Winter Storm - 1/13/24
On the morning of Saturday, January 13th, Maine witnessed a catastrophic winter storm that redefined the power of nature along its rugged coastline. Record-breaking tides surged to over 14.5 feet in Portland's harbor, surpassing levels seen in the historic 1978 blizzard. This storm, marked by its ferocity and relentless high winds, left a trail of devastation. Historic fishing shacks, some over two centuries old, were mercilessly washed away in South Portland. The storm's impact, compounded by the season's highest tide and formidable storm surges, resulted in unprecedented flooding and destruction across coastal communities.
10:15am ISO1600 - 105mm - f/5.6 - 1/500
Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse as seen from Ft. Stark as the storm makes landfall.
New Castle, NH
I was originally going to drive up to the Rockland area for this storm but that was scratched due to timing. I would not have enough time to get there as I was a little slow rolling out of bed in the morning. Having already photographed Portland, twice, I opted for Whaleback Light down in Portsmouth, NH. Only being a 45min drive from me was much more doable that the 2.5hr trek up to Rockland- in a winter storm no less.
When I arrived in New Castle, NH, a small island community on the skirts of Portsmouth. The Greater Common was closed, so I was rerouted to Ft. Stark. The park was closed off, and for good reason. The waves were already splashing over the rocks, well before high tide. I parked on the side of the road and took a few shots looking out towards Portsmouth Harbor Light.
You can really see how angry the Atlantic was on this day
Portsmouth Harbor Light
The weather was not cooperating for any good photographs of Whaleback Light, its was partially hidden in a rainy vail that lingered just off coast. I decided to move my focus to Portland Harbor Light, a historic light built in 1878, which was designed by Army Corps Officer James C. Duane. The waves were battering the historic lighthouse, at times appearing to swallow the massive 48-foot cast-iron tower. The photographs below help showcase the power of of some of these waves.
10:25am ISO3200 - 150mm - f/4.5 - 1/750s
Massive waves momentarily swallow the 48-foot lighthouse.
10:51am ISO1600 - 150mm - f/5.6 - 1/1000s
Powerful waves tear up the coast as high tide quick approached. Portsmouth Harbor Light standing strong in the distance.
Onward to Nubble
I made the decision to move up the coast to Nubble Light, as that was another lighthouse that I had yet to photograph in a storm. There was a lot of closed off roads as the waters surged above record levels, flooding entire costal communities. I arrived to a busy parking lot as people young and old came to witness the turbulent north Atlantic waters. The waves, dancing in a wild ballet, battered the shore washing away the ground.
12:16pm ISO800 - 55mm - f/4.5 - 1/1000s
Waves tear up the pavement in the parking lot at Sohier Park.
1:00pm ISO800 - 400mm - f/8 - 1/750s
A wave crashing against the boat ramp out on the island.
12:32pm ISO1600 - 24mm - f/8 - 1/1000s
A huge wave crashes against the ground under one of the benches at the park.
12:29pm ISO1600 - 105mm - f/6.7 - 1/2000s
Waves that can only be described as “Giant”
Like Fireworks
The waves were quickly washing away the ground under one of the benches at the park. This bench is well loved by photographers for it’s position is just right for an amazing composition including the lighthouse. I feared that the bench may be washed out, so I was determined to get a little closer and take what I had thought may be my last shot of the bench before it succumbed to the sea. Knowing that if I wanted the composition I was after, I would be risking getting wet be one of these waves. Accepting this fate I moved in closer, framed my composition and clicked off a few photos. Sure enough a waved exploded off the rocks like fireworks, throwing spray high into the air.
I ended up capturing one my my favorite photographs of the year.
12:17pm ISO800 - 35mm - f/4.5 - 1/1000s
A waves explodes against the rocks at Sohier Park, with Nubble weathering a battle of its own.