Perkins Cove Survives Latest Epic Winter Storm

Summary

Perkins Cove in Ogunquit, Maine, endured significant damage from a December winter storm, with coastal areas experiencing flooded roads, high winds, and displaced rocks, but the community has begun recovery efforts.

Abstract

The article details the aftermath of a severe winter storm that impacted the Midwest and East Coast, with particularly harsh effects on the New England coast, especially in Maine. The coastal town of Ogunquit, known for its summer tourism, faced substantial damage to its infrastructure, including the seawall at Long Sands Beach and the wooden deck of a local restaurant in Perkins Cove. Despite the destruction, which included flooded roads and rocks strewn by the ocean, recovery crews have made progress in clearing debris. The resilience of the area is evident in the standing Christmas tree and the undamaged Stormy Gale II sailboat, although downed wires and displaced rocks remain. The author, Bruce Coulter, provides a firsthand account of the storm's impact, emphasizing the severity of the weather and the community's efforts to rebuild.

Opinions

The author believes the storm's impact was significant, particularly in coastal Maine, where it left behind a trail of destruction.
The author conveys a sense of admiration for the resilience of the community and the rapid response of cleanup crews in Perkins Cove.
There is a note of concern for the safety of the area, as indicated by the boarded-up windows and the need to navigate treacherous terrain carefully.
The author's mention of the solitary Christmas tree and the Stormy Gale II sailboat suggests a sense of hope and endurance despite the storm's severity.
The author values community support, as evidenced by the request for tips to benefit Dining for Hunger, an organization working to combat food insecurity.

December storm lays into Maine summer tourist area

Portions of the Midwest and east coast, particularly upstate New York, were on the frigid end of what’s being called in the Buffalo area a “generational storm.”

By the time the storm reached New England, a blast of cold weather had left us a bit chilly. Car batteries died, and icy roads led to many car accidents, but nothing too bad where I live in central Mass.

The coast of Maine, however, saw much more damage thanks to strong winds and overflowing seas, which flooded roads and pitched rocks — yeah, rocks — from the ocean and the seawalls lining the coast.

The seawall at Long Sands Beach (known more popularly as York Beach) did little to keep the ocean from flooding the roads and depositing thousands of rocks on the road.

At left, I arrived at York Beach during high tide. As you can see, it takes little effort for ocean waters to reach the road and homes across the street. At right, Nubble Lighthouse looks unscathed by the storm, thanks to its height above the sea. The rocks at the base are covered with frozen sea spray.

In Ogunquit, Perkins Cove suffered damage from high seas and winds. By the time I arrived this past weekend, crews had already cleaned up most of the rocks (again) tossed by the waves onto dry land. The most significant damage I saw was a wooden deck I believe belonged to an adjacent restaurant. A corner was ripped from its moorings and is unsafe for use.

A corner of this wooden deck was ripped up by winds and perhaps rising waters. It won’t be used for some time to come. © Bruce Coulter Photography

I’m not sure if it qualifies as a town square, but a solitary Christmas tree still stands. I’m not sure how it survived, but the proof is in the photo.

In front of Maine-ly Drizzle, a Christmas tree remains standing tall despite the heavy winds and waters the previous weekend. © Bruce Coulter Photography

A bit further down the cove, a sailboat, the aptly named Stormy Gale II, sits perched off the ground. The boat itself doesn’t appear damaged, but I’m looking from the ground up. There’s no telling how well the cabin survived. Downed wires hang from above, and rocks pushed onto dry land are scattered beneath the boat.

My daughter and I walked around the cove to see what might have been damaged. Behind a restaurant and facing the bay, windows were covered by plywood to preserve them. Rocks seem to have grown from the ground, thanks mainly to the water in the bay surging above dry land. Sadly, I did not take any photos. My daughter and I tried navigating the rocks without breaking an ankle.

The calm after the storm. I walked along the docks at the water’s edge. They creaked and moaned, but were nonetheless sturdy under my feet. © Bruce Coulter Photography

I accept tips, which go directly to Dining for Hunger, a recognized 501(c)(3) organization that looks to end food insecurity. If you can spare a dollar or two, I’d be grateful.

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