2017 Winter/Spring Flood Outlook for the Mid-Atlantic Region
The most recent 2017 winter/spring flood outlook was released on March 2, 2017. The outlook estimates the potential for river flooding to develop during the next two weeks across the Mid-Atlantic Region. In this region, heavy rainfall is the primary factor leading to river flooding. Other factors that go into determining the risk include future weather conditions, recent precipitation, soil moisture, snow cover and snow water equivalent, river ice and streamflow. Keep reading to learn more about these factors and the current potential for river flooding from Big Bags USA®.
Currently, the river flood potential is below average. However, heavy rainfall can rapidly cause river flooding anytime of the year, including when the overall flood potential is considered to be low or below average. During the past 30 days, the Mid-Atlantic Region experienced below normal to very-much-below normal precipitation, except in Pennsylvania and New York. Those states observed precipitation that was normal to above normal.
There's currently no significant snow cover in the Mid-Atlantic Region. In the northwest half of the region, current snow conditions are below average to much-below average. Interestingly, all significant snow has now melted across this region that normally contains quite a bit of snow at this time of year. However, more snow will likely fall over the region throughout the month of March. Across the southeast half of the region where snow on the ground in less common, the current lack of snow is typical or about average. In addition to the lack of snow, there's also no river ice on/in any of the Mid-Atlantic Region rivers. This is unusual for this time of year. It is now too late in the season for widespread significant river ice formation.
Deep soils across much of the Mid-Atlantic Region contain moisture that is fairly close to normal for this time of year. However, soil moisture deficits remain across large portions of the region, especially eastern and southern regions. The latest data from the United States Geological Survey indicates that streamgages across the northwestern third of the region are showing streamflows that are near-to-above median for early March. As for the rest of the region, streamflows are below to much-below median for this time of year.
Most United States Geological Survey groundwater monitoring wells across the southeastern half of the Mid-Atlantic Region are currently indicating groundwater levels that are below or much-below their long-term normals for this time of year. Elsewhere across the region, groundwater levels are closer to normal. Most reservoirs within the region are holding storages that are below average/average for this time of year. Reservoir storage in the upper Delaware River basin is currently still considerably below the long-term median, but continues to slowly improve.
Relatively tranquil weather conditions are anticipated for most of the Mid-Atlantic Region for the next week. As it has recently, the weather will feature wide swings in temperatures, but generally only light to moderate precipitation. At this time, there are no strong indications of any widespread major rain or snow events within the next week.
New river flood outlooks are released twice a month. Keep up-to-date on these outlooks by visiting: http://www.weather.gov/marfc/WinterSpring_Flood_Outlook.
While there may not be an immediate risk of river flooding, that could easily change with an unexpected heavy rainfall. Be prepared for whatever mother nature has in store for us this spring by investing in a flood mitigation plan. Our flood barrier systems offer easily-stored flood protection that can be deployed much more quickly than traditional sandbags, while using less labor! Call 800-337-0537 today for more information!
Flooding Potential
Currently, the river flood potential is below average. However, heavy rainfall can rapidly cause river flooding anytime of the year, including when the overall flood potential is considered to be low or below average. During the past 30 days, the Mid-Atlantic Region experienced below normal to very-much-below normal precipitation, except in Pennsylvania and New York. Those states observed precipitation that was normal to above normal.
Snow and Ice
There's currently no significant snow cover in the Mid-Atlantic Region. In the northwest half of the region, current snow conditions are below average to much-below average. Interestingly, all significant snow has now melted across this region that normally contains quite a bit of snow at this time of year. However, more snow will likely fall over the region throughout the month of March. Across the southeast half of the region where snow on the ground in less common, the current lack of snow is typical or about average. In addition to the lack of snow, there's also no river ice on/in any of the Mid-Atlantic Region rivers. This is unusual for this time of year. It is now too late in the season for widespread significant river ice formation.
Soil Moisture and Streamflow
Deep soils across much of the Mid-Atlantic Region contain moisture that is fairly close to normal for this time of year. However, soil moisture deficits remain across large portions of the region, especially eastern and southern regions. The latest data from the United States Geological Survey indicates that streamgages across the northwestern third of the region are showing streamflows that are near-to-above median for early March. As for the rest of the region, streamflows are below to much-below median for this time of year.
Groundwater and Reservoir Conditions
Most United States Geological Survey groundwater monitoring wells across the southeastern half of the Mid-Atlantic Region are currently indicating groundwater levels that are below or much-below their long-term normals for this time of year. Elsewhere across the region, groundwater levels are closer to normal. Most reservoirs within the region are holding storages that are below average/average for this time of year. Reservoir storage in the upper Delaware River basin is currently still considerably below the long-term median, but continues to slowly improve.
Future Weather Conditions
Relatively tranquil weather conditions are anticipated for most of the Mid-Atlantic Region for the next week. As it has recently, the weather will feature wide swings in temperatures, but generally only light to moderate precipitation. At this time, there are no strong indications of any widespread major rain or snow events within the next week.
New river flood outlooks are released twice a month. Keep up-to-date on these outlooks by visiting: http://www.weather.gov/marfc/WinterSpring_Flood_Outlook.
Big Bags USA®
While there may not be an immediate risk of river flooding, that could easily change with an unexpected heavy rainfall. Be prepared for whatever mother nature has in store for us this spring by investing in a flood mitigation plan. Our flood barrier systems offer easily-stored flood protection that can be deployed much more quickly than traditional sandbags, while using less labor! Call 800-337-0537 today for more information!
If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.
If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.
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