Heavy Rain Brings Ice Jam Flood Threat to Maine

Widespread ice on rivers raises risk of unpredictable flooding next week.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:06pm

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Maine is bracing for an elevated risk of ice jam flooding as heavy rain and warmer temperatures are forecast to arrive on Monday. Officials warn that 1-3 inches of rain combined with snowmelt could lead to river rises of up to 3 feet in areas prone to ice jams, particularly along the Kennebec, Androscoggin, Saco, and Penobscot rivers. Communities like Augusta, Hallowell, Randolph, and Gardiner are most vulnerable due to thicker ice remaining along the shorelines.

Why it matters

Ice jams are notoriously difficult to predict and can lead to some of the worst flooding in Maine, often more severe than warm-weather flooding. With many rivers still experiencing widespread ice cover from the winter, the influx of rain and snowmelt poses a significant threat to nearby communities.

The details

The National Weather Service is urging vulnerable communities to closely monitor river conditions and be prepared to act quickly if an ice jam forms. Once an ice jam starts to break up and move downstream, it can shift the problem from one town to the next. Officials advise residents to contact the National Weather Service or local emergency management if they notice any signs of ice movement or flooding.

  • The heavy rain and snowmelt is expected to arrive on Monday, March 15, 2026.
  • The elevated ice jam flood threat is expected to continue at least through Thursday, March 19, 2026.

The players

Sarah Jamison

A senior service hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine.

Kennebec River

One of the rivers most at risk of ice jam flooding, impacting communities like Augusta, Hallowell, Randolph, and Gardiner.

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What they’re saying

“Ice jams are very unpredictable and water can come up very quickly. Some of our worst flooding across Maine occurs from ice jams as much as it does during the warm season.”

— Sarah Jamison, Senior Service Hydrologist, National Weather Service

“One of the best things we can do now that we can anticipate some break ups and ice movement with this heavy rain event on Monday is for any vulnerable community to make sure they have eyes on the river and that people are prepared to act.”

— Sarah Jamison, Senior Service Hydrologist, National Weather Service

What’s next

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