NWS Gray Flood Preparedness Week: Safety tips for Maine, New Hampshire residents
MAINE (WGME) --This week is Flood Preparedness Week in Maine and New Hampshire, organized by the National Weather Service in Gray.
Each day, NWS Gray posts a different topic.
You can stay up-to-date on the daily topics by visiting their Facebook page.
This week is a great time to examine some flooding basics, especially with the melting ahead.
FLOOD WATCH VS. WARNING
Starting with the basics; the difference between a flood watch and a warning.
A flood watch means to be prepared, as conditions are favorable for a flood to occur. A flood warning means that a flood is about to or already happening.
A flood advisory indicates that flooding may cause inconvenience, but it isn't severe enough for a warning.
A flash flood warning means that a sudden and violent flood can happen within the next few minutes or even hours. This can be due to rain or river flooding.
BEFORE A FLOOD
March marks the beginning of the mud and melting season in Maine. Now is the time to prepare, especially if you live in a flood-prone area.
First, know the risk of your location and have a plan in case you need to leave. This applies to any locations alongside major rivers, or once again, flood-prone areas.
Second, prepare your home. Water can be unpredictable and strong.
DURING A FLOOD
As previously stated, water can be unpredictable and strong. During a flood, remain aware and avoid the flood waters.
It is smart to get to higher ground as well as listen to officials if/when told to leave the area.
AFTER A FLOOD
The 'after' part is always the most devastating.
Be sure to avoid flood waters to the best of your ability, as you never know what might be in them. Whether it is live electric wires, debris, or even animals sometimes, it is best to just stay away.
Follow the road signs and wait for the all-clear.
- Also read: NOAA reports 2024 had second-highest tornado count on record with 1,796 confirmed twisters
SIGNIFICANT MAINE FLOODS
5 major and historic floods happened in Maine: the Flood of April 1987, the Flood of March 1936, the St. John River Flood of April 2008, the Flood of October 1996, and the Flood of April 2007.
More recently, there were major floods along the Kennebec River in Hallowell in December 2023 as well as flooding on the Androscoggin River in Bethel during the same month.
You can stay up-to-date on all forecasts, watches, and warnings by visiting here.