Sustained precipitation forecast to begin Sunday night may bring up to 6 inches of rainfall to Lincoln County before ending on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The heavy rainfall is expected to combine with snowmelt, threatening low-lying areas of Lincoln County with flooding, according to the NWS. Mild daytime temps and warm winds from the south-southeast on Monday are also expected to contribute to the snowmelt, according to the NWS. Winds are forecast to change to northeasterly on Tuesday, but temps are forecast to stay mild.
A Flood Watch issued by the NWS on Sunday may be upgraded to a Flood Warning as the event progresses.
The weather conditions are the result of a low pressure front that will pass through the area on Monday, clearing the way for a second low pressure front presently off the mid Atlantic to intensify and chug north on Tuesday, according to the NWS.
Rainfall is forecast to move in overnight on Sunday, and become heavy at times on Monday, according to the NWS. Between the two fronts, there may be a brief lull Monday night, but don’t put the umbrellas away yet, as the forecast calls for more heavy rain on Tuesday, according to the NWS.
Inland rain totals for the period beginning Sunday night and ending Tuesday night are forecast at 2 to 4 inches for inland areas and 3 to 6 inches for coastal areas, according to the NWS. These totals do not take into account the added effect of the snowmelt on area rivers and streams.
Rainfall is presently forecast to taper off by Wednesday morning according to the NWS.
The Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency (LCEMA) encourages residents to check drainage areas for their property to ensure that debris or any remaining ice does not obstruct them.
The Lincoln County News website will continue to follow this weather event and post any additional information here as soon as it becomes available. Anyone with photos of the storm or storm damage is encouraged to send them to The Lincoln County News by e-mail at lcn@lincoln.midcoast.com.