Thousands Lose Power in Maine After Storms

Officials say a storm brought powerful gusts that knocked out power but not flooding that was feared in Maine.

Tom Hawley of the National Weather Service says the worst of the rain ended Thursday morning long before the 1 p.m. high tide, avoiding a repeat of last month's urban street flooding that damaged dozens of cars.

But Hawley said the storm brought gusts of 53 mph at Matinicus Rock, 52 mph off Old Orchard Beach and 48 mph at the Portland International Jetport. At the peak, Central Maine Power and Emera Maine together reported more than 20,000 customers were without electricity early Thursday.

Officials said there was no major flooding associated with the high tide, and a flood warning for southern Maine communities was lifted Thursday afternoon.