Alert archive / Wisconsin / Flash Flood Warnings in 2018

Flash Flood Warning 20, NWS Duluth, MN

August 26, 2018Pine County, Minnesota; 5 counties in Wisconsin

NWS Duluth, MN issued this flash flood warning at Aug 26, 2018, 5:42 PM CDT for Pine County, Minnesota; 5 counties in Wisconsin. It was in force for 3 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Aug 26, 2018, 5:42 PM CDT (22:42 UTC)
Expired
Aug 26, 2018, 8:23 PM CDT
In force
3 hr
Issued by
NWS Duluth, MN
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
None

Counties Pine County, MN, Bayfield County, WI, Burnett County, WI, Douglas County, WI, Sawyer County, WI, Washburn County, WI

The radar

The Duluth radar (KDLH), 82 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 22:46 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Minneapolis, MN (KMPX), launched 12:00Z, 10.7 hours before the alert went out and 198 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Minneapolis, MN at 12:00Z on 2018-08-26Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 890 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Minneapolis, MN at 12:00Z on 2018-08-26The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 296 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
890 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-196 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1058 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
45 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
296 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
312 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.2

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this flash flood warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Duluth, MN wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at Aug 26, 3:27 PM CDT, 2 hours 15 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Aug 26, 3:27 PM CDT, 2 hours 15 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Duluth MN
327 PM CDT Sun Aug 26 2018

.SHORT TERM...(through Tonight)
Issued at 327 PM CDT Sun Aug 26 2018

The focus is on the potential for thunderstorms and severe
weather through tonight. There is a complex scenario today from
the Northern Plains to western Great Lakes which could lead to
multiple rounds of thunderstorms across the Northland through
tonight. The complexity is contributing to uncertainty in the
forecast.

As of the middle of the afternoon, there as an area of low
pressure in central South Dakota. A warm front extended from the
low across southern Minnesota into southern Wisconsin. A
stationary front extended from eastern South Dakota to northwest
and north-central Minnesota. Shortwaves were lifting northeast
through the region, including one across northeast Minnesota, and
another near west-central Wisconsin. These shortwaves were
triggering areas of thunderstorms.

The Northland will, at the least, be affected by the shortwaves
lifting through the region, and continue to see showers and storms
across northeast Minnesota and parts of northwest Wisconsin
through this afternoon. There is then a good chance of additional
thunderstorm development late this afternoon and this evening.
These storms would begin in areas of northwest Wisconsin to
central Minnesota and spread north and will be in relation to a
surge of humid air with the lifting warm front. The latest HRRR
and RAP runs have suggested the storms might not develop until
nearly as far north as the Grand Rapids to Duluth to Ashland area.
Wherever these storms develop, strong to severe thunderstorms are
possible. There will be an environment of up to 3000 J/kg of
MUCAPE, 30 to 40 knots of deep layer wind shear, and precipitable
water values of 1.5 to 2 inches. The primary concern will be large
hail, but strong wind gusts and heavy downpours are possible. The
flooding threat is limited because of the relatively dry soils
and progressive nature of the storms lifting northward. However,
ponding is possible in more urban areas.

Another round of storms is possible late this evening into the
wee hours of the morning. These storms will be related to an
approaching trough from the west. The latest convective-allowing
models suggesting a storms that develop earlier in the evening in
eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota could evolve into a
north-south orientated line of storms by late this evening that
would move into the Northland from the west. These storms could be
severe, with large hail and damaging winds. Brief heavy rain is
also possible. There be an environment of up to 3000 J/kg of
MUCAPE, 40 to 55 knots of deep layer wind shear, and precipitable
water values of about 1.5 inches.

Another round of storms is possible near Price County late
tonight. These storms will be tied to another shortwave lifting
northeast Isolated thunderstorms are possible over western Lake
Superior through this evening. through the area. The environment
will not favor severe weather, but some of the storms could be
strong with small hail, gusty winds, and very heavy rainfall
rates. There will be about 2000 J/kg of MUCAPE, 25 to 30 knots of
deep layer wind shear, and precipitable water values of 2 inches.
If the storms produce heavy rain over areas that get heavy rain
this afternoon, there could be a heightened risk of flooding.

Overall, it will a warm and humid night with chances of
thunderstorms. Overnight lows will be in the middle 60s. Areas of
fog are likely by dawn.

.LONG TERM...(Monday through Sunday)
Issued at 327 PM CDT Sun Aug 26 2018

A shortwave will lift northeastward into Ontario Monday morning,
while a ridge briefly builds in. This will bring an end to showers
and thunderstorms across much of the Northland Monday morning.
This will be brief as a trough slowly digs across the Northern
Plains into northern Minnesota on Tuesday. At the surface a quasi-
stationary front will be the focus for thunderstorm development.
MLCAPE values will increase to 1000-3000 J/kg and 0-6 km bulk
shear to 40-50 knots. This environment will be conducive for
organized convection with strong to severe storms possible.
Precipitable water values will increase to 1.5 to 2.0 inches,
which is at or above the 90th percentile for MPX sounding
climatology. The majority of the 12Z CAM guidance suggests that an
MCS will develop across central Minnesota and propagate eastward
through northwest Wisconsin. In this environment expect the main
threats of damaging wind gusts and heavy rain which may lead to
flash flooding. Expect the heaviest rainfall across northwest
Wisconsin where 1 to 2+ inches is possible. Despite the high
agreement with CAMS there is uncertainty with the evolution as
the convection that occurs late this afternoon and overnight will
impact how things develop on Monday. Expect the heaviest rainfall
late Monday with the highest totals over northwest Wisconsin.
Highs on Monday range from the upper 60s to the mid 80s.

The trough will continue lifting northeastward into Ontario on
Tuesday. This will gradually move the stationary/cold front
eastward through Wisconsin. In its wake a mid-level ridge will
build in from the Northern Plains. This will gradually end
precipitation from west to east. Flow aloft will become
northwesterly and advect in cooler air. High temperatures on
Tuesday range from the mid 50s over the Minnesota Arrowhead, to
the low 70s across southern portions of northwest Wisconsin.

A shortwave will move across the High Plains into the Mid
Mississippi River Valley on Wednesday bringing chances of
scattered shower. There is some uncertainty at this point as GFS
has high pressure building in overhead, while a ECMWF/GEM keep the
frontal boundary lingering across northwest Wisconsin. There is
more agreement in shower/storm chances late in the week heading
into next weekend. A trough will dig in from the Pacific Northwest
into central portions of Canada. This will bring southwesterly
return flow to the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Expect
temperatures to warm up to the low to mid 70s on Friday/Saturday
with shower and thunderstorms being possible.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 18Z TAFS through 18Z Monday afternoon)
Issued at 1256 PM CDT Sun Aug 26 2018

A complex of a scenario with a stationary front draped over
northwest Minnesota and a warm front lifting northward from
southern Minnesota and Wisconsin. 12Z guidance has poorly depicted
the current situation with less in the way of the current
thunderstorm activity, so have heavily leaned on the latest
RAP/HRRR guidance. Expecting a mix of VFR/MVFR ceilings this
afternoon as showers and storms move through. Anticipate a break
for a few hours this evening before another round of showers and
storms move in from northwest Minnesota and eastern North Dakota.

Winds will be relatively light and this combined with recent
precipitation will result in fog development. Anticipating MVFR to
LIFR conditions to develop late tonight. The second round of
showers and storms should come to an end by early Monday morning.
In addition, radiation fog will lift as the mixed layer develops.
Should see a return to VFR conditions mid to late Monday morning
before more showers and storms develop Monday afternoon/evening.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
DLH  65  78  56  60 /  60  50  50  40
INL  61  68  47  61 /  70  30  50  40
BRD  66  77  56  65 /  40  40  50  30
HYR  67  83  60  68 /  50  70  80  40
ASX  66  83  59  63 /  60  60  60  40

&&

.DLH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WI...None.
MN...None.
LS...None.
&&

SHORT TERM...G2
LONG TERM...WL
AVIATION...WL
Hazardous weather outlook, Aug 26, 3:35 PM CDT, 2 hours 7 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Duluth MN
335 PM CDT Sun Aug 26 2018

MNZ010>012-018>021-025-026-033>038-WIZ001>004-006>009-272045-
Koochiching-North St. Louis-Northern Cook/Northern Lake-
North Itasca-Central St. Louis-Southern Lake/North Shore-
Southern Cook/North Shore-North Cass-South Itasca-South Cass-
Crow Wing-Northern Aitkin-South Aitkin-Carlton/South St. Louis-
Pine-Douglas-Bayfield-Ashland-Iron-Burnett-Washburn-Sawyer-Price-
335 PM CDT Sun Aug 26 2018

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northeast
Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and Tonight

Thunderstorms are possible across northeast Minnesota and
northwest Wisconsin through tonight. Some storms could be severe,
especially from central Minnesota to northwest Wisconsin. The main
threats are large hail and strong wind gusts. Any storms will be
capable of heavy rainfall rates.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday

Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Monday into Tuesday
morning from central Minnesota to northwest Wisconsin. Damaging
wind gusts and heavy rain are the main threats. Flash flooding is
possible from the I-35 corridor east across northwest Wisconsin
overnight Monday into Tuesday morning.

Another chance of thunderstorms returns to the Northland Thursday
night through Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Skywarn Spotters may be needed through tonight to report severe
weather, including hail, wind damage, and heavy rainfall.

LSZ121-140>148-272045-
Bayfield to Oak Point WI-Grand Portage to Grand Marais MN-
Grand Marais to Taconite Harbor MN-
Taconite Harbor to Silver Bay Harbor MN-
Silver Bay Harbor to Two Harbors MN-Two Harbors to Duluth MN-
Duluth MN to Port Wing WI-Port Wing to Sand Island WI-
Sand Island to Bayfield WI-Oak Point to Saxon Harbor WI-
335 PM CDT Sun Aug 26 2018

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of the Nearshore
waters of western Lake Superior.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and Tonight

Thunderstorms are possible across western Lake Superior. Some of
the storms could be severe. Large hail and strong wind gusts are
the main concerns. Any storms will be capable of heavy rainfall
rates and cloud to ground lightning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday

Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Monday into Tuesday
morning across western Lake Superior. Damaging wind gusts and
heavy rain are the main threats.

Strong northeast winds will develop Monday night into Tuesday and
may create conditions hazardous to small craft.

Another chance of thunderstorms returns to the Northland Thursday
night through Saturday.

G2/WL

More information may be obtained at the following web address:
http://www.weather.gov/duluth (all lower case)

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Aug 26, 4:00 PM CDT, 1 hour 42 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Duluth MN
400 PM CDT SUN AUG 26 2018

MNZ035>038-WIZ001>004-007-008-262130-
Northern Aitkin-Pine-Carlton/South St. Louis-South
Aitkin-Douglas-Bayfield-Iron-Ashland-Sawyer-Washburn-
400 PM CDT SUN AUG 26 2018

...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT SOUTHERN AITKIN...
NORTHERN PINE...CARLTON...BAYFIELD...DOUGLAS...NORTHWESTERN IRON...
NORTHERN WASHBURN...SOUTHWESTERN ASHLAND AND NORTHWESTERN SAWYER
COUNTIES...

At 359 PM CDT, strong thunderstorms were along a line extending from
near Malmo, to 8 miles southwest of Sanborn, and moving northeast at
35 mph.

Wind gusts up to 35 mph, nickel size hail, and frequent cloud to
ground lightning can be expected with these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Duluth, Superior, Cloquet, Mille Lacs Lake, Big Sandy Lake, Ashland,
Sanborn, Hawthorne, Iron River, Lake Nebagamon, Scanlon, Carlton,
Cable, Barnes, Wascott, Maple, Mellen, Barksdale, Brule, and Mahtowa.

Seek shelter inside a sturdy building and away from windows until
these storms pass. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring
with these storms. Get off area lakes and seek shelter on shore in a
sturdy shelter or a hard-topped vehicle.

LAT...LON 4602 9100 4632 9377 4675 9330 4660 9043
      4655 9041
TIME...MOT...LOC 2059Z 228DEG 31KT 4637 9361 4633 9100

BJH
Local storm report, Aug 26, 4:49 PM CDT, 53 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Aug 26, 4:51 PM CDT, 51 minutes before
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Local storm report, Aug 26, 4:53 PM CDT, 49 minutes before
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Local storm report, Aug 26, 5:08 PM CDT, 34 minutes before
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Local storm report, Aug 26, 5:20 PM CDT, 22 minutes before
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The office that day

Everything else NWS Duluth, MN issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 25, 8:19 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHKoochiching26 min
Aug 25, 8:50 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHKoochiching25 min
Aug 25, 8:55 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHKoochiching35 min
Aug 25, 9:29 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHKoochiching, Saint Louis31 min
Aug 25, 9:44 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLH16 min
Aug 25, 9:45 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHKoochiching15 min
Aug 25, 9:59 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLH31 min
Aug 25, 10:01 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLH29 min
Aug 25, 10:06 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHSaint Louis39 min
Aug 25, 10:45 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHSaint Louis18 min
Aug 25, 11:06 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLH24 min
Aug 25, 11:13 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLH17 min
Aug 25, 11:32 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLH13 min
Aug 25, 11:47 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLH13 min
Aug 26, 4:29 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHPine46 min
Aug 26, 12:01 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHCass29 min
Aug 26, 12:32 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHCass28 min
Aug 26, 1:00 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHCass30 min
Aug 26, 1:29 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHItasca16 min
Aug 26, 1:49 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHSaint Louis26 min
Aug 26, 2:15 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHSaint Louis30 min
Aug 26, 2:42 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHLake33 min
Aug 26, 2:55 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHPine35 min
Aug 26, 3:14 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHCook, Lake31 min
Aug 26, 3:28 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHPine32 min
Aug 26, 4:00 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHAitkin, Carlton30 min
Aug 26, 4:22 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHCarlton, Saint Louis23 min
Aug 26, 4:28 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHAitkin32 min
Aug 26, 4:39 PM CDTSpecial Marine WarningDLH66 min
Aug 26, 4:57 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHAitkin, Carlton, Saint Louis33 min
Aug 26, 5:29 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDLHAitkin, Saint Louis31 min
Aug 26, 5:15 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHBurnett30 min
Aug 26, 5:36 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHBurnett24 min
Aug 26, 6:08 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHBurnett37 min
Aug 26, 8:46 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHTaylor29 min
Aug 26, 4:51 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDLHBayfield24 min

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in Wisconsin, 2018Flash Flood Warnings in Minnesota, 2018Every flash flood warning in 2018

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.