Floods may hit Bangor area Storm surge up river feared

BANGOR – Meteorologists are forecasting a severe storm that will move up the coast Saturday. The worst of the storm is expected to hit between 3 p.m. and midnight.

High winds may affect the Penobscot River basin and drive the storm surge up the river.

In response, the Caribou office of the National Weather Service has issued a possible flood warning affecting the downtown parking area in Bangor along the Kenduskeag Stream.

The Kenduskeag Plaza in downtown Bangor will be closed to parking Saturday until the threat of flooding passes.

Central Maine Power Co. and Bangor Hydro-Electric Co. both are prepared to deal with possible power outages caused by the storm.

CMP makes the following recommendations for storm preparation:

. Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios accessible.

. Stock up on drinking water and nonperishable foods.

. If using an emergency heating source, be sure to keep fuels away from flames and ventilate properly.

. Do not use grills or camp stoves indoors. They give off gasses that could be harmful in closed spaces.

Property owners and tenants along the stream are encouraged to monitor the conditions and take steps to protect against potential damage.

The planned interruption of service scheduled by Bangor Hydro for 12:30 to 6 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, is canceled.

Questions about the flood warning and parking closings can be directed to the on-duty assistant fire chief of the Bangor Fire Department at 992-4700.