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Ice jams causing more flooding in Maine

HALLOWELL (NEWS CENTER Maine) — An ice jam near Farmingdale caused the Kennebec River to flood in downtown Hallowell last weekend, damaging businesses and leaving more than a dozen cars under water and frozen in place.

The river is below flood stage right now. But there are concerns that warming temperatures and rainfall could cause more flooding.

The river has been above flood stage since Wednesday after the waters went down. Above-freezing temperatures are forecast for the weekend and the potential of more of than an inch of rain early next week. That's worrying business owners located next to the river. The Hydeout at the Wharf, a restaurant and bar, was submerged by icy floodwater prompted by the ice jam.

Owner Wayne Hyde and his employees have spent the past several days clearing away damaged furniture, sanitizing and drying out floors and walls. Hyde who hopes to reopen by the Super Bowl says a Coast Guard cutter which is expected to arrive on Wednesday to break up the ice may not be soon enough to prevent further flooding.

'I don't know how they break up an ice jam I really don't know I am sure it's going to be a chore but they got to something going happening,' said Wayne Hyde the owner of Hyedeout at the Wharf.

Here is how you can help: Residents can call the National Weather Service if they spot rising water levels. You can go to www.weather.gov or call 207-688-3216.

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