Today's pictures of Fort Kent are provided by Sgt. Paul Vincent. If you've been following the graph of the St. John River here on Mattnoyes.net, you've seen the clear drop in the water levels. This is fantastic news for folks along the St. John because it means water levels are dropping, no new flooding is expected to occur in the areas that were holding their breaths, and the center of town escaped catastrophe. 
Incidentally, the river level crested at 30.14 feet - some 5 feet above the old record crest, and the most in nearly 100 years of record keeping. Amazing! Still, the levee was just tall enough to hold back the water, with .86 feet - or a jaw-dropping 10.3 inches - of "spare room" at the top of the levee. Those of you who saw my previous posts including pictures of the levee and rising water can put this into perspective, and for this meteorologist, it really is the part of river flooding that has always been stunning to me - that such a tiny amount of such a massive body of water can play a critical role in the lives of so many. 
Of course, there are still problems in Aroostook County, and the St. John isn't the only river that's flooded. New evacuations were needed even after the St. John started to fall at Fort Kent, as Van Buren continued to see water levels rising. 
Nonetheless, with the runoff successfully into the waterways now, all rivers should turn around and fall.
For those of you reading from Northern Maine, heading home can't come soon enough. Even those who know their homes were damaged are anxious to get in and inspect the damage. 
Authorities in some communities may tell you not to return yet, though, and as hard as that is to hear, it's wise advice to follow. With infrastructure like electricity, sewerage, and other potential threats that will need to be examined, wait until you're given the OK to head in and inspect. 
When you get to your home or business, expect the following:
- Flooding is still ongoing, and still significant, in many areas
- River levels will only slowly recede, but will continue to drop
- Roads to your home or business may be washed out - know alternate routes
- Infrastructure may be compromised, including buildings, roads, bridges, dams, utilities, propane tanks and even stream beds - that last one is important given the number of kids who'll get a thrill out of seeing the fast water close-up by standing on the banks of the rivers and streams...keep in mind that they may be weakened by erosion
- Be aware that new, unwanted critters may be in the structure - perhaps brought in by floodwaters or perhaps driven to the building for shelter when their own was flooded
- Take pictures (ideally digital) and video of any and all damage. This is absolutely critical to receiving reimbursement when the time comes. The Small Business Administration may be able to help you with reimbursement (even if you're not a business), but usually only if you have documentation
- Disinfect everything. Our rivers are clean in the North...but not clean enough to live in!
- If you have insurance, file your claim as soon as you possibly can. It will take time.
Have a comment, thought or observation to share? Use the comments section of this post.
-Matt
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