vehicle. Nappi noted that the system carried an impact mirroring a tropical or subtropical storm despite its distance from the immediate shoreline.

Marine operations faced immediate hazards. Amy Gaynor, manager at Chick’s Marina in Kennebunk, urged boaters to stay off the water as wave heights reached eight to ten feet or higher, making harbor conditions exceptionally dangerous. Meanwhile, experienced surfers traveled from across New England and Canada to ride swells topping 12 feet at protected breaks like Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk, though officials strongly advised the public against entering the volatile ocean waters.

Drought Relief and Agricultural Impact

While coastal areas battled high surf and flooding, inland regions facing prolonged dry conditions found a measure of relief. National Weather Service meteorologist Jerry Combs stated that the steady moisture provided beneficial rain to drought-stricken soils rather than triggering widespread river flooding across the interior.

As the remnants of the nor’easter finally clear the region, municipal agencies and coastal residents continue to tally infrastructure wear while monitoring repair needs for public sea defenses and local waterways.