Old Orchard Beach provides update on flooding and storm damage
The picturesque seaside town of Old Orchard Beach, Maine, was the scene of a dramatic event as floodwaters left a person trapped inside their flooded home. Rescuers rushed into action to rescue the person as water levels rose following Friday's storm. The Old Orchard Beach Fire Department confirmed their response to the home on Porter Road.
While high tide brought powerful waves and biting winds to most beachfront properties, images and videos of flooding in the state's coastal communities continue to flood into the state's full coverage bureaus. Maine. In Portland, high tides closed the street in front of J's Oyster Bar due to flooding. Flooding and winds also led to thousands of power outages across several counties, including Cumberland, York and Lincoln.
Portland Pier is always prone to flooding during astronomical high tides. The street where J's Oyster Bar is located. The city has closed off the road to keep people safe. @WMTWTV pic.twitter.com/dicpZGWsqN
— Jim Keithley (@JimKeithleyWMTW) December 23, 2022
State Rep. Lauren Gramlich, also a member of the Environmental and National Beaches Committee, expressed dismay at the devastating situation. “It’s quite devastating. My husband and I came to assess the situation. I sit on the committee, so I am always very attentive to what is happening on our coastline. I expected flooding, but I didn’t expect this magnitude,” she said.
High tide at Old Orchard Beach. Pounding surf, whipping winds, and flooding of beach front properties. #mewx @Ted_WMTW @WMTWTV pic.twitter.com/yDsbz0hHYf
— Radek Przygodzki (@RadektheWxman) December 23, 2022
This dramatic event is a reminder of the fragility of our coastal ecosystems in the face of extreme weather phenomena. It also highlights the importance of proactive measures to address climate change and protect our coastal communities.