Flooding closes Aroostook roads and could worsen over the weekend

Flooding throughout Aroostook County has led to the closure of two roads and conditions could worsen over the weekend, according to the Aroostook County Emergency Management Agency.

Floodwaters have closed Grimes Road in Caribou, also known as North Caribou Road in Fort Fairfield, which is situated on the town line between the two communities, said Derrick Ouellette, deputy director of Aroostook EMA.

The flood was caused by a jam on the Aroostook River.

“It’s completely unpassable,” Ouellette said.

In Wade, an overnight ice jam on the Aroostook River closed the end of Gardner Creek Road.

“There’s a couple people out there,” Ouellette said. “The only way in and out, I believe, is through the snowmobile and ATV trails right now.

The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory Friday morning for several towns along the Aroostook River. 

The Gardner Creek jam was causing flooding to low-lying properties and at the time was located 1 mile northwest of Castle Hill on the Aroostook River, extending for 1.5 miles.

Some locations that will experience flooding include Mapleton, Washburn and Wade, the advisory reported. 

Aroostook County Flood Watch, a social media page operated by Aroostook EMA, reported that water levels in Fort Fairfield rose overnight due to an ice jam moving near the Fort Fairfield and Caribou town line.  

Rain is predicted for the area throughout the day and could result in additional minor flooding.

In the St. John Valley, officials are monitoring an area at the Allagash and St. Francis town line that is prone to flooding, Ouellette said. 

MSAD 27 in Fort Kent also announced an early dismissal for all students who take the bus to St. John, St. Francis and Allagash in order to get ahead of any potential flooding on those roads.

As of Friday afternoon, Ouellette said it is unclear whether flooding could occur in this area.

“If those jams don’t move and make way for water, there might be a little bit of buildup,” he said. “We’re just monitoring how things play out throughout the day, especially with the weather we have coming tomorrow.”

Temperatures are currently expected to reach up to 50 degrees on Saturday.

In southern Aroostook, Ouellette said the Mattawamkeag River is predicted to be at an action stage for flooding. He said the action stage means there is a higher potential for flooding.

Motorists are advised to be cautious around flooded areas, and not to drive through flooded areas. The road may not be below flooded areas, and if this is the case motorists could get swept away by attempting to drive through.

“Those are very high risk rescues, if they can be done at all,” he added.

For people who live in frequently flooded areas, Ouellette recommended being prepared and regularly monitoring the situation.