Latest Storm Update
Acadia National Park Closures
BAR HARBOR—Governor Janet Mills has declared a State of Emergency ahead of the arrival of Hurricane (or eventually Tropical Storm) Lee, which is expected to make landfall somewhere east of Bar Harbor later on Saturday afternoon or evening, most likely Nova Scotia. President Joe Biden also issued an Emergency Disaster Declaration. This allows Maine to deploy resources through the Maine Emergency Management System and also leverage federal resources if needed. The wide hurricane is currently a category 1
The expected high winds and predicted heavy rainfall has caused Central Maine Power and Versant to expect power outages and lines down because of wet tree root systems and sodden, saturated soil, which make it easier for trees, still leafy, to fall in high wind events.
Bar Harbor Fire Chief Matthew Bartlett has also advised people to stay away from downed power lines, to not bring generators inside buildings, and to not go out near the shore to look at the waves. The island and Schoodic Peninsula both have histories of tourists and locals being swept out to see during storms and by rogue waves. These events have sometimes been fatal.
He also advises not to go onto roads that are barricaded or closed.
As of Friday, the storm is expected to cause coastal damage, splash over at high tide, strong winds, and power outages with the worst impacts predicted to occur between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. High tide is at 12:47 p.m. Wave heights on the Eastern Maine shelf are expected to reach 20 feet. Wind gusts are expected to be over 60 m.p.h in Bar Harbor. The heaviest rain is expected to be in eastern Maine.
Live updates of the storm are at this map.
According to its Public Affairs Officer Amanda Pollock, Acadia National Park's leadership continues to monitor Hurricane Lee’s arrival.
The park has closed more areas and is updating the current conditions portion of its website.
“We also have pinned posts to the top of our social media feeds, which we will also keep up to date,” Pollock said.
She continued,
“As the storm subsides, the NPS will assess safety conditions and reopen these areas as soon as possible. Visitor safety is the National Park Service’s top priority. Visitors should stay back from the ocean’s edge to avoid rogue waves that can wash people out to sea even in the aftermath of the storm. Visitors should also be aware of high winds that can cause trees and branches to fall.”
As of Friday afternoon,
Cadillac Mountain Summit Road will close from 10 p.m. Friday to noon on Sunday
All campgrounds are closed until further notice
At 7 p.m. Friday the Park Loop Road’s one-way section will be closed until further notice.
On Saturday these will all be closed: Jordan Pond House Restaurant, Wildwood Stables, Sieur de Monts Nature Center, Wild Gardens of Acadia, Thompson Island Information Center, and Islesford Historical Museum.
Many area businesses have said they intend to stay open while others have preemptively closed. Others are playing it by ear. Our earlier stories linked below talk about steps you can choose to take to be prepared for storms.
Updates from the National Weather Services are here, and the latest are below.
Hurricane Local Statement
Hurricane Lee Local Statement Advisory Number 41
MEZ001>006-010-011-015>017-029>032-152315-
Hurricane Lee Local Statement Advisory Number 41
National Weather Service Caribou ME AL132023
1110 AM EDT Fri Sep 15 2023
This product covers EASTERN AND NORTHERN MAINE
**Tropical Storm Warning for Much of Eastern Maine as Lee Approaches**
NEW INFORMATION
---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- The Hurricane Watch has been cancelled for Coastal Washington
- A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Central
Piscataquis, Northeast Aroostook, Northern Penobscot, Northern
Piscataquis, and Southeast Aroostook
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Central Penobscot,
Central Piscataquis, Central Washington, Coastal Hancock,
Coastal Washington, Interior Hancock, Northeast Aroostook,
Northern Penobscot, Northern Piscataquis, Northern Washington,
Southeast Aroostook, Southern Penobscot, and Southern
Piscataquis
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 580 miles south of Petit Manan ME or about 610 miles
south of Eastport ME
- 36.0N 66.9W
- Storm Intensity 80 mph
- Movement North-northeast or 15 degrees at 18 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
-Lee is now forecast to make landfall in western Nova Scotia as a
strong Tropical Storm
-Lee is a large storm and impacts are expected well away from the
center
-Tropical storm force winds and heavy rainfall are possible across
most of southeastern Maine. Eastern Washington County will feel the
most impact from Lee, including moderate coastal flooding and erosion.
-Power outages and localized flooding from heavy rainfall could be
enhanced by rainfall earlier this week
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across Downeast Maine. Potential impacts in this area include:
- Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage
to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings
experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile
homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight
objects become dangerous projectiles.
- Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several
fences and roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access
routes impassable.
- Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent
in areas with above ground lines.
Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
across Northern Maine.
* SURGE:
Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across coastal Downeast Maine. Potential impacts in this area include:
- Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along
immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas
farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
- Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread
with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where
surge water covers the road.
- Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly
in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
- Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.
* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across Eastern and Downeast Maine. Potential impacts include:
- Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and
rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter
currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially
in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals,
arroyos, and ditches overflow.
- Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation
at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some
streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and
retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous.
Some road and bridge closures.
* TORNADOES:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across eastern and
northern Maine.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* EVACUATIONS:
Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions,
including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so
immediately.
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.
Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles
can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly
ventilated area.
It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an
emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.
If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county in which it resides.
Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay attention for
instructions from local authorities.
Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded
roadway. Remember, turn around don`t drown!
Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets
for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes
to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather
warnings.
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org
NEXT UPDATE
-----------
The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Caribou ME around 5 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.
$$
Hazardous Weather Outlook
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Caribou ME
237 PM EDT Fri Sep 15 2023
MEZ029-030-161845-
Coastal Hancock-Coastal Washington-
237 PM EDT Fri Sep 15 2023
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 PM
EDT SATURDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING...
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Coastal DownEast Maine.
.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.
Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.
High Surf Advisory.
Tropical Storm Warning.
Coastal Flood Warning.
Flood Watch.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.
Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.
Tropical Storm Warning.
Coastal Flood Warning.
Flood Watch.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.
$$
Flood Watch
Flood Watch
National Weather Service Caribou ME
232 PM EDT Fri Sep 15 2023
MEZ002-006-011-016-017-029-030-032-160245-
/O.NEW.KCAR.FA.A.0006.230916T0900Z-230917T1200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Northeast Aroostook-Southeast Aroostook-Central Penobscot-
Interior Hancock-Central Washington-Coastal Hancock-Coastal
Washington-Northern Washington-
Including the cities of Presque Isle, Caribou, Van Buren, Mars
Hill, Ashland, Houlton, Hodgdon, Sherman, Smyrna Mills, Lincoln,
Howland, Springfield, Amherst, Aurora, Dedham, Eastbrook, Great
Pond, Calais, Grand Lake Stream, Wesley, Princeton, Ellsworth,
Bar Harbor, Bucksport, Orland, Castine, Eastport, Perry, Machias,
Cherryfield, Danforth, Vanceboro, and Topsfield
232 PM EDT Fri Sep 15 2023
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING...
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.
* WHERE...Portions of Coastal DownEast, Far Eastern, Far Northern,
Interior DownEast, and Penobscot Valley Maine, including the
following areas, in Coastal DownEast Maine, Coastal Hancock and
Coastal Washington. In Far Eastern Maine, Northern Washington and
Southeast Aroostook. In Far Northern Maine, Northeast Aroostook.
In Interior DownEast Maine, Central Washington and Interior
Hancock. In Penobscot Valley Maine, Central Penobscot.
* WHEN...From late tonight through Sunday morning.
* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Storm drains and
ditches may become clogged with debris.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Hurricane Lee is expected to produce heavy rainfall starting
tonight through Saturday. Locally heavy rainfall of up to one
inch per hour is possible. The ground is already saturated
due to previous rainfall, so any additional rain could become
runoff, causing urban and small stream flooding.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
&&
$$
LaFlash
High Surf Advisory
Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Caribou ME
1117 AM EDT Fri Sep 15 2023
MEZ029-030-152330-
/O.EXT.KCAR.SU.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-230916T0300Z/
/O.CON.KCAR.CF.W.0001.230916T0300Z-230916T2100Z/
Coastal Hancock-Coastal Washington-
1117 AM EDT Fri Sep 15 2023
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS
EVENING TO 5 PM EDT SATURDAY...
* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Warning, overwash is expected for
large breaking waves along the coast. These waves may cause
minor inundation along low lying areas exposed to waves and
tidal influence.
* WHERE...Coastal Hancock and Coastal Washington Counties.
* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Warning, from 11 PM this evening
to 5 PM EDT Saturday. For the High Surf Advisory, until 11 PM
EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Machias, Seawall Road on Mount Desert Island,
Schoodic Point, Deer Isle Causeway, and other low lying, tidal
influenced areas including around Lubec and Eastport may
experience minor to moderate inundation and overwash. Greatest
concern is for the Saturday high tide near noon.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. If
travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through
water of unknown depth.
A high surf advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in
the advisory area...producing rip currents and localized beach
erosion.
&&
$$
Coastal Flood Warning
Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Caribou ME
1117 AM EDT Fri Sep 15 2023
MEZ029-030-152330-
/O.EXT.KCAR.SU.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-230916T0300Z/
/O.CON.KCAR.CF.W.0001.230916T0300Z-230916T2100Z/
Coastal Hancock-Coastal Washington-
1117 AM EDT Fri Sep 15 2023
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS
EVENING TO 5 PM EDT SATURDAY...
* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Warning, overwash is expected for
large breaking waves along the coast. These waves may cause
minor inundation along low lying areas exposed to waves and
tidal influence.
* WHERE...Coastal Hancock and Coastal Washington Counties.
* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Warning, from 11 PM this evening
to 5 PM EDT Saturday. For the High Surf Advisory, until 11 PM
EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Machias, Seawall Road on Mount Desert Island,
Schoodic Point, Deer Isle Causeway, and other low lying, tidal
influenced areas including around Lubec and Eastport may
experience minor to moderate inundation and overwash. Greatest
concern is for the Saturday high tide near noon.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. If
travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through
water of unknown depth.
A high surf advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in
the advisory area...producing rip currents and localized beach
erosion.
&&
$$
Tropical Storm Warning
Lee Local Watch/Warning Statement/Advisory Number 41
National Weather Service Caribou ME AL132023
1058 AM EDT Fri Sep 15 2023
MEZ029-152300-
/O.CON.KCAR.TR.W.1013.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
Coastal Hancock-
1058 AM EDT Fri Sep 15 2023
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT...
* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
- Ellsworth
- Bar Harbor
- Blue Hill
- Bucksport
* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 60 mph
- Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Saturday morning
until Saturday afternoon
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58
to 73 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical
storm force.
- PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property
should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for
significant wind damage.
- ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
- Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with
damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few
buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door
failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored.
Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles.
- Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several
fences and roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within
urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways,
and access routes impassable.
- Scattered power and communications outages, but more
prevalent in areas with above ground lines.
* STORM SURGE
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Localized storm surge possible
- Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for 1-3 feet
above ground somewhere within surge prone areas
- Window of concern: through Saturday evening
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm
surge flooding greater than 1 foot above ground
- The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for storm surge flooding greater than 1 foot
above ground.
- PREPARE: Complete preparations for storm surge flooding,
especially in low-lying vulnerable areas, before conditions
become unsafe.
- ACT: Leave immediately if evacuation orders are given for
your area.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along
immediate shorelines and in low-lying areas along rivers
that are tidal influenced.
- Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become
overspread with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous
in places where surge water begins to cover roads, this
includes Deer Isle Causeway, Main Street in Winter Harbor,
Peabody Drive in Seal Harbor and the harbor parking lot in
Stonington.
- High dangerous surf and strong rip currents will make for
hazardous surf conditions.
- Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, and
piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.
* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: 2-4 inches, with locally higher
amounts
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for
moderate flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues
are possible.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
action may result in serious injury or loss of life.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
- Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations
and rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with
swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places,
especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams,
creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches overflow.
- Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken
foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas
of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and
poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on
moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow.
Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge
closures.
* TORNADO
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Situation is unfavorable for tornadoes
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Tornadoes not expected
- The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Tornadoes are not expected. Showers and thunderstorms
with gusty winds may still occur.
- PREPARE: Little to no preparations needed to protect
against tornadoes at this time. Keep informed of the latest
tornado situation.
- ACT: Listen for changes in the forecast.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None
- Little to no potential impacts from tornadoes.
* FOR MORE INFORMATION:
- Local evacuation and sheltering information: https://facebook.com/HancockCountyEMA/ and https://maine.gov/mema/hazards/natural-hazards/hurricanes
