In 1987, A Great Flood Swept Through Maine And Changed The State Forever

Between blizzards and hurricanes (yep, happened!), Maine has had its fair share of wacky weather. Not to mention the regular winters and foggy summer mornings we face regularly. Despite being able to handle just about anything, there are some weather tales that have stuck in our memories. This 1987 flood in Maine is recent enough that most everyone we know experienced it in some way or another. Did you?

The 1987 flood that hit Maine was one of the worst weather disasters in the state, impacting just about all areas.

The flood was a result of two rain storms that hit the area in the spring, along with snow that melted in the storms.

The areas surrounding the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers were the most impacted.

However, 14 of the 16 counties in Maine were declared disaster areas.

If you look closely, you'll see that some people took advantage of the rising waters and flooded rivers...

...these guys through the fishing conditions were great!

About 2.100 homes were completely flooded.

And at least 215 homes were totally destroyed.

240 homes sustained major damage forcing significant repairs.

More than 400 small businesses were impacted by the disaster.

Forcing days of closures, leaving residents unsure of when normal life would resume.

The flooding resulted in losses of over $100 Million.

But, as is always the case in Maine, residents rallied and rebuilt...this time even stronger.

For home videos and news reports from the days of the flood, check out this video:

And, for another (less dramatic!) trip down memory lane, check out these 14 photos of what Maine looked like in the early 1900s.

Michelle

Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.

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