Nor'easter brings heavy rain, strong winds and surf to southern Maine

A nor'easter advancing north along the mid-Atlantic and southern New England coastline is producing hazardous beach conditions, rain and gusty winds in southern Maine. Meteorologists said scattered showers began early Saturday in southern New Hampshire, coastal Maine and some inland areas, with rain becoming steadier through Sunday and remaining moderate to heavy through Monday before the system moves out of the region on Tuesday.

Zack Hargrove, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gray, forecast 1-2 inches of rain for most of coastal and inland Maine, while some locations in York County could receive up to four inches. He identified the county as the rain hotspot for the storm.

Coastal flood and high surf advisories remain in effect as winds gust between 25 and 35 miles per hour, with occasional gusts reaching 40 miles per hour, especially Saturday night into Sunday morning. Hargrove warned that persistent northeast flow could cause water to pile up along the shore.

Independent meteorologist Jason Nappi reported observing two unusually large “sneaker waves” at Middle Beach in Kennebunk. One wave surged past the seawall, temporarily submerging a line of parked cars on Beach Avenue and breaking a vehicle’s windows. Police responded to the incident, though the department chief did not immediately comment.

"This storm is bordering on tropical storm or subtropical storm status right now," Nappi said.

Central Maine Power said it will staff additional crews at service centers, noting that bucket-truck arms cannot be raised when winds exceed 30 mph, but crews can still clear roads blocked by downed trees.