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Ice Jams Cause Flooding, Evacuations Along Piscataquis River

Ice Jams Cause Flooding, Evacuations Along Piscataquis River

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


UPDATE:

Penobscot County Emergency Management reports conditions have improved with water levels dropping by 8 inches.

“All occupants in the area who were home have been checked on and are in a good position to ride out this event and know what to do if evacuation is needed,” the agency said in a news release.


Original Story

Evacuations have been performed along the Piscataquis River in Penobscot County because of flooding near the town of Maxwell on Wednesday.

The Penobscot County Emergency Management Agency says flooding on North Howland Road caused by an ice jam on the Piscataquis River resulted in rapidly rising water levels in the surrounding area.

Firefighters and emergency personnel conducted door-to-door checks and evacuated the affected areas to the local Howland Community Center.

No injuries have been reported in the flooding.

Central Maine Highlands Fire and EMS conducted the evacuations.

“Crews will be going door to door in affected area to see if occupants are willing to evacuate,” said Deputy Chief Smit. “Crews will be tied up, and response to other calls may be delayed. Please be patient while the department is engaged in operations involving flooding.”

This is a developing story.

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