Hallowell businesses struggle after severe flooding - NewsCenterMaine.com WCSH-WLBZ

"We weren’t prepared for anything like this, this is just short of 1987 levels," the co-owner of The Quarry Tap Room said.

HALLOWELL, Maine — As Christmas approaches, residents of Hallowell find themselves facing more than just the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations.

A recent storm has wreaked havoc on the town, causing road closures, flooding, extensive damage to homes, and dealing a significant blow to local businesses.

In the heart of the storm's aftermath, Front Street becomes a focal point where small businesses grapple with the impact.

Steven LaChance, co-owner of the Quarry Tap Room, compared this storm to the infamous storm of 1987.

“We weren’t prepared for anything like this, this is just short of 1987 levels," LaChance said.

The water damage incurred poses a threat that could potentially shut down the Quarry Tap Room for two weeks, if not longer.

“We’ll have to assess whether it’ll be longer, and they may have to file for a quick unemployment just to keep some funds coming in and we will help keep a small staff going. There’s gonna be a lot of cleanup going on downstairs," LaChance said.

This marks Hallowell's second storm this year, and businesses have had to decide whether or not to invest in flood insurance.

While some businesses have this safeguard in place, there's a realization that insurance coverage is not comprehensive.

"Some things insurance will cover, some things it won't cover," LaChance said.

This leaves some businesses not having insurance, further complicating their recovery.

Morgan Rush, the store manager of The Frost Factory on Water Street, sheds light on the challenges faced by businesses located in prime downtown areas.

“We have this great location until the floods happen and then you have no parking. The roads are busy, so even if you are open people won’t stop because there’s no parking," Rush said.

Despite the adversity, local business owners express confidence in their ability to recover.

"It's a pretty good hit, but we will come back slowly but surely," LaChance said.

The collective hope among small business owners is that, in the next 24 hours, they will begin to see the water recede.