AUGUSTA - While roads in several southern Maine towns have been washed out by the recent torrential rain, central Maine communities look to be relatively safe.

Richard Beausoleil, director of the Kennebec County Emergency Management Agency, said the Kennebec River is expected to crest at 38,000 cubic feet per second during the overnight. At that rate water is likely to spill over into low areas prone to flooding in the Augusta and Gardiner areas.

Heavy rain is in the forecast during the overnight, but emergency officials are expecting any flooding to remain minor.

Officials urge motorists to stay clear of roads covered by water and to seek an alternative route.