News

Two years after historic storms, effects still being felt across Maine

Photo: Associated Press


This weekend marks the two-year anniversary of major back-to-back storms that ravaged Maine’s coast, with the effects still being felt in some places.

CBS 13 reports that the storm on January 10th, 2024, hit during one of the biggest tides of the year, bringing in a 14-foot storm surge and setting near-records in Portland. The next storm on the 13th finally broke those records, with the city’s tide gauge settling out at 14.57 feet that day.

Flooding along the coastline cost the state and property owners millions of dollars’ worth of damage, notably taking down iconic centuries-old fishing shacks at South Portland’s Willard Beach, and destroying a pier and a boat house on Bailey Island.

In total, Maine Gov. Janet Mills estimated as much as $70 million in damages to the Pine Tree State.

The storm also had major impacts on the coastline itself, with increased chances of rip currents due to the rearranged seafloor ever since, and some impacted dunes not being restored to this day.

Since the storms, communities up and down Maine’s coast have been wrestling with how to deal with future storms due to global warming creating extreme weather.

“I remain convinced that the most significant challenge to Portland is out there” Portland Mayor Mark Dion said during a celebration of new climate initiatives along the city’s waterfront last month. “I will remain convinced that if we can address issues surrounding ocean sea level rising, preserving aquaculture, sustaining and supporting our lobster industry, it is in the best interest of Portland.”

To read the original CBS 13 article, click here.

Latest Headlines

4 hours ago in Local

Two years after historic storms, effects still being felt across Maine

The storms on January 10th and January 13th, 2024, hit during one of the biggest tides of the year, bringing in a 14-foot storm surge and setting records in Portland.

9 hours ago in Local

Old Orchard Police Department Made 113 OUI Aressts in 2025

They implore the public to make sure they plan ahead when drinking, such as calling a friend or an uber.

1 day ago in Local

Falmouth Firefighters Contain Significant Water Leak at Nursing Facility

Falmouth Fire-EMS responded to a significant water leak at a local nursing facility. Thanks to the quick work of facility staff, 31 residents were safely moved to other areas of the building while crews contained the damage.

1 day ago in Local

Senator Susan Collins Applauds Maduro Arrest, Urges Congressional Oversight on Further U.S. Military Action

Senator Susan Collins shares her perspective on the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicholas Maduro, U.S. foreign policy, and the importance of congressional oversight for future military actions.

2 days ago in Local

Crash involving tanker truck in Hebron sends 3 to the hospital

A three-vehicle crash that sent multiple people to the hospital in Hebron Friday afternoon is under investigation.