Caribou, Maine — Flood risk remains below normal across Northern and Eastern Maine through at least February 19, easing concerns for communities and roadways near U.S. 1, U.S. 2, and I-95 as winter conditions hold steady.
The National Weather Service in Caribou said both natural river flooding and ice-jam flooding are expected to stay below normal over the next two weeks, despite widespread snowpack and extensive river ice. Officials cited steady river flows, limited thawing, and a lack of rapid warmups as key factors reducing flood urgency.
Snow depths range from 12 to 22 inches across the northern basins, with isolated higher totals up to 26 inches. Snow water equivalent values remain near seasonal averages, meaning no excessive meltwater is poised to enter rivers in a short time. Farther south toward Bangor and the Downeast region, snow depths generally range from 3 to 10 inches.
River ice coverage remains extensive. The St. John and Aroostook river basins hold 95 to 98 percent ice cover, with thickness measured between 13 and 18 inches. Central highlands rivers, including the Penobscot and Piscataquis, show 85 to 90 percent ice coverage, while Downeast rivers maintain up to 80 percent coverage.
Communities including Presque Isle, Fort Kent, Madawaska, Millinocket, Howland, Bangor, and Ellsworth currently face low flood risk along nearby highways such as U.S. 1, U.S. 2, and I-95. While thick ice limits immediate flooding, officials continue monitoring for potential ice movement later in the season.
Temperatures and precipitation are forecast to run slightly above normal, but no major rain events or rapid thaw patterns appear imminent. The Weather Service noted that conditions could change later this winter if warmer air arrives quickly.
For now, steady flows and locked-in ice keep flood concerns minimal across northern and eastern Maine as February progresses.
