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Potential Tornado Outbreak Today; Atmospheric River for the Northwest

Severe thunderstorm outbreak with tornadoes, wind damage, and large hail are expected today from parts of the southern Plains, eastward into the lower Mississippi Valley and central Gulf Coast states. Several long-track strong tornadoes are expected. Furthermore, excessive rainfall potential exists with flash flooding possible. For the western US, heavy precipitation and strong winds continue. Read More >

Overview

Intense low pressure rapidly deepened over the Great Lakes on the 23rd of December. This feature dragged an Arctic cold front through the area during the day on the 23rd. A moderately strong SE-SW wind was observed ahead of the front (for the preceding 12-24 hours), and allowed for water levels to build up in the Chesapeake Bay. No worse than minor flooding was observed the night of the 22nd into the early morning on the 23rd in areas adjacent to the mid/upper bay. After the Arctic frontal passage during the morning of the 23rd, winds became W-SW at 20-35 mph with a few gusts as high as 50-60 mph (although prevailing gusts were generally 40-45 mph). This allowed for water levels to rapidly rise on the bay side of the Lower Eastern Shore (on the other hand, water levels rapidly fell on the west side of the bay and along the Atlantic coast). Water levels crested well above moderate flood thresholds at Cambridge, Bishop's Head, Crisfield, and Saxis during the afternoon high tide. Levels even exceeded major flood thresholds at Bishop's Head and Cambridge. Several pictures from the coastal flooding are in the "Photos" section of this event review. It is also important to note that coastal flooding was observed in Downtown Salisbury (along the tidal Wicomico River) and also in Pocomoke City (along the tidal Pocomoke River). Low water thresholds (-1 ft MLLW) were exceeded along the tidal James/Nansemond Rivers in addition to areas adjacent to the Lower Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coast of SE VA/NE NC. 
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