27 Years After Maine’s Historic Ice Storm: A Look Back

If you lived in Maine in 1998, there's no doubt you remember the ice storm that was one of the most devastating natural disasters in Maine history.

It brought down trees covered in ice from the storm and caused all sorts of destruction.

Despite that, Mainers banded together to help one another clear debris and help those who had no power find comfort in a warm space.

Freezing Rain For Almost a Week in Maine in 1998 Ice Storm

The storm began on January 5 and continued for almost a week as freezing rain fell over the state coating everything in ice.

Over several days, freezing rain coated the state in a layer of ice from one to three inches thick. Every part of the state experienced this incredible storm.

The damage was catastrophic as utility poles snapped and crashed to the ground pulling the lines down with them.

No Power For Weeks in Maine in 1998 Ice Storm

More than 700,000 Mainers lost power.

Those who were in rural areas, like me living at my grandmother's house in Raymond on Sebago Lake, had no power for weeks.

Without power there was no heat and for many no running water. I couldn't leave the house because so many trees were down on the private dirt road.

Emergency shelters were set up at schools and community centers to help those without power get warm and have something to eat.

The Cost of the 1998 Ice Storm

The economic losses from the storm were huge. Dairy farms were unable to milk cows and orchards lost many trees from the ice damage. Cleanup and repairs took months.

In 2018, WMTW aired a special on the 1998 ice storm that is a good look at the event.

Mainers pulled together as we always do, and though the hardships were large, in time, we got back to normal.

It's hard to believe it was 27 years ago. It's an event in Maine's history we'll never forget.