A strong cold front moving into Maine brought heavy rain and severe thunderstorms and the potential for flash floods Tuesday afternoon.

Multiple rounds of thunderstorms with very heavy rainfall moved across southern Maine after noon. Central Maine Power Co. reported more than 2,000 customers without power at 2:45 p.m., including about 1,300 in Saco.

Heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding, particularly in areas with poor drainage, according to the National Weather Service.

Brandon Mitchell of the National Weather Service in Gray said the primary concern with today’s storms will be the flash flood threat and winds, which will be strong as the storms move toward the coast during the afternoon. Up to an inch of rain is expected in most southern areas, with high amounts expected in areas where the storm is especially intense.

“There is a slight chance of tornadoes before the main line of the storm gets to the coast,” Mitchell said.

A flash flood watch is in effect from noon through this evening for portions for York County and parts of New Hampshire.

The National Weather Service has also issued a small craft advisory from 10 a.m. through midnight. Winds are predicted to be 10 to 15 knots with gusts up to 25 knots and seas will be 3 to 6 feet.


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