Claim #168053AB
Weather Data & Storm Correlation
Meteorological data for Norway, Maine (Oxford County) demonstrating how specific, identifiable storm events — not gradual deterioration — caused the structural damage and water intrusion at 88 Wilderness Lane.
Jan 23 – Feb 15
Accumulation Phase
2nd coldest on record. Heavy snowfall without melting. Ice layer building at eaves.
Feb 16 – 18
Initial Warming
Temperatures begin moderating. First water intrusion signs. Freeze-thaw cycling begins.
Feb 19 – 21
Critical Damage Period
Temperatures reach 40–45°F. Catastrophic melting. Ice dam overwhelmed. Water entering structure.
Feb 22 – 24
Nor’easter Hernando
Named winter storm adds 6–8 inches. Blizzard warning issued. Roof sagging observed.
Feb 25+
Cold Return / Mitigation
Temperatures drop back. Mitigation ongoing. Documentation compiled.
Daily Temperature Range — Feb 14–25, 2026
The Feb 19–21 warming event (40–45°F) created catastrophic melting conditions. A 20+ degree swing in 48 hours is extreme and directly overwhelmed the existing ice dams.
Seasonal Snowfall Accumulation
Cumulative snow load building through the winter season
* Jan 23–Feb 8 period was 2nd coldest on record for Bangor region
Ice Dam Formation Process
How extreme cold followed by rapid thaw creates catastrophic conditions
Phase 1: Accumulation
Record cold temperatures prevented any melting. Snow and ice accumulated to 12+ inches on roof.
Phase 2: Ice Dam Growth
Heat from house warmed roof, melting bottom snow. Water ran to cold eaves and refroze into solid ice dam.
Phase 3: Rapid Thaw (Feb 19–21)
Temperatures reached 40–45°F. Massive meltwater overwhelmed ice dam. Water had no escape route.
Phase 4: Water Intrusion
Trapped meltwater backed up under shingles, entered through electrical penetrations, windows, and vents.
Phase 5: Structural Load
Nor’easter added 6–8 inches of new snow to ice-laden roof, causing visible roof sagging — structural failure.
Official NWS Weather Alerts Issued
| Date | Alert Type | Issuing Agency | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 20 | Winter Storm Watch | NWS | SW Maine |
| Feb 22 | Blizzard Warning | NWS | Maine Coast |
| Feb 22 | Winter Storm Warning | NWS | Interior Maine |
| Feb 22 | Winter Weather Advisory | NWS | Norway/Rumford |
| Feb 22 | Coastal Flood Warning | NWS | York County |
⚠️ Why This Was NOT Gradual Damage
Specific Storm Events
The Feb 19–22 warming event and Feb 22–24 Nor’easter Hernando are specific, identifiable storm events — not gradual deterioration.
Sudden Onset
A 20+ degree temperature swing in 48 hours, followed by a named Nor’easter with official government warnings, represents sudden and extreme conditions.
Extraordinary Scale
Ice dams over 12 inches thick (not typical), roof sagging from weight, and 2nd coldest on record temperatures represent extraordinary, not routine, conditions.