High Impact Thunderstorm Events in the Northeastern U.S. from an Aviation Perspective

A “well-placed” thunderstorm or thunderstorm complex has the potential to significantly disrupt
life across the densely populated Northeastern United States. The Summer of 2023 featured a
number of these impactful events that resulted in severe weather including several short-track
tornadoes, as well as widespread and devastating flash flooding. One common theme of these
events was that they all produced significant impacts and disruptions to the nation’s air traffic
system, particularly in the Northeast Corridor.

This presentation will describe the forecast and impact-based decision support service (IDSS)
challenges faced by meteorologists from the National Weather Service (NWS) at the Center
Weather Service Units (CWSUs) and Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs). The efforts made and
complexities faced by the CWSU Nashua NH (“Boston Center”) team, WFO Boston MA, as well
as our counterparts at nearby CWSUs WFOs to support the nation’s air traffic system during
these hazardous weather events will be highlighted.. High impact events from July and August
of 2023 will be discussed to provide insights into the similarities and differences between
events, as well as their impacts on FAA partners.