AUBURN – Warm temperatures brought higher water in the Androscoggin River, which spilled over its banks and closed a portion of North River Road Saturday night.

Auburn police closed the primarily residential street from Center Street to Cross Street around 8:15 p.m. as water completely covered the roadway in front of the former Higgins sporting goods store on North River Road.

Warmer than usual temperatures are expected to continue for the next six to 10 days, according to the National Weather Service, which has advised of spring flooding potential. Significant snowpack remains in the central and western areas of the state, adding to the possibility of floods.

Melting snows have raised groundwater levels to record April highs in wells monitored in Amherst, Brunswick and Kenduskeag. No serious ice jams have been reported in northern Maine rivers, although forecasters say the last of the river ice is still breaking up and moving out.

The combination of factors prompted the National Weather Service to conclude flood potential is above normal throughout the rest of the month for Maine, despite a relatively dry forecast for the upcoming week.

– Carol Coultas