A fast-moving, but potent storm rolled through New England overnight. The storm is now quickly moving through Maine this morning with rapid clearing being seen across southern and central New England. This storm brought strong winds, heavy rain and heavy snow to parts of the region in addition to some serious coastal flooding.
The following numbers are preliminary and subject to change:
Up to five inches of rain has been reported across parts of southern New England. This has led to instances of both street and river flooding. Dozens of rivers around New England have reached, or are expected to reach, flood stage.
The Pawtuxet River in Cranston, Rhode Island and the Yantic River in Yantic, Connecticut have reached major flood stage. The Yantic River is looking at a top five all-time crest height this morning.
Along the Yantic River, a partial dam break has occurred at the Fitchville Pond Dam, according to Norwich Public Utilities. A flash flood warning has been issued for "life-threatening Life threatening flash flooding of areas downstream from the Fitchville Pond Dam" due to "potential failure." This is in effect through 10:45am The Bean Hill substation has been taken offline due to this, causing 5,000 power outages. Numerous roads in Norwich are reported to be closed.
Evacuations were ordered in Bozrah, Connecticut due to the "Fitchville Pond Dam incident." Widespread flooding has been seen in Norwich, Connecticut. As of Wednesday evening, the evacuation order was lifted after an inspection of the dam revealed the structure is not nearing a failure.
Flooding in Norwich, Connecticut and along Yantic River.
Numerous roads have been flooded and closed across Connecticut and Rhode Island. In Bethel, Connecticut, city barricades were reported to have been washed away with up to four cars trapped with occupants inside. In Connecticut, portions of Routes 151, 207, 97, 169 and 7 have flooded. In Rhode Island, "significant" flooding was reported overnight along Charles Street in Providence with cars stranded.
In Massachusetts, flooding has also caused road closures and rescues. In Norwood, a car was swept away by floodwaters. The fire department rescued the driver, who was hanging onto a tree. The driver was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. A roof of a mobile home collapsed under the weight of water-logged snow in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. The resident was not home at that time.
Flood warnings remain in effect across New England through the morning hours.
There has also been coastal flooding reported. Maine is bearing the brunt of the coastal flooding. Portland, Maine has reached its third highest tide on record. Damage from this flooding has occurred up and down the Maine coastline. The historic Pemaquid Point bell house sustained major damage.
Hampton, New Hampshire reached major coastal flood stage with a high tide of 13.67 feet, which is the highest since records have been kept (records only date back to 2012 in Hampton). Evacuations were ordered and an emergency has been declared. Ocean Boulevard was closed and residents in the area were asked to seek higher ground immediately.
Boston Harbor reached its sixth highest tide on record at 14.04 feet, tying with a winter storm from 1979.
A flash flood warning was in effect until noon for coastal Cumberland county due to 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain combining with tidal waters.
Coastal flooding in Portland, Maine; Bristol, Maine and Hampton, New Hampshire. Credits: WGME, Bristol Parks and Rec, Henry's Weather Channel
Coming into this storm, wind was a large concern for both coastal areas as well as Vermont. At its peak, about 100,000 customers lost power across New England. Maine has once again taken the brunt of the outages with a peak of around 64,000.
The other area of concern was Vermont. The state peaked around 27,000 outages. There are numerous reports of trees and wires down across both Vermont and Maine this morning. More scattered reports of wind damage have been reported in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. As of 6:30pm, about 27,000 remain without power.
Wind damage in Vermont and Maine. Credit: Matt Sutkoski; Central Maine Power
Along with the rain and flooding, this storm also brought heavy snow to portions of northern New England. 10-14 inches of snow has fallen across the White and Maine mountains.
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