Gov. Paul LePage has declared a state of emergency and the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Tropical Storm Watch in advance of the weather expected to arrive Sunday as a result of what is now Hurricane Irene.
Rainfall and increasing winds are presently forecast to arrive in Lincoln County on Sunday, with the brunt of the storm chugging through overnight. The astronomically high tide at approximately 11:30 p.m. Sunday in Newcastle may combine with any storm surge and rainfall run-off to cause some local flooding.
A Flood Watch has been issued by the NWS for Sunday morning through “late Sunday night”
Rainfall totals are forecast to be in the somewhat moderate 2-5 inch range, according to the NWS.
As of Friday afternoon forecasters were noting a westward trend for Irene, which would likely lessen the impact of the storm for Maine coastal areas. But a “hurricane hunter” report received by media later on Friday night indicated the storm had veered again to the northeast.
The storm is still a considerable distance away from Lincoln County.
The Lincoln County News website will continue to follow the progress of this event and post any additional information here as soon as it becomes available.
