Alert archive / Wisconsin / Flash Flood Warnings in 2018
Flash Flood Warning 20, NWS Duluth, MN
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.
- 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
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
BJHLocal storm report, Aug 26, 4:49 PM CDT, 53 minutes before
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</html>Local storm report, Aug 26, 5:08 PM CDT, 34 minutes before
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</html>Local storm report, Aug 26, 5:20 PM CDT, 22 minutes before
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</html>The office that day
Everything else NWS Duluth, MN issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 25, 8:19 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | Koochiching | 26 min |
| Aug 25, 8:50 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | Koochiching | 25 min |
| Aug 25, 8:55 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DLH | Koochiching | 35 min |
| Aug 25, 9:29 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DLH | Koochiching, Saint Louis | 31 min |
| Aug 25, 9:44 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | 16 min | |
| Aug 25, 9:45 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | Koochiching | 15 min |
| Aug 25, 9:59 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | 31 min | |
| Aug 25, 10:01 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | 29 min | |
| Aug 25, 10:06 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DLH | Saint Louis | 39 min |
| Aug 25, 10:45 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DLH | Saint Louis | 18 min |
| Aug 25, 11:06 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | 24 min | |
| Aug 25, 11:13 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | 17 min | |
| Aug 25, 11:32 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | 13 min | |
| Aug 25, 11:47 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | 13 min | |
| Aug 26, 4:29 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DLH | Pine | 46 min |
| Aug 26, 12:01 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | Cass | 29 min |
| Aug 26, 12:32 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | Cass | 28 min |
| Aug 26, 1:00 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | Cass | 30 min |
| Aug 26, 1:29 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | Itasca | 16 min |
| Aug 26, 1:49 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | Saint Louis | 26 min |
| Aug 26, 2:15 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | Saint Louis | 30 min |
| Aug 26, 2:42 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | Lake | 33 min |
| Aug 26, 2:55 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | Pine | 35 min |
| Aug 26, 3:14 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | Cook, Lake | 31 min |
| Aug 26, 3:28 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | Pine | 32 min |
| Aug 26, 4:00 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | Aitkin, Carlton | 30 min |
| Aug 26, 4:22 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DLH | Carlton, Saint Louis | 23 min |
| Aug 26, 4:28 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DLH | Aitkin | 32 min |
| Aug 26, 4:39 PM CDT | Special Marine Warning | DLH | 66 min | |
| Aug 26, 4:57 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DLH | Aitkin, Carlton, Saint Louis | 33 min |
| Aug 26, 5:29 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DLH | Aitkin, Saint Louis | 31 min |
| Aug 26, 5:15 AM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | Burnett | 30 min |
| Aug 26, 5:36 AM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | Burnett | 24 min |
| Aug 26, 6:08 AM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | Burnett | 37 min |
| Aug 26, 8:46 AM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | Taylor | 29 min |
| Aug 26, 4:51 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DLH | Bayfield | 24 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.