More than 5 inches of rain fell in parts of southern Maine overnight Friday into Saturday, but it was not enough to quench the drought that has parched 70 percent of the state and other parts of New England.

The rain had eased by Saturday afternoon, but snow was predicted for the western mountains overnight Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Gray. Heavy winds are expected on Sunday.

The heaviest rain, 5.89 inches, fell in the 24 hours ending at 8 a.m. Saturday in Yarmouth, the storm’s epicenter in Maine. Freeport got 4.92 inches. Rainfall amounts varied elsewhere, from about 2 inches in West Bath to 4.4 inches in the North Deering section of Portland. Kennebunkport saw 4 inches and the Portland International Jetport 3.87 inches as of 8 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Northern Maine received a lot less rain, with western areas reporting about 2 inches and interior locations receiving an inch or less, according to the National Weather Service office in Caribou.

“There were big variations. Some areas had heavy cells of thunder and lightning,” said Eric Schwibs, meteorologist at the weather service station in Gray.

The rain did not cause any major flooding, despite a flash flood alert Friday night for southern Maine.

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The heavy rains had moved into Canada by Saturday afternoon, but Sunday will remain overcast and temperatures will plummet. Wet snow could fall overnight Saturday in the western mountains, Schwibs said.

Schwibs said the storm was caused by a frontal system and low pressure interacting with an unnamed tropical system.

“So we had those heavy rains. It was hit and miss,” said Schwibs.

He said the rain wasn’t enough to alleviate drought conditions and replenish dry wells. He said the region needs periods of persistent rain to allow the water to get into the soil.

Friday night’s rainfall was nothing compared to other deluges in Maine. Hurricane Lili dumped 19.19 inches between Oct. 20 and 22 in 1996, causing widespread damage to roads, bridges and buildings.

Colder air was forecast to move into Maine later Saturday, with winds picking up. The lows will be in the 40s on the coast and 30s inland. Sunday will be blustery with highs near 50 and cloudy skies. Gusts could reach 35 to 45 mph.

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Schwibs said there is no sustained rainfall, enough to make a dent in the drought, in sight.

Staff Writer Joe Lawlor contributed to this report.

Beth Quimby can be contacted at 791-6363 or at:

bquimby@pressherald.com

Twitter: QuimbyBeth


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