A frontal system moved through southern New England with the warm front moving through first and increasing low level moisture. Then the cold front moved through providing a lifting mechanism for showers and thunderstorms to develop.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS BOX wrote it up.
A frontal system moved through southern New England with the warm front moving through first and increasing low level moisture. Then the cold front moved through providing a lifting mechanism for showers and thunderstorms to develop. High levels of moisture contributed to heavy downpours that resulted in flash flooding in Rhode Island and portions of Massachusetts. All of this coupled with strong wind shear (turning of the winds with height) over southeast Massachusetts and Rhode Island provided the perfect environment for a tornado to form.
This particular tornado began as a waterspout over Narragansett Bay and traveled east-northeast reaching land over the southern portion of Warren, Rhode Island. The tornado continued for 4.2 miles into Swansea, Massachusetts over a mostly continuous track. Most of the damage sustained was to trees which fell on power lines and houses. This tornado was rated by a National Weather Service damage survey team as an EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Boston/Norton, MA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jul 23, 8:07 PM EST, 2 hours 53 minutes earlier.
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
907 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008
.SYNOPSIS...
A SLOW MOVING COLD FRONT WILL BRING HEAVY RAINFALL AND POSSIBLE
FLOODING TO PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND THROUGH THURSDAY
EVENING. A SECOND COLD FRONT WILL APPROACH LATE THIS WEEKEND WITH
ANOTHER ROUND OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE. UNSETTLED
WEATHER WILL REMAIN ACROSS THE REGION THROUGH EARLY NEXT WEEK.
&&
.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 4 AM THURSDAY MORNING/...
THREAT OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS SEEMS TO BE DIMINISHING SLIGHTLY.
CURRENT PLAN IS TO KEEP THE THUNDERSTORM WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM.
WILL REEVALUATE THIS WATCH IN THE NEXT 30 MINUTES.
VERY HEAVY RAINFALL CONTINUES WITH THESE SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS...
WITH LOCALIZED URBAN OR FLASH FLOODING LIKELY.
&&
.SHORT TERM /4 AM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH 6 PM THURSDAY/...
ANOMALOUS LATE JULY PATTERN WITH UPPER LOW AMPLIFYING ACROSS GT
LAKES AND ACQUIRING SOME NEGATIVE TILT. SLOW MOVING COLD FRONT WILL
BE FOCUS FOR VERY HEAVY RAINFALL...BUT LOCALLY HEAVY RAIN ALSO
POSSIBLE EAST THE BOUNDARY AS WE ARE WITNESSING CURRENTLY IN HIGH
PWAT AIRMASS.
GFS/NAM/ECMWF AND ALL GEFS ENSEMBLE MEMBERS IN REASONABLE AGREEMENT
ON AXIS OF HEAVIEST RAIN SETTING UP ACROSS OUR W ZONES...ESPECIALLY
CT VALLEY AND BERKSHIRES. AMOUNTS DIFFER BUT GENERAL LOCATION IS
SIMILAR SO WE HAVE ENOUGH CONFIDENCE TO ISSUE FLOOD WATCH FOR W
ZONES AND EXTENDING IT EWD TO S NH...ORH COUNTY AND RI/CT BORDER.
HIGHEST CONFIDENCE OF FLOODING RAINS WILL BE OVER CT VALLEY AND
BERKSHIRES.
NAM INDICATING UP TO 10 INCHES ACROSS W ZONES WHILE GFS/ECMWF SHOW
UP TO 5 INCHES. GEFS ENSEMBLES SHOW LOW LEVEL JET +4SD FOR 24H
PERIOD WHICH SUGGEST PERSISTENT INFLOW AND INTENSE LOW LEVEL
CONVERGENCE ALONG FRONTAL BOUNDARY. GIVEN SLOW MOVEMENT OF
FRONT...WE CANT COMPLETELY RULE OUT LOCALIZED 8 WITH WIDESPREAD
2-5 AMOUNTS IN WATCH AREA...HIGHEST CT VALLEY AND BERKSHIRES.
FURTHER EAST IN THE COASTAL PLAIN...OUR BEST ESTIMATE IS FOR 1-2.
WE FOCUSED HIGHEST POPS IN W ZONES...THEN DECREASING TO THE EAST.
GIVEN HIGH AMPLITUDE PATTERN MUCH OF THE RAIN MAY REMAIN WEST OF
CAPE/ISLANDS THROUGH THU AND WE HAVE JUST CHC POPS HERE.
SEVERE WEATHER ALSO REMAINS A CONCERN LATE TONIGHT AND THU GIVEN
VERY STRONG LOW LEVEL WIND FIELD PRODUCING A HIGHLY SHEARED
ENVIRONMENT. INSTABILITY WILL BE LIMITED...BUT ANY STORMS WILL HAVE
TO MONITORED VERY CLOSELY. ANY STORMS STAY DEVELOP WILL HAVE
POTENTIAL TO BECOME SUPERCELLS.
SURF ZONE...WE ISSUED HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR THU/THU NIGHT DUE TO
INCREASING SOUTH WIND WAVE. SEAS WILL BUILD TO 8 FT OFFSHORE
RESULTING IN A HIGH RISK OF RIPS ON SOUTH FACING BEACHES.
&&
.LONG TERM /THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
MODELS SHOWING LESS CONTINUITY THIS AFTERNOON...LENDING TO LESS
CONFIDENCE TO THIS PORTION OF THE FORECAST...ESPECIALLY FROM MONDAY
ONWARD. LEANED TOWARD THE GFS AND ECMWF ENSEMBLES FOR THIS PORTION
OF THE FORECAST.
ONE THING THAT APPEARS TO SHOW SOME CONTINUITY IS THE LONG WAVE
UPPER LEVEL TROUGH THAT IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN ALONG THE EASTERN U.S.
THROUGH AT LEAST TUESDAY.
THURSDAY NIGHT...FRONT MOVES SLOWLY ACROSS THE REGION WITH LIKELY TO
CATEGORICAL SHWRS/TSTMS. MODELS HAVING DIFFICULTY WITH THE TIMING OF
THIS SYSTEM...THOUGH APPEARS THAT THE FRONT WILL WORK INTO EASTERN
MA BY 12Z. WITH HIGH PW VALUES CONTINUING...WILL ALSO SEE MORE HEAVY
RAINFALL AS WELL.
FRIDAY...COLD FRONT SWINGS OFFSHORE...THEN STALLS S OF THE REGION IN
THE GENERAL SW UPPER FLOW AS HIGH PRES REMAINS STALLED OVER THE
WESTERN ATLC. SOME LEFTOVER SHOWERS WILL END OVER EASTERN MA IN THE
MORNING. DEWPTS WILL DROP A BIT...BUT REMAIN IN THE LOWER-MID 60S AS
HIGHS HEAD TO THE LOWER TO MID 80S. WILL ALSO REMAIN DRY FRI NIGHT
SATURDAY...NEXT FRONT BEGINS TO APPROACH AROUND THE CUTOFF UPPER LOW
OVER QUEBEC. TIMING IS SUSPECT AS MODELS SHOWING SOME SPREAD AT THIS
POINT...BUT HAVE INCLUDED CHANCE POPS FROM W-E DURING THE DAY.
DEWPTS HEAD BACK UP WITH THE CONTINUED SW FLOW. CURRENT TIMING
SUGGESTS BEST SHOT OF SHWRS/TSTMS WILL OCCUR DURING THE NIGHTTIME
HOURS...BUT NOT A WHOLE LOT OF CONFIDENCE.
SUNDAY THROUGH TUESDAY...AT THIS POINT...APPEARS THAT THE FRONT
SLOWS TO A CRAWL AS IT CROSSES THE REGION OVER THIS WEEKEND...THEN
WILL PUSH JUST OFF THE COAST ON MONDAY. HAVE CARRIED CHANCE POPS
THROUGH MONDAY...THOUGH STILL HAVE NOT A LOT OF CONFIDENCE WITH THE
TIMING OF THIS SYSTEM.
WEDNESDAY...APPEARS THAT IT WILL BE A DRY DAY WITH HIGH PRES TRYING
TO PUSH E OUT OF THE GREAT LAKES. HOWEVER...LOW CONFIDENCE DUE TO
THE VERY AMPLIFIED UPPER PATTERN IN PLACE.
&&
.AVIATION /01Z THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
TONIGHT...
A MIXTURE OF MVFR/IFR CONDITIONS WERE OBSERVED ACROSS SOUTHERN NEW
ENGLAND THIS EVENING. CONDITIONS WILL DETERIORATE TO IFR/LIFR ACROSS
THE REGION OVERNIGHT. IN ADDITION...PERIODS OF HEAVY SHOWERS AND
EMBEDDED THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE...ESPECIALLY ACROSS THE
INTERIOR. SOME OF THE STRONGER STORMS WILL PRODUCE BRIEF GUSTY
SURFACE WINDS.
THURSDAY...
MVFR/IFR CONTINUE WITH PERIODS OF HEAVY SHOWERS AND EMBEDDED
THUNDERSTORMS. THE HEAVY SHOWERS WILL RESULT IN BRIEF VLIFR/LIFR
CONDITIONS ALONG WITH GUSTY WINDS.
OUTLOOK...THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY...
THU NIGHT...EXPECT IFR FOR ALL LOCATIONS WITH SHRA/SCT TSRA. SOME
SHRA WILL HAVE HEAVY RAINFALL. MAY SEE SOME SLOW IMPROVEMENT OVER
THE CT VALLEY AFTER MIDNIGHT.
FRI...CONDITIONS GRADUALLY IMPROVING TO VFR...LINGERING MVFR-IFR
CONDITIONS POSSIBLE CAPE AND ISLANDS.
SAT...VFR EARLY. CONDITIONS LOWERING TO MVFR-IFR IN SCT SHRA/TSRA
FROM W-E DURING THE DAY.
SUN AND MON...IFR AM/MVFR PM SCT SHRA/TSRA AND FOG PATCHES S COAST
EACH DAY.
&&
.MARINE...
SOUTHERLY WINDS WILL INCREASE LATE TONIGHT AND THU AS LOW LEVEL JET
DEVELOPS. LOW LEVEL INVERSION WILL LIMIT MIXING BUT 40-50 KTS JUST
ABOVE THE SURFACE SHOULD ALLOW FOR G25 KTS. UNDERCUT WNAWAVE
GUIDANCE AS IT IS EXHIBITING ITS HIGH BIAS IN SOUTH FLOW. SWAN
OUTPUT LOOKED MUCH BETTER WITH SEAS BUILDING TO 8 FEET THU ON OUTER
WATERS.
OUTLOOK...THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY...
THURSDAY NIGHT AND FRIDAY...EXPECT SCA FOR HAZARDOUS SEAS EXPECTED
WITH BUILDING SOUTHERLY SWELL. WIND GUSTS TO 25 KT POSSIBLE THU
NIGHT. UNDERCUT WNA GUIDANCE SLIGHTLY GIVEN LOW LEVEL INVERSION AND
AN OVERFORECAST BIAS ON THE S SWELLS.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY...SCA FOR HAZARDOUS SEAS WILL CONTINUE WITH
BUILDING S-SW SWELL EXPECTED AHEAD OF THE NEXT APPROACHING COLD
FRONT...MAINLY ON THE SOUTHERN WATERS.
MONDAY...WINDS SHIFT TO W AND DIMINISH. LEFTOVER SEAS WILL REMAIN
CLOSE TO SMALL CRAFT CRITERIA ON THE SOUTHERN OUTER WATERS.
&&
.HYDROLOGY...
QPF AMOUNTS WILL VARY ACROSS OUR REGION. MAX AMOUNTS EXPECTED OVER
CT VALLEY AND BERKSHIRES WITH 2-5 INCHES AND LOCALLY 8 INCHES POSSIBLE
THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT. AMOUNTS DECREASE TO THE EAST WITH GENERALLY
1-2 INCHES ACROSS THE COASTAL PLAIN...AND LESS ACROSS THE CAPE AND
ISLANDS. FLOOD WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED DUE TO THIS THREAT.
URBAN AND POOR DRAINAGE FLOODING LIKELY ALONG WITH RIVER AND SMALL
STREAM FLOODING...HIGHEST RISK CT VALLEY AND BERKSHIRES.
&&
.BOX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CT...FLOOD WATCH THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT FOR CTZ002>004.
MA...FLOOD WATCH THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT FOR MAZ002>004-008>012-
026.
HIGH SURF ADVISORY FROM 8 AM THURSDAY TO 8 AM EDT FRIDAY FOR
MAZ020-023-024.
NH...FLOOD WATCH THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT FOR NHZ011-015.
RI...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FROM 8 AM THURSDAY TO 8 AM EDT FRIDAY FOR
RIZ006>008.
MARINE...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM EDT THURSDAY FOR
ANZ231>234-250.
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM EDT THURSDAY FOR
ANZ236.
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY FROM 1 AM TO 6 PM EDT THURSDAY FOR ANZ235-
237.
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY UNTIL 6 PM EDT THURSDAY FOR ANZ254-255.
&&
SYNOPSIS...KJC/EVT
NEAR TERM...BELK
SHORT TERM...KJC
LONG TERM...EVT
AVIATION...EVT/FRANK
MARINE...KJC/EVT
HYDROLOGY...BELK/KJCHAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA 512 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008 MAZ002>004-008-010-012-026-NHZ011-015-242115- WESTERN FRANKLIN MA-EASTERN FRANKLIN MA-NORTHERN WORCESTER MA- WESTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-EASTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-SOUTHERN WORCESTER MA- NORTHERN MIDDLESEX MA-CHESHIRE NH- WESTERN AND CENTRAL HILLSBOROUGH NH- 512 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008 ...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT... THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS...EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS...WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS AND SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE. .DAY ONE...TONIGHT PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS. FLOOD WATCH. THERE IS A LOW RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS TONIGHT. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS. FLOOD WATCH. THERE IS A LOW RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND THURSDAY. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES. MAZ020-RIZ006>008-242115- SOUTHERN BRISTOL MA-WASHINGTON RI-NEWPORT RI-BLOCK ISLAND RI- 512 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008 ...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 738 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EDT THIS EVENING... ...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THURSDAY TO 8 AM EDT FRIDAY... THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS AND SOUTHERN RHODE ISLAND. .DAY ONE...TONIGHT PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS. SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH. LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL IS POSSIBLE WITH ANY THUNDERSTORMS. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS. HIGH SURF ADVISORY. THERE IS A LOW RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND THURSDAY. LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL IS POSSIBLE WITH ANY THUNDERSTORMS. THERE IS A HIGH RISK OF RIP CURRENTS FOR OCEAN EXPOSED SOUTH FACING BEACHES ON THURSDAY. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES. MAZ013-016>019-021-RIZ001>005-242115- WESTERN NORFOLK MA-EASTERN NORFOLK MA-NORTHERN BRISTOL MA- WESTERN PLYMOUTH MA-EASTERN PLYMOUTH MA-SOUTHERN PLYMOUTH MA- NORTHWEST PROVIDENCE RI-SOUTHEAST PROVIDENCE RI-WESTERN KENT RI- EASTERN KENT RI-BRISTOL RI- 512 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008 ...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 738 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EDT THIS EVENING... THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS...SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS AND NORTHERN RHODE ISLAND. .DAY ONE...TONIGHT PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS. SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH. LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL IS POSSIBLE WITH ANY THUNDERSTORMS. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY THERE IS A LOW RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND THURSDAY. LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL IS POSSIBLE WITH ANY THUNDERSTORMS. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES. MAZ005>007-014-015-022-NHZ012-242115- CENTRAL MIDDLESEX MA-WESTERN ESSEX MA-EASTERN ESSEX MA- SOUTHEAST MIDDLESEX MA-SUFFOLK MA-BARNSTABLE MA- EASTERN HILLSBOROUGH NH- 512 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008 THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS...NORTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS...SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS AND SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE. .DAY ONE...TONIGHT THERE IS A LOW RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS TONIGHT. IN ADDITION...LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL IS POSSIBLE WITH ANY THUNDERSTORMS. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY THERE IS A LOW RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND THURSDAY. IN ADDITION...LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL IS POSSIBLE WITH ANY THUNDERSTORMS. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES. CTZ002>004-MAZ009-011-242115- HARTFORD CT-TOLLAND CT-WINDHAM CT-WESTERN HAMPDEN MA- EASTERN HAMPDEN MA- 512 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008 ...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 738 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EDT THIS EVENING... ...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT... THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHERN CONNECTICUT AND WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS. .DAY ONE...TONIGHT PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS. SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH. FLOOD WATCH. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS. FLOOD WATCH. THERE IS A LOW RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND THURSDAY. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES. MAZ023-024-242115- DUKES MA-NANTUCKET MA- 512 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008 ...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THURSDAY TO 8 AM EDT FRIDAY... THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. .DAY ONE...TONIGHT SCATTERS SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE TONIGHT. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS. HIGH SURF ADVISORY. THERE IS A LOW RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND THURSDAY. IN ADDITION...LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL IS POSSIBLE WITH ANY THUNDERSTORMS. THERE IS A HIGH RISK OF RIP CURRENTS FOR OCEAN EXPOSED SOUTH FACING BEACHES THURSDAY. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES. ANZ230>235-250-254-255-242115- BOSTON HARBOR-CAPE COD BAY-NANTUCKET SOUND-VINEYARD SOUND- BUZZARDS BAY-RHODE ISLAND SOUND- COASTAL WATERS FROM MERRIMACK RIVER MA OUT 25 NM TO PLYMOUTH MA OUT 40 NM...INCLUDING THE STELLWAGEN BANK NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY- COASTAL WATERS FROM PROVINCETOWN MA TO CHATHAM MA TO NANTUCKET MA OUT 20 NM- COASTAL WATERS FROM MONTAUK NY TO BLOCK ISLAND RI TO MARTHAS VINEYARD MA TO NANTUCKET MA SOUTHEAST TO 20 NM- 512 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008 THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR MASSACHUSETTS COASTAL WATERS AND RHODE ISLAND COASTAL WATERS. .DAY ONE...TONIGHT SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE TONIGHT ALONG WITH PATCHY DENSE FOG. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE THURSDAY AND MORE LIKELY THURSDAY NIGHT. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES. ANZ236-237-242115- NARRAGANSETT BAY-BLOCK ISLAND SOUND- 512 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008 ...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 738 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EDT THIS EVENING... THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR RHODE ISLAND COASTAL WATERS. .DAY ONE...TONIGHT PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS. SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE THURSDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA 731 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008 MAZ017-020-RIZ002-004>007-240030- BRISTOL RI-EASTERN KENT RI-NEWPORT RI-NORTHERN BRISTOL MA-SOUTHEAST PROVIDENCE RI-SOUTHERN BRISTOL MA-WASHINGTON RI- 731 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008 AT 727 PM EDT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WITH SMALL HAIL 5 MILES SOUTH OF JAMESTOWN...OR ABOUT 6 MILES SOUTH OF NEWPORT...MOVING NORTH AT 34 MPH. THE THUNDERSTORM WILL BE NEAR...NEWPORT AND JAMESTOWN BY 740 PM EDT...PORTSMOUTH AND PRUDENCE ISLAND BY 750 PM EDT...BRISTOL AND TIVERTON BY 800 PM EDT...SWANSEA AND SOMERSET BY 810 PM EDT. HEAVY RAIN MAY CAUSE MINOR STREET FLOODING AND PONDING OF WATER IN LOW LYING AREAS SUCH AS UNDERPASSES. DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED AREAS. THIS STORM IS PRODUCING FREQUENT CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING. GET INDOORS OR INSIDE A VEHICLE NOW IF YOU ARE CAUGHT OUTSIDE...STAY AWAY FROM ISOLATED TALL OBJECTS SUCH AS TREES. AVOID OPEN AREAS SUCH AS GOLF COURSES OR BALL FIELDS. A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1000 PM EDT WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR NORTHERN CONNECTICUT AND MASSACHUSETTS AND CENTRAL RHODE ISLAND. FRANK
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA 812 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008 CTZ002>004-MAZ005-011>013-016>018-020-RIZ001>007-240115- BRISTOL RI-CENTRAL MIDDLESEX COUNTY MA-EASTERN HAMPDEN MA-EASTERN KENT RI-EASTERN NORFOLK MA-HARTFORD CT-NEWPORT RI-NORTHERN BRISTOL MA-NORTHWEST PROVIDENCE RI-SOUTHEAST PROVIDENCE RI-SOUTHERN BRISTOL MA-SOUTHERN WORCESTER MA-TOLLAND CT-WASHINGTON RI-WESTERN KENT RI-WESTERN NORFOLK MA-WESTERN PLYMOUTH MA-WINDHAM CT- 812 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008 AT 811 PM EDT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A CLUSTER OF HEAVY SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS MOVING NORTH FROM THE RHODE ISLAND AND CONNECTICUT. THIS ACTIVITY WILL OVERSPREAD MUCH OF SOUTHERN MASSACHUSETTS OVER THE NEXT HOUR. THIS CLUSTER OF THUNDERSTORMS HAS FREQUENT CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING ALONG WITH HEAVY RAIN. FOR YOUR SAFETY...GET INSIDE WHEN THESE STORMS APPROACH. HEAVY RAIN MAY CAUSE MINOR STREET FLOODING AS WELL AS PONDING OF WATER IN POOR DRAINAGE AREAS. HEAVY RAIN MAY CAUSE MINOR STREET FLOODING AND PONDING OF WATER IN LOW LYING AREAS SUCH AS UNDERPASSES. DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED AREAS. THE STORMS ARE PRODUCING FREQUENT CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING. GET INDOORS OR INSIDE A VEHICLE NOW IF YOU ARE CAUGHT OUTSIDE...STAY AWAY FROM ISOLATED TALL OBJECTS SUCH AS TREES. AVOID OPEN AREAS SUCH AS GOLF COURSES OR BALL FIELDS. A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1000 PM EDT WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR NORTHERN CONNECTICUT AND MASSACHUSETTS AND CENTRAL RHODE ISLAND. FRANK
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA 903 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008 CTZ002>004-MAZ004-005-009>019-RIZ001-002-240200- CENTRAL MIDDLESEX COUNTY MA-EASTERN HAMPDEN MA-EASTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-EASTERN NORFOLK MA-EASTERN PLYMOUTH MA-HARTFORD CT-NORTHERN BRISTOL MA-NORTHERN WORCESTER MA-NORTHWEST PROVIDENCE RI-SOUTHEAST MIDDLESEX MA-SOUTHEAST PROVIDENCE RI-SOUTHERN WORCESTER MA-SUFFOLK MA-TOLLAND CT-WESTERN HAMPDEN MA-WESTERN NORFOLK MA-WESTERN PLYMOUTH MA-WINDHAM CT- 903 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008 AT 902 PM EDT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WITH THE POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE WIND GUSTS TO 30 MPH ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM PEMBROKE TO 10 MILES SOUTHWEST OF BERLIN...OR ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM 9 MILES NORTHWEST OF PLYMOUTH TO 3 MILES NORTHWEST OF WALLINGFORD...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 36 MPH. THESE THUNDERSTORMS WERE ACROSS CONNECTICUT AND SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS. THEY WILL MAKE THEIR WAY NORTH TOWARDS THE MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE THROUGH 10 PM. THESE THUNDERSTORMS CONTAIN TORRENTIAL RAINFALL ALONG WITH DANGEROUS CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING. A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1000 PM EDT WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR NORTHERN CONNECTICUT AND MASSACHUSETTS AND CENTRAL RHODE ISLAND. FRANK
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA 920 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008 MAZ002-008-009-240215- WESTERN FRANKLIN MA-WESTERN HAMPDEN MA-WESTERN HAMPSHIRE MA- 920 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008 AT 915 PM EDT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WITH THE POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE WIND GUSTS TO 30 MPH 6 MILES NORTHWEST OF MIDDLEFIELD...OR ABOUT 8 MILES SOUTHEAST OF PITTSFIELD...MOVING NORTH AT 34 MPH. THE THUNDERSTORM WILL BE NEAR...EAST WINDSOR AND 9 MILES WEST OF CUMMINGTON BY 930 PM EDT...7 MILES WEST OF PLAINFIELD AND 7 MILES WEST OF HAWLEY BY 940 PM EDT...CHARLEMONT BY 950 PM EDT...MONROE AND ROWE BY 1000 PM EDT. THIS THUNDERSTORM CONTAINS TORRENTIAL RAINFALL WHICH WILL RESULT IN STREET FLOODING. THIS STORM IS PRODUCING FREQUENT CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING. GET INDOORS OR INSIDE A VEHICLE NOW IF YOU ARE CAUGHT OUTSIDE...STAY AWAY FROM ISOLATED TALL OBJECTS SUCH AS TREES. AVOID OPEN AREAS SUCH AS GOLF COURSES OR BALL FIELDS. FRANK
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA 941 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008 CTZ002>004-MAZ002>005-008>013-026-NHZ011-012-015-240245- CENTRAL MIDDLESEX COUNTY MA-CHESHIRE NH-EASTERN FRANKLIN MA-EASTERN HAMPDEN MA-EASTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-EASTERN HILLSBOROUGH NH-HARTFORD CT-NORTHERN WORCESTER MA-NORTHWEST MIDDLESEX COUNTY MA-SOUTHERN WORCESTER MA-TOLLAND CT-WESTERN AND CENTRAL HILLSBOROUGH NH-WESTERN FRANKLIN MA-WESTERN HAMPDEN MA-WESTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-WESTERN NORFOLK MA-WINDHAM CT- 941 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008 AT 936 PM EDT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS FROM CONNECTICUT...NORTHEASTWARD IN CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS. THIS ACTIVITY WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE NORTH INTO NORTHERN MASSACHUSETTS AND SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE OVER THE NEXT HOUR. THESE THUNDERSTORMS CONTAIN TORRENTIAL RAINFALL THAT WILL CAUSE STREET FLOODING. IN ADDITION...DANGEROUS CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING WILL OCCUR WITH THESE STORMS. IF YOU ARE CAUGHT OUTSIDE...STAY AWAY FROM ISOLATED TALL OBJECTS SUCH AS TREES. AVOID OPEN AREAS SUCH AS GOLF COURSES OR BALL FIELDS. FRANK
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
1027 PM EDT WED JUL 23 2008
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0329 PM LIGHTNING WEST GREENWICH 41.63N 71.65W
07/23/2008 KENT RI AMATEUR RADIO
*** 1 INJ *** MAN STRUCK BY LIGHTNING, NO FURTHER DETAILS
0345 PM TSTM WND DMG COVENTRY 41.68N 71.65W
07/23/2008 KENT RI AMATEUR RADIO
WIRES DOWN ON HARKNEY HILL ROAD IN WEST COVENTRY
0349 PM HAIL COVENTRY 41.68N 71.65W
07/23/2008 E0.75 INCH KENT RI AMATEUR RADIO
0355 PM HAIL WEST WARWICK 41.70N 71.52W
07/23/2008 M1.00 INCH KENT RI NWS EMPLOYEE
0355 PM FLASH FLOOD COVENTRY 41.68N 71.65W
07/23/2008 KENT RI AMATEUR RADIO
CARS STUCK IN FLOOD WATERS WITH THREE KIDS TRAPPED
INSIDE...ON SANDY BOTTOM ROAD. ARNOLD AVE WAS ALSO
REPORTED IMPASSABLE. NUMEROUS OTHER STREETS FLOODED WITH
3 TO 4 FEET OF WATER. ALSO 3 CAR ACCIDENT ON WORTHINGTON
STREET DUE TO FLOODING. SEVERAL CARS STUCK ON HOPKINS
HILL RD.
0355 PM HAIL CRANSTON 41.77N 71.48W
07/23/2008 M1.75 INCH PROVIDENCE RI NWS EMPLOYEE
PING PONG TO GOLF BALL SIZE HAIL REPORTED.
0357 PM TSTM WND DMG NORTH KINGSTOWN 41.51N 71.45W
07/23/2008 WASHINGTON RI AMATEUR RADIO
WIRES DOWN IN QUONSET
0358 PM WATER SPOUT BARRINGTON 41.74N 71.32W
07/23/2008 BRISTOL RI TRAINED SPOTTER
REPORTED NEAR BARRINGTON BEACH
0359 PM FLASH FLOOD WEST WARWICK 41.70N 71.52W
07/23/2008 KENT RI AMATEUR RADIO
ROUTE 33 AT 115 AND WASHINGTON STREET HAD 10 INCHES OF
WATER ON THE ROAD.
0359 PM TSTM WND DMG SCITUATE 41.80N 71.62W
07/23/2008 PROVIDENCE RI AMATEUR RADIO
TREES DOWN ON THOMPSON HILL.
0359 PM LIGHTNING SCITUATE 41.80N 71.62W
07/23/2008 PROVIDENCE RI AMATEUR RADIO
HOUSE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING CAUSING A FIRE...ON HOWARD AVE.
0400 PM FUNNEL CLOUD BARRINGTON 41.74N 71.32W
07/23/2008 BRISTOL RI TRAINED SPOTTER
0400 PM HAIL WARWICK 41.70N 71.42W
07/23/2008 M0.75 INCH KENT RI AMATEUR RADIO
0404 PM FUNNEL CLOUD EAST PROVIDENCE 41.80N 71.36W
07/23/2008 PROVIDENCE RI TRAINED SPOTTER
0405 PM FLASH FLOOD WARWICK 41.70N 71.42W
07/23/2008 KENT RI AMATEUR RADIO
2.5 FEET OF WATER FLOODING ROUTE 2.
0410 PM FLASH FLOOD WARWICK 41.70N 71.42W
07/23/2008 KENT RI NWS EMPLOYEE
CARS REPORTED TO BE FLOATING AT THE INTERSECTION OF ROUTE
5 AND NEW LONDON AVENUE. RADAR RAINFALL RATES OF 8 TO 10
INCHES PER HOUR WERE INDICATED AT THE TIME.
0410 PM FLASH FLOOD EAST PROVIDENCE 41.80N 71.36W
07/23/2008 PROVIDENCE RI TRAINED SPOTTER
4.5 INCHES OF RAIN IN 45 MINUTES MEASURED IN RUMFORD
SECTION OF EAST PROVIDENCE. WATER 2 FEET DEEP AT
ALEXANDER AVE AND NORTH BROADWAY. TIME APPROXIMATE.
0410 PM FLASH FLOOD PROVIDENCE 41.82N 71.42W
07/23/2008 PROVIDENCE RI AMATEUR RADIO
ROUTE 10 IMPASSABLE DUE TO FLOODING.
0414 PM FLASH FLOOD WEST WARWICK 41.70N 71.52W
07/23/2008 KENT RI AMATEUR RADIO
FIRE DEPARTMENT HQ WAS FLOODED.
0420 PM FLASH FLOOD CRANSTON 41.77N 71.48W
07/23/2008 PROVIDENCE RI AMATEUR RADIO
PONTIAC AVENUE CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING.
0427 PM LIGHTNING REHOBOTH 41.83N 71.27W
07/23/2008 BRISTOL MA TRAINED SPOTTER
HOUSE REPORTED TO BE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING ON MEADOW LANE.
0430 PM TSTM WND DMG WARREN 41.72N 71.27W
07/23/2008 BRISTOL RI AMATEUR RADIO
MULTIPLE LARGE TREES DOWN BLOCKING ROUTE 114
0435 PM TSTM WND DMG TAUNTON 41.90N 71.09W
07/23/2008 BRISTOL MA NWS EMPLOYEE
WIRES DOWN ON POWDERHORN DRIVE.
0435 PM HEAVY RAIN EAST PROVIDENCE 41.80N 71.36W
07/23/2008 M1.75 INCH PROVIDENCE RI TRAINED SPOTTER
RAIN FELL BETWEEN 4 AND 430 PM. ALSO REPORTED 1/4 INCH
DIAMETER HAIL.
0435 PM TSTM WND DMG SWANSEA 41.75N 71.18W
07/23/2008 BRISTOL MA AMATEUR RADIO
MUTIPLE TREES DOWN IN THE OCEAN GROVE AREA. ADDITIONAL
TREES REPORTED DOWN SCATTERED ABOUT TOWN.
0441 PM TSTM WND DMG SOMERSET 41.74N 71.16W
07/23/2008 BRISTOL MA AMATEUR RADIO
THREE LARGE TREES DOWN ON FLORIDA AVE.
0443 PM TSTM WND DMG BERKLEY 41.85N 71.08W
07/23/2008 BRISTOL MA FIRE DEPT/RESCUE
ONE TREE DOWN ON BERKLEY STREET.
0443 PM TSTM WND DMG DIGHTON 41.82N 71.12W
07/23/2008 BRISTOL MA AMATEUR RADIO
TREE DOWN ON WILLIAMS STREET.
0443 PM TSTM WND DMG BERKLEY 41.85N 71.08W
07/23/2008 BRISTOL MA AMATEUR RADIO
MULTIPLE TREES DOWN SCATTERED ABOUT TOWN.
0449 PM FLASH FLOOD TAUNTON 41.90N 71.09W
07/23/2008 BRISTOL MA AMATEUR RADIO
WINTHROP STREET FLOODED WITH 2 FEET OF WATER. COUNTY
STREET HAD CAR STUCK IN FLOOD WATERS. 2.12 INCHES OF RAIN
REPORTED.
0500 PM LIGHTNING PEABODY 42.53N 70.97W
07/23/2008 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO
HOUSE FIRE DUE TO LIGHTNING ON LE BLANC STREET.
0500 PM LIGHTNING MARBLEHEAD 42.48N 70.87W
07/23/2008 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO
HOUSE FIRE DUE TO LIGHTNING ON LAFAYETTE STREET.
0503 PM FLASH FLOOD SWANSEA 41.75N 71.18W
07/23/2008 BRISTOL MA AMATEUR RADIO
STEVENS ROAD CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING.
0514 PM LIGHTNING BROCKTON 42.08N 71.03W
07/23/2008 PLYMOUTH MA AMATEUR RADIO
HOUSE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING ON EASTFIELD DRIVE.
0514 PM LIGHTNING EAST BRIDGEWATER 42.03N 70.95W
07/23/2008 PLYMOUTH MA AMATEUR RADIO
HOUSE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING ON PARK AVE.
0530 PM LIGHTNING PLYMPTON 41.95N 70.82W
07/23/2008 PLYMOUTH MA AMATEUR RADIO
STRUCTURE FIRE DUE TO LIGHTNING ON PALMER ROAD
0545 PM LIGHTNING MARSHFIELD 42.48N 70.87W
07/23/2008 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO
HOUSE FIRE DUE TO LIGHTNING ON AMES AVE
0545 PM LIGHTNING MARBLEHEAD 42.48N 70.87W
07/23/2008 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO
HOUSE FIRE DUE TO LIGHTNING ON HARBOR AVE
0945 PM LIGHTNING DOUGLAS 42.05N 71.73W
07/23/2008 WORCESTER MA AMATEUR RADIO
HOUSE FIRE DUE TO LIGHTNING ON VINE STREET
1000 PM TSTM WND DMG HAWLEY 42.57N 72.88W
07/23/2008 FRANKLIN MA AMATEUR RADIO
TREES DOWN ON WIRES ON WEST HOAWLEY ROAD
1019 PM LIGHTNING EAST BRIDGEWATER 42.03N 70.95W
07/23/2008 PLYMOUTH MA AMATEUR RADIO
HOUSE FIRE DUE TO LIGHTNING ON SPRINGHILL AVE
1020 PM LIGHTNING LEOMINSTER 42.52N 71.77W
07/23/2008 WORCESTER MA AMATEUR RADIO
HOUSE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING WITH SMOKE IN THE BUILDING ON
DATRMOUTH STREET
&&
AEDThe Brookhaven radar (KOKX), 121 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 04:00 UTC.
1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Wires and a utility pole on Granby Road were downed by thunderstorm winds. The utility pole was downed across the road.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Connecticut in 2008Every state in 2008This day in weather historyWarnings in Connecticut, July 2008
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 129003.