Augusta, Maine, Monitoring Potential Kennebec River Flooding Threat

A series of recent weather events have some people concerned about the possibility of flooding in our local streams and rivers.

For the first time in several years, we have had a snowy winter.  Now, with temperatures on the rise, we are seeing all of that snow melt.  Additionally, over the last few days, we have gotten a significant amount of rain.

Local authorities and National Weather Service meteorologists are concerned about the potential for flooding in low-lying areas.

The National Weather Service has even issued a Flood Watch for parts of Maine through midnight on Tuesday.  It was estimated that Central Maine could see between 1 and 2 inches of rain on Monday.

A post from the Augusta Police Department explains that the City of Augusta has been keeping an eye on the water levels of the Kennebec River.  The post goes on to explain that they have blocked off the parking spaces closest to the river at the northern section of the Front Street parking lot.  It is important to note that the city may close additional parts of Front Street if the water levels continue to rise.

The flooding of Front Street is a common occurrence during the late winter and spring.  Thew constant concerns about flooding are one of the main reasons that there are plans in the works to increase the elevation of Front Street.  According to the plan, which was first announced in January of 2024, the four-foot elevation increase would not completely alleviate concerns about flooding (especially if we have another 'Grinch' storm), but it would minimize the damage caused by any flooding.