Portland Weathers Last Night's Torrential Rain Storm

Crews cleaning up debris & surveying damage today

PORTLAND, Maine -- The City of Portland is cleaning up this morning after weathering a torrential rain storm last night that brought more than 6 inches of rain, 3 inches of which fell in a 90 minute period. Thankfully, the water receded just as quickly, but the damage was felt in terms of flooded basements, washed out streets and sidewalks,  and popped manhole covers. City Fire, Police and Public Services crews responded to people stranded on the roads, calls of flooded basements and had to barricade streets.  The flooding also caused the evacuation of eight properties, including 200 people from the La Quinta Inn on Park Avenue.

All roads in Portland are now open and operating normally, however, people should still take caution around infrastructure that has been washed out. All of the 13 popped manhole covers were replaced this morning. Public Services crews are currently surveying damage and cleaning up debris. Residents and business owners are asked to report any debris and damage issues to the Public Services Dispatch center at 874.8493.

Here is a recap of some of last nights events:

Portland's Emergency Dispatch center received 116 water related calls last night. In total, the center received 841 calls for the 24-hour period. That number is several hundred higher than a normal day.
High Street between York and Commercial Streets was significantly washed out along the curbing and sidewalk. Public Services crews are working to provide a quick fix to secure the area and then will work today to determine what further measures will be taken. *See attached photos.
City Hall had flooding and sewage backup in the basement and Merrill Auditorium had sewage and water damage in the bathrooms, lobby, back stage area, rehearsal hall and dressing rooms. Crews have been working since 10:00 PM last night to address the situation quickly as there is a show scheduled for Sunday. That show will go on as normal.
65 Hanover Street, a City owned building that houses the Traffic Division and the Building Trades Division, received significant flooding.
Deering Oaks Pond overflowed, despite the fact that crews drained it by a foot in anticipation of the rain.
Residents are reminded to please take caution in extreme rain events like last night's. Motorists should always obey road closures and not try to cross a flooded road or drive through standing water. If your basement is flooded, stay out of the water as it could be electrified. You should cal 911 and crews will respond as soon as they can to isolate the power.