3 days after the storm, Maine rivers are returning to normal

By Leela Stockley, Bangor Daily News Staff

On the third day of cleanup after a mighty wind storm brought rain and flooding to Maine, rivers are returning to normal levels. 

Gauge readings in the Androscoggin, Piscataquis, Kennebec, and Sandy rivers from the U.S. Geological Survey show that the worst of the floodwater is subsiding. 

Water levels remain higher than typical for this time of year, and because of increased volume, waterways are considered dangerous. 

Even as the floodwater subsides, many Maine businesses will still have days of cleanup to do in the aftermath of Monday’s storm. Intense rain and downed trees knocked out power to nearly half a million Mainers on Monday, and as of Thursday morning, power remained out at more than 131,000 residences across the state. 

Gov. Janet Mills declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, giving the state authority to seek federal funds to aid in storm recovery efforts.