Extended Abstract (84K)1.3
A synoptic climatology of flooding in New England
Lesley-Ann L. Dupigny-Giroux, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT; and C. Loughner
Flooding in New England is a function of latitude, location with respect to storm tracks and interaction with the local topography. There are a number of synoptic and mesoscale weather events which, either alone or more often in conjunction with orographic enhancement produce widespread or localized flooding. Proximity to large moisture sources is also crucial (Capriola, 1992). In order to enhance forecasting and propose effective mitigation strategies, a thorough understanding of this hazard is needed. Existing studies have either focused on specific regions (e.g. Guttman and Ezell, 1979; Dupigny-Giroux and Hanning, submitted) or time periods (Capriola, 1992). Using the Northeastern U.S. Heavy Rain Event Precipitation Analyses of the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center of NCEP for January 1993 to March 2001, a database was created of the spatial characteristics and corresponding isopleth values of each event. These were merged with accounts of flooding (coastal, urban/small stream, river) and flash flooding from the Storm Data publication of the National Climatic Data Center. For each of these flooding rains scenarios, the NOAA Daily Weather Maps were examined for the prevailing surface features and 500-millibar height contours. From these coincident data sources, five major patterns of flood-related precipitation events emerged. These included synoptic occluded fronts; tropical cyclonic remnants; cold air damming; isolated thunderstorms and coastal fronts. This presentation will highlight the underlying causal dynamics of these flooding regimes as well as the modifying influences at both the meso- and local scale the set up preferred geographic regions for severe weather and flooding across New England.
Session 1, Climate Products and Data Sets (Room 619/620)
Monday, 12 January 2004, 9:00 AM-10:15 AM, Room 619/620
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