Flooding in Connecticut, March 9 to 11, 1998

Two low pressure systems formed along a front over the Southeast U.S. One low formed over the Western Gulf of Mexico and another formed off the Southeast U.S. Coast. As both lows moved north-northeast, they intensified. A strong moist east wind flow developed ahead of the approaching strong warm front.This system produced widespread heavy rainfall including thunderstorms that caused moderate river flooding and widespread urban and small stream flooding across the area.The Wepawaug River at Milford (Southern New Haven County) was at or above its' flood stage from 12:15 pm on March 9th through 5:30 am on March 10th. It crested at 4.80 feet (0.80 feet above its' flood stage) on March 9th around 8:30 pm.The Quinnipiac River at Wallingford (Northern New Haven County) was at or above its' flood stage from 8 am on March 9th through 6 am on March 11th. It crested at 10.24 feet (3.24 feet above its' flood stage) on March 9th around 11:05 pm.The Yantic River at Norwich (Northern New London County) was at or above its' flood stage from 8:30 pm on March 9th through 6:15 pm on March 10th. It crested at 11.14 feet (3.14 feet above its' flood stage) on March 10th around 1:45 am. The hardest hit areas along the river reach were near Yantic Flats up to Fireman's Field. The river also overflowed its' banks further downstream in the Norwich Town Mall, which sent water into the parking lot.Rainfall began around 1:30 pm on March 8th across Southern New Haven County and spread north by 5 pm. It became heavy and produced river flooding. Rainfall amounts generally ranged from 2 to 4 inches. Here are selected rainfall amounts:o For New Haven County, from 2.87 inches at Milford to 4.10 inches at North Branford.o For Northern New London County, from 3.31 inches at Jewett City to 3.89 inches at the Norwich Public Utilities.