What is Maine’s 24-Hour Rainfall Record?

Maine has seen some real soakers over the years.

There have been times when the rain has contributed to serious flooding that caused damage to homes and made roads impassable.

But one rain event really stands out, and it poured so hard that a new record was set for the state.

What is Maine's 24-Hour Rainfall Record?

Here's a look at when the record was set and how much rain came down.

According to the State Climate Extremes Committee, the most rainfall in 24 hours in Maine occurred on October 20-21, 1996, when 13.32 inches of rain fell on Portland. The record rainfall was recorded at Portland International Jetport.

According to the National Weather Service, the rain came down as the state was being impacted by Hurricane Lili.

"On 19-22 October 1996, a cut-off extratropical cyclone with a persistent moisture feed from Hurricane Lili produced excessive precipitation. All-time rainfall records were shattered in southern Maine. Extreme flooding resulted, greatly impacting travel and commerce. Extensive damage occurred to state infrastructure and private homes," the NWS stated.

It was an impressive amount of rain, but it didn't come close to the U.S. record for rainfall in a 24-hour period.

What is the 24-Hour Rainfall Record?

According to Weather.gov, that record belongs to Hawaii, where 49.69 inches of rain was recorded on April 14-15, 2018, in Waipā Garden in Kauai, Hawaii.

"An upper level low pressure system which tapped into enhanced moisture embedded within the low level trade winds produced torrential rainfall and severe flooding over portions of Kauai and Oahu from late Friday, April 13 through Sunday, April 15, 2018," the NWS stated.

For decades, the record had belonged to Alvin, Texas, where 42 inches of rain fell from July 25-26, 1979.

The rain drenched the state as Tropical Storm Claudette (1979) made landfall in the Lone Star State.

Read more: How Often Do Tornadoes Form in Maine?

So while 13 inches of rain is significant, it doesn't come close to the record set by Hawaii or the previous record that stood for decades before it was broken.

Rain is a good thing, but 50 inches? I can't even imagine.