NOAA/NWS Binghamton Flood Potential

Briefing #2

Issued 10:00 AM July 1st, 2013

David J. Nicosia

Warning Coordination Meteorologist

National Weather Service

Binghamton, NY

This Briefing applies to the NWS Binghamton Service Area only

- This area includes but is not limited to cities such as Syracuse, Utica, Ithaca, Elmira, Binghamton and Oneonta in NY State.

- This area includes but is not limited to cities such as Towanda, Montrose, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre in PA.

Overview Deep southerly flow of tropical moisture will continue until late

this week.

Potential continues for localized MAJOR flash flooding through

at least Wednesday with each round of showers and

thunderstorms.

Less chance in upper Finger Lakes where it has been drier.

Many rivers and streams running high and will continue high all

week.

Soil moisture is running high most areas.

Some larger rivers will see at least minor flooding with the

possibility of moderate flooding in some locations.

Finger Lakes will see only minor rises.

Delaware River Basin Reservoirs- rises of 1 to 3 feet.

Heavy rain arriving now with increased flash flood potential for

this afternoon into tonight.

Another round of heavy rain possible late Tuesday night and

Wednesday.

Any showers and thunderstorms will have potential for localized

heavy rainfall through at least Wednesday. Hard to pin-point time

and exact locations.

Deep Tropical Moisture Feed through at least Wednesday

Today and Tonight’s wave supporting heavy rain potential

Wednesday’s wave supporting additional heavy rain potential??

Deep Tropical Moisture Feed

Watches, Warnings and Advisories in Effect

Flash Flood Watch (Dark Green) in effect for portions of Central NY and Northeast PA through Tuesday morning. Conditions favorable for localized heavy rain and flash flooding, along with possible river flooding. Flood Warning (Light Green) currently in effect for the Mohawk River at Utica and the Susquehanna River at Conklin. A flash flood warnings (Dark Red)

Flash Flood Rainfall Thresholds

• Finger Lakes region could withstand up to 2-3 inches of rain in 3-hours to cause flash flooding.

• Other areas of Central NY will take just 1.5-2 inches of rain in 3-hours. • Most of northeast PA would need less than 2 inches to send small streams out of

banks.

Timing

• First batch of heavy rain late morning and early afternoon today.

• Another batch of heavy rain arrives later this afternoon and lasts into tonight.

• Another batch of heavy rain possible late Tuesday night and especially Wednesday.

• Isolated showers and thunderstorms at any time could lead to excessive rainfall through at least Wednesday.

• Hard to pin-point timing beyond tonight.

Radar at 900 am

Next batch of rain coming for later afternoon and tonight.

First batch of rain for next few hours.

Rainfall Forecasts used for River Models through 8 AM Thursday.

Basin average rainfall put into river models ranges from ¾” in Finger Lakes to 2-3” in northeast Pennsylvania into the southern Tier of NY and the Catskills.

Highest threats will be to the tributaries and reservoirs of the Delaware river basin, plus areas of the Upper Susquehanna.

River Forecasts Through 8 AM Thursday

Basin average rainfall put into river models ranges from ¾” in Finger Lakes to 2-3” in northeast Pennsylvania into the southern Tier of NY and the Catskills. Minor river flooding expected at this time in the Susquehanna Basin. Potential for moderate flooding in Northeast PA to Upper Susquehanna and Upper Delaware in NY. Need to keep watching these areas very closely as event unfolds. Know your local action, and flood stages at gauges in your area.

30% Chance of Moderate River Flooding in highlighted area below.

For continuous updates:

– General Weather Info: http://weather.gov/bgm

– Graphical Forecasts: http://www.weather.gov/forecasts/wfo/sectors/bgm.php#tabs

– River Forecasts: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=bgm

– Probability River Forecasts: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/mmefs/