PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • January 13, 2026
Two years ago today, Jan. 13, 2024, while I was still in my role as a meteorologist at News Center Maine, the final in a series of three devastating storms hit Maine. It was this storm that ultimately broke Portland’s all-time highest water level record, beating out the Blizzard of 1978, which was one of the most infamous storms in New England history. By the end of the month-long blitz, at least 60% of Maine’s working waterfront was either severely damaged or completely destroyed. There was an acceptance that the extreme damage caused was tied to climate change. The anniversary of these storms should be a reminder that saying “this is the new normal” doesn’t make that “normal” any less destructive. It is also a reminder that we must keep pushing for policy solutions to reduce carbon pollution and ensure we have the resources needed to make our communities more resilient and better able to withstand severe weather fueled by climate change. ~ Keith Carson, former meteorologist for News Center Maine, now works on science and climate communications for Maine Conservation Voters