#MEwx Flood Watch update

FLOOD WATCH

ISSUED: 2:30 AM DEC. 24, 2020 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING.

The Flood Watch continues for

* Portions of Maine. Portions of New Hampshire., including the

following areas, in Maine, Androscoggin, Central Interior

Cumberland, Central Somerset, Coastal Cumberland, Coastal Waldo,

Coastal York, Interior Cumberland Highlands, Interior Waldo,

Interior York, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Northern Franklin,

Northern Oxford, Sagadahoc, Southern Franklin, Southern Oxford and

Southern Somerset. In New Hampshire, Belknap, Cheshire, Coastal

Rockingham, Eastern Hillsborough, Interior Rockingham, Merrimack,

Northern Carroll, Northern Grafton, Southern Carroll, Southern

Coos, Southern Grafton, Strafford, Sullivan and Western And

Central Hillsborough.

* From late tonight through Saturday morning.

* Moderate to heavy rainfall of 2 to 3 inches with locally higher

amounts is expected late tonight and Friday over the forecast area

with highest totals expected over the White and western Maine

Mountains. In addition unseasonably warm and humid conditions,

plus the rainfall, will contribute to significant and widespread

snow melt which may release an additional 1 to 2 inches of water.

* Strong rises are expected on streams and rivers in the watch area.

A few rivers are forecast to reach or exceed bankfull. Smaller

stream systems are expected to respond and crest Friday while main

stems may not crest until late Saturday. In addition, remnant snow

banks are likely to block drains which may lead to urban flooding.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood

Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared

to take action should flooding develop.