Flooding and High Wind in Rhode Island, March 13 to 21, 2010

Name: Flooding and High Wind in Rhode Island, March 13 to 21, 2010
Start: 2010-03-13T19:47
End: 2010-03-21T01:00
Location: Rhode Island

March 13 to 21, 2010 · NWS BOX · 5 events in 4 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 2 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 1
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $1.4 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 5

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.

What happened

The episode as NWS BOX wrote it up.

A stacked low pressure system (surface low and upper level low on top of each other) moved southeast of Nantucket, spreading rain across Southern New England. This resulted in widespread rainfall totals of three to six inches. In eastern Massachusetts, a strong southeasterly low level jet pumped ample moisture into the area, resulting in rainfall totals on the order of six to ten inches. This resulted in major flooding across eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including small stream, urban, and poor drainage flooding. In addition, the Concord River at Lowell, the Shawsheen River at Wilimington, and the Pawtuxet River at Cranston reached record flood stages within two to four days of the rain.

Strong winds associated with the low pressure system and the low level jet affected both the east and south coasts, resulting in numerous downed trees and wires and some minor structural damage to a few buildings.

What forecasters said that day

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 Mar 13, 5:57 PM EST, 1 hour 50 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 13, 5:57 PM EST, 1 hour 50 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
557 PM EST SAT MAR 13 2010

.SYNOPSIS...
A MAJOR NOREASTER STALLING NEAR THE MID ATLANTIC COAST WILL LASH
SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND WITH PERIODS OF HEAVY WIND-SWEPT RAINS LATE
TONIGHT THROUGH MONDAY...THEN DRIFT OUT TO SEA SOUTHEAST OF
NANTUCKET MONDAY NIGHT. STRONG HIGH PRESSURE FROM THE GREAT PLAINS
FOLLOWS...PROBABLY DELIVERING A SPELL OF NICE SPRING WEATHER HERE FOR
MUCH OF NEXT WEEK FROM TUESDAY ONWARD.

&&

.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM SUNDAY MORNING/...

HAVE ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY UNTIL MIDNIGHT TONIGHT FOR THE
HIGHER ELEVATIONS OF NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY...SOUTHWESTERN NEW
HAMPSHIRE...AND THE EAST SLOPES OF THE BERKSHIRES. THIS FOR A MIXTURE
OF SNOW...RAIN...AND FREEZING RAIN. TEMPERATURES AROUND AND ABOVE
APPROX 1200 FEET ARE AROUND OR EVEN JUST BELOW THE FREEZING MARK.
THIS MAY ALLOW FOR SOME LIGHT ICING THROUGH MIDNIGHT OR SO.
THEREAFTER...THE COLUMN SHOULD WARM UP ENOUGH FOR THE PRECIPITATION
TO GO OVER TO MAINLY PLAIN RAIN.

PREVIOUS DISCUSSION FOLLOWS...

RAIN WILL CONTINUE TO OVERSPREAD SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND THIS EVENING.
WINDS WILL ALSO STEADILY INCREASE. THE STRONGEST WINDS AT 4 PM WERE
JUST REACHING LONG ISLAND NY...AND GUSTING UP TO 65 MPH. KBOX VAD
WIND PROFILE SHOWING EAST WINDS UP TO 45 KT AROUND 2000 FT AND
GETTING STRONGER WITH TIME.

EXPECTING THESE WINDS TO GRADUALLY MOVE NORTH OVERNIGHT. AS SUCH HAVE
ISSUED A HIGH WIND WARNING FOR THE COASTS OF MA AND RI...WITH A WIND
ADVISORY FOR INTERIOR SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND. SOME CONCERN FOR THE
HIGHER TERRAIN OF THE WORCESTER HILLS AND MONADNOCKS...BUT NOT ENOUGH
CONFIDENCE TO GO WITH A WARNING THERE.

EXPECTING TEMPERATURES TO REMAIN NEARLY STEADY OR SLOWLY RISE
TONIGHT. RAIN WILL BECOME HEAVIER OVERNIGHT AS WELL. COULD BE SOME
SLEET MIXING IN ACROSS THE HIGHER TERRAIN OF CENTRAL MA...SOUTHERN NH
AND THE EAST SLOPES OF THE BERKSHIRES...BUT NOT ENOUGH TO WARRANT A
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY.

&&

.SHORT TERM /6 AM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/...
SUNDAY...
THE MODELS ARE IN EXCELLENT AGREEMENT THAT HEAVY RAIN WILL BE
FALLING EARLY SUNDAY MORNING ACROSS MUCH OF THE REGION.  THIS A
RESULT OF AN EASTERLY LOW LEVEL JET 5 STANDARD DEVIATIONS ABOVE
NORMAL RESULTING IN VERY STRONG OMEGA.  THE NAM MODEL QPF LOOKS VERY
REASONABLE AND DOES A GOOD JOB IN SHOWING THE SHADOWING THAT WILL
LIKELY OCCUR IN THE LOWER CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY...WITH A
SECONDARY MAXIMUM ALONG THE EAST SLOPES OF THE BERKSHIRES/WORCESTER
HILLS/MONADNOCKS.  THE MAIN AXIS OF HEAVY RAIN THROUGH SUNDAY
MORNING LOOKS TO OCCUR ACROSS EASTERN MA/RHODE ISLAND.

THE STRONGEST LOW LEVEL JET WILL BE LIFTING NORTHWARD DURING
THE MORNING.  THEREFORE...THE FOCUS FOR THE HEAVIEST RAIN SHOULD
SHIFT INTO NORTHEAST MA BY LATE MORNING/EARLY AFTERNOON.  THE VERY
HEAVY RAINFALL THAT FALLS TONIGHT INTO SUNDAY MORNING WILL RESULT IN
AREAS SIGNIFICANT URBAN AND POOR DRAINAGE STREET FLOODING.  IN
ADDITION...MINOR TO POCKETS OF MODERATE STREAM AND RIVER FLOODING
ARE ALSO ANTICIPATED.

THE EASTERLY LOW LEVEL JET WILL ALSO RESULT IN CONTINUED VERY STRONG
WIND GUSTS ALONG THE COAST EARLY SUNDAY MORNING...ESPECIALLY ACROSS
NORTHEAST MA.  STILL THE POTENTIAL FOR EASTERLY WIND GUSTS OF 45 TO
60 MPH DURING THE EARLY TO MID MORNING HOURS.  THIS COMBINED WITH
HEAVY RAIN AND A VERY SATURATED GROUND WILL CONTINUE TO RESULT IN
AREAS OF WIND DAMAGE.  AS THE LOW LEVEL JET LIFTS NORTHWARD LATER IN
THE MORNING/AFTERNOON THE WINDS SHOULD DIMINISH SOME BUT IT WILL
REMAIN WINDY ON THE COAST.

AS MENTIONED ABOVE THE HEAVIEST RAIN WILL LIFT INTO NORTHEAST MA BY
LATE MORNING/EARLY AFTERNOON.  THERE ALSO IS SOME MID LEVEL DRY AIR
THAT WORKS NORTHWARD INTO MOST OF THE REGION.  HOWEVER...WEAK
SHALLOW LIFT WILL CONTINUE TO RESULT IN WIDESPREAD LIGHT TO MODERATE
RAIN DURING THE AFTERNOON HOURS ACROSS MOST OF THE REGION.
HOWEVER...MODERATE TO HEAVY RAIN WILL CONTINUE TO AFFECT NORTHEAST MA
INTO THE AFTERNOON.

DURING THE DAY SUNDAY...EXPECT THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE REGION TO
JUST SEE RAIN.  HOWEVER...A TOUCH OF WET SNOW/SLEET MAY BE OBSERVED
ALONG THE HIGHEST TERRAIN ALON THE EAST SLOPES OF THE
BERKSHIRES/MONADNOCKS.  THIS WOULD BE GENERALLY AT ELEVATIONS OF
OVER 1500 FEET.

SUNDAY NIGHT...
VERTICALLY STACKED LOW PRESSURE WELL SOUTH OF OUR REGION WILL
CONTINUE RESULT IN AN ONSHORE FLOW AND WIDESPREAD RAIN TO THE
REGION.  WILL CONTINUE WITH CATEGORICAL POPS AND AGAIN SHOW THE
HEAVIEST PRECIPITATION FALLING ACROSS EASTERN MA...ESPECIALLY
NORTHEAST MA.

AS MENTIONED ABOVE WE ARE EXPECTING THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE REGION
TO SEE THE PRECIPITATION FALLING IN THE FORM OF RAIN.  HOWEVER...THE
THERMAL PROFILES DO SHOW SOME COOLING SUNDAY NIGHT.
THEREFORE...EXPECT THE RAIN TO CHANGE OVER TO WET SNOW ACROSS THE
HIGHER TERRAIN OF THE EAST SLOPES OF THE BERKSHIRES AND PARTICULARLY
THE MONADNOCKS.  THE THERMAL PROFILES ARE QUITE MARGINAL AND A SMALL
CHANGE CAN OBVIOUSLY MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.  HOWEVER...THE POTENTIAL
FOR A FEW INCHES OF WET SNOW EXISTS ACROSS THE HIGH TERRAIN ALONG
THE EAST SLOPES OF THE BERKSHIRES/MONADNOCKS WITH A LOWER
PROBABILITY OF A SMALL ACCUMULATION IN THE WORCESTER HILLS.  ACROSS
THE HIGHEST TERRAIN OF THE MONADNOCKS AT ELEVATIONS OF 1500 FEET OR
GREATER THE POTENTIAL IS THERE FOR 6 INCHES OR EVEN A BIT MORE OF
WET SNOW.  WILL TRY TO SHOW THIS GRAPHICALLY IN OUR SNOW ACCUMULATION
FORECAST...BUT WILL NOT BE ISSUING A WATCH SINCE THIS AREA COVERS A
RELATIVELY SMALL AREA OF CHESHIRE/HILLSBOROUGH COUNTIES.
NONETHELESS...THIS IS SOMETHING THAT CERTAINLY WILL HAVE TO BE
WATCHED ON LATER SHIFTS AND AT LEAST A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MAY
EVENTUALLY BE NEEDED.

&&

.LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
COASTAL STORM WILL CONTINUE TO LINGER THROUGH SUNDAY. THERE IS MULTI-
MODEL AND ENSEMBLE SUPPORT FOR CATEGORICAL POPS FOR MOST OF MONDAY.
THEREFORE...WE THINK MONDAY WILL FEATURE OCCASIONAL SHOWERY PRECIP
WITH BURSTS OF HEAVIER PRECIP...MAINLY IN THE MORNING. THE
PRECIPITATION WILL TEND TO TAPER OFF AND EVENTUALLY END FROM NW TO SE
AS THE AFTERNOON PROGRESSES BUT PROBABLY LINGER INTO THE EVENING
ACROSS FAR SE MASS.

PRECIP TYPE ON MONDAY SHOULD MAINLY BE IN THE FORM OF RAIN.
HOWEVER...THE COLUMN MAY BECOME COLD ENOUGH ACROSS THE INTERIOR HIGH
TERRAIN FOR ACCUMULATING SNOWFALL...ESPECIALLY THE BERKS AND
MONADNOCKS. WOULDN/T BE SURPRISED IF WE/LL EVENTUALLY NEED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOWFALL FOR THESE LOCATIONS...AND POSSIBLY EVEN
THE WORCESTER HILLS. BOUNDARY LAYER TEMPS WILL BE KEY...AS THEY HAVE
BEEN FOR MUCH OF THIS WINTER.

WINDS WILL CONTINUE TO BE AN ISSUE AS WELL...WITH PERSISTENT ONSHORE
FETCH. WIND ADVISORIES MAY BE NEEDED MONDAY DAYTIME FOR MUCH OF
EASTERN NEW ENGLAND.

RAPID CLEARING TAKES PLACE MONDAY NIGHT. MUCH OF NEXT WEEK FROM
TUESDAY ONWARD LOOKS GOOD...LOTS OF SUN AND WARMING TEMPS. THIS WILL
GIVE US A GOOD CHANCE TO DRY OUT FROM ALL THE RAINFALL.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
TONIGHT...HIGH CONFIDENCE ON IFR IN WIND DRIVEN RAIN. STRONG E-NE
WINDS 30-40 KT EASTERN MA AND RI ALONG WITH LIKELY LLWS. LOW
CONFIDENCE OF ICE ACROSS E SLOPES OF THE BERKS.

KBOS...MVFR CIGS/VSBYS LOWERING TO IFR.

OUTLOOK...MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY...

MVFR/IFR CONDITIONS IN RAIN SHOWERS /POSSIBLY SNOW ORH/ MONDAY.
NORTHEAST WIND GUSTS TO AROUND 40 KT LIKELY MOST
TERMINALS...ESPECIALLY EAST COAST OF MASS AS WELL AS RI. RAPID
IMPROVEMENT TO VFR LATE MONDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING FROM N TO S. VFR
CONDITIONS AND LIGHTER WINDS AND THEN EXPECTED FOR MUCH OF THE
UPCOMING WEEK WITH NO MAJOR WEATHER SYSTEMS ANTICIPATED.

&&

.MARINE...
TODAY...SEAS ALREADY BUILDING EARLY THIS MORNING...UP TO 10 FEET AT
AT THE SOUTHERN BUOYS INCLUDING SE OF BLOCK ISLAND AT 09Z. BUZZARDS
BAY BUOY GUSTING UP TO 32 KT. CONTINUED GALE WARNING WITH WIND GUSTS
UP TO 40 KT MENTIONED MAINLY ON THE OPEN WATERS.

TONIGHT...EXPECT E-NE GUSTS UP TO 45 KT. SEAS CONTINUE TO QUICKLY
BUILD ESPECIALLY ON THE EASTERN WATERS...FORECAST UP TO 20 FT LATE.

SUNDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHT...
STORM WARNINGS CONTINUE SUNDAY MORNING AS STRONG EASTERLY LOW LEVEL
JET WILL PROMOTE 55 KNOT WIND GUSTS EARLY IN THE MORNING.  THE
STRONGEST WINDS WILL LIFT NORTHWARD SUNDAY MORNING...BUT STORM FORCE
WIND GUSTS MAY PERSIST ACROSS OUR NORTHERN OUTER-WATERS INTO THE
AFTERNOON.

OTHERWISE...STRONG NORTHEAST GALE FORCE WIND GUSTS ARE EXPECTED TO
CONTINUE SUNDAY NIGHT AS VERTICALLY STACKED SYSTEM SPINS TO OUR
SOUTH.  HAVE INCREASED THE MODEL GUIDANCE SEAS AS WE EXPECT TO SEE
AT LEAST 25 FOOT SEAS ACROSS EASTERN MA OUTER-WATERS THROUGH SUNDAY
NIGHT WITH A CONTINUED EXCELLENT FETCH.

OUTLOOK...MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY...

GALES CONTINUE THROUGH MONDAY THEN GRADUALLY DIMINISH MONDAY NIGHT
THROUGH TUESDAY. SEAS WILL REMAIN DANGEROUS THROUGH MONDAY
NIGHT...ESPECIALLY EAST OF THE EASTERN MASS COASTLINE. WINDS AND
SEAS CONTINUE TO DIMINISH TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY AS HIGHER PRESSURE
BUILDS IN.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
THE MODELS CONTINUE IN EXCELLENT AGREEMENT IN SHOWING WIDESPREAD
RAINFALL TOTALS BETWEEN 3 AND 6 INCHES ACROSS MUCH OF THE REGION
THROUGH MONDAY.  THIS IS NOT ONLY SUPPORTED BY THE OPERATIONAL
MODELS BUT ALSO BACKED UP BY THE GFS/SREF ENSEMBLES WHICH GIVES US
VERY HIGH CONFIDENCE.  THIS A RESULT OF A STRONG EASTERLY LOW LEVEL
JET 5 STANDARD DEVIATIONS ABOVE NORMAL WHICH IS BRINGING COPIOUS
MOISTURE AND STRONG LIFT INTO THE REGION.  THE MODELS ALSO AGREE
THAT THE HIGHEST TOTALS WILL BE ACROSS THE NORTHEAST MA REGION WHERE
THE LOW LEVEL JET IMPINGES ON THE REGION THE LONGEST.  IN
ADDITION...SECONDARY MAXIMUMS WILL LIKELY OCCUR ALONG THE EAST
SLOPES OF THE BERKSHIRES/WORCESTER HILLS/MONADNOCKS AS A RESULT OF
THE EASTERLY UPSLOPE FLOW.  LOCAL MINIMUMS WILL OCCUR IN THE LOWER
CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY AS A RESULT OF SHADOWING.

ALL IN ALL...A WIDESPREAD 3 TO 6 INCHES OF RAIN WILL FALL WITH THE
HEAVIEST TONIGHT INTO SUNDAY MORNING.  HOWEVER...THE RAIN WILL
CONTINUE TO RIGHT INTO MONDAY AFTERNOON.  THIS WILL RESULT IN
SIGNIFICANT URBAN AND POOR DRAINAGE STREET FLOODING.  IN
ADDITION...MINOR TO MODERATE RIVER FLOODING WILL LIKELY OCCUR AT
SEVERAL LOCATIONS AS A RESULT OF THE HEAVY RAIN.

&&

.TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
WILL GO AHEAD AND CONVERT THE COASTAL FLOOD WATCH TO A WARNING
ACROSS MOST OF EASTERN MA.  WE EXPECT WIDESPREAD MINOR WITH POCKETS
OF MODERATE COASTAL FLOODING AT THE TIME OF HIGH TIDE LATE SUNDAY
MORNING/EARLY AFTERNOON. THE MRPSSE IS ALREADY UNDERDONE BY 1 FOOT
EARLY THIS AFTERNOON. THEREFORE...WE EXPECT A 2 TO 2.5 FOOT STORM
SURGE AT THE TIME OF HIGH TIDE LATE SUNDAY MORNING/EARLY AFTERNOON
ALONG WITH WINDS STILL GUSTING TO 45 MPH ALONG THE COAST. THIS
COMBINED WITH 25 FOOT SEAS JUST OFFSHORE WILL LEAD TO WIDESPREAD
MINOR TO POCKETS OF MODERATE COASTAL FLOODING. WILL ALSO GO AHEAD AND
ISSUE A COASTAL FLOOD STATEMENT FOR CAPE COD/NANTUCKET FOR THE
POTENTIAL OF MINOR COASTAL FLOODING LATE SUNDAY MORNING.

WILL CONTINUE THE COASTAL FLOOD WATCH LATE SUNDAY NIGHT FOR THE
EASTERN MA COAST AND ALSO EXTEND IT TO CAPE COD/NANTUCKET FOR THE
LATE SUNDAY NIGHT HIGH TIDE CYCLE.  HIGH SEAS AND ANOTHER 2 TO 2.5
FOOT STORM SURGE WILL BRING MORE WIDESPREAD MINOR WITH POCKETS OF
MODERATE COASTAL FLOODING.

SAME STORY FOR MONDAY...ENE GALES WILL CONTINUE TO PILE WATER UP
ALONG THE BEACH. AREAS OF MODERATE COASTAL FLOODING ON THE EAST COAST
OF MASS WILL BE POSSIBLE.

IN ADDITION...SIGNIFICANT BEACH EROSION IS EXPECTED RIGHT THROUGH
MONDAY.

&&

.CLIMATE...
DAILY RECORDS FOR 3/14/10
BOS 1.93 1958
PVD 1.28 1980 AND PREV
ORH 1.39 1986
BDL 1.35 1986

IF BOSTON RECEIVES 3 INCHES IN 1 DAY...THIS WILL BE THE FIRST TIME
SINCE MAY 2006. THE AVG FOR BOSTON IS .3/YR...NOT AN EASY FEAT.
WE WILL SEE HOW THIS DIVIDES THROUGH MIDNIGHT THIS COMING NIGHT.

&&

.BOX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CT...WIND ADVISORY UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY FOR CTZ002>004.
     FLOOD WATCH THROUGH MONDAY MORNING FOR CTZ002>004.
MA...FLOOD WATCH THROUGH MONDAY MORNING FOR MAZ002>021-026.
     WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY UNTIL MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT FOR MAZ002-
     004-008-009-026.
     WIND ADVISORY UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY FOR MAZ002>005-008>013-026.
     HIGH WIND WARNING UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY FOR MAZ022>024.
     HIGH WIND WARNING UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY FOR MAZ006-007-014>021.
     COASTAL FLOOD WARNING FROM 10 AM TO 3 PM EDT SUNDAY FOR MAZ007-
     015-016-019.
     COASTAL FLOOD WATCH FROM SUNDAY EVENING THROUGH LATE SUNDAY
     NIGHT FOR MAZ007-015-016-019-022-024.
NH...FLOOD WATCH THROUGH MONDAY MORNING FOR NHZ011-012-015.
     WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY UNTIL MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT FOR NHZ011-
     015.
     WIND ADVISORY UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY FOR NHZ011-012-015.
RI...WIND ADVISORY UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY FOR RIZ001>004.
     HIGH WIND WARNING UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY FOR RIZ008.
     FLOOD WATCH THROUGH MONDAY MORNING FOR RIZ001>008.
     HIGH WIND WARNING UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY FOR RIZ005>007.
MARINE...STORM WARNING UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY FOR ANZ232>237-255-256.
     STORM WARNING FROM 11 PM EST THIS EVENING TO 3 PM EDT SUNDAY
     FOR ANZ230-231-250-251.
     STORM WARNING UNTIL 3 PM EDT SUNDAY FOR ANZ254.

&&

SYNOPSIS...EKSTER
NEAR TERM...EKSTER/BELK
SHORT TERM...FRANK
LONG TERM...EKSTER
AVIATION...BELK/EKSTER/FRANK
MARINE...BELK/EKSTER/FRANK
HYDROLOGY...FRANK
TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...FRANK/EKSTER

Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 13, 6:03 PM EST, 1 hour 44 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
603 PM EST SAT MAR 13 2010

MAZ002-004-008-009-026-NHZ011-015-142315-
WESTERN FRANKLIN MA-NORTHERN WORCESTER MA-WESTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-
WESTERN HAMPDEN MA-NORTHERN MIDDLESEX MA-CHESHIRE NH-
WESTERN AND CENTRAL HILLSBOROUGH NH-
603 PM EST SAT MAR 13 2010

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT...
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY MORNING...

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.

   WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY.
   WIND ADVISORY.
   FLOOD WATCH.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WIND ADVISORY.
   FLOOD WATCH.

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MAY AGAIN BE NEEDED SUNDAY NIGHT INTO
MONDAY FOR SEVERAL INCHES OF WET SNOW ACROSS THE HIGHEST TERRAIN.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

RIZ008-142315-
BLOCK ISLAND RI-
603 PM EST SAT MAR 13 2010

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY MORNING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR 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.

   HIGH WIND WARNING.
   FLOOD WATCH.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   HIGH WIND WARNING.
   FLOOD WATCH.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

MAZ006-014-017-018-020-021-142315-
WESTERN ESSEX MA-SOUTHEAST MIDDLESEX MA-NORTHERN BRISTOL MA-
WESTERN PLYMOUTH MA-SOUTHERN BRISTOL MA-SOUTHERN PLYMOUTH MA-
603 PM EST SAT MAR 13 2010

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY MORNING...
...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR EASTERN
MASSACHUSETTS...NORTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS AND SOUTHEASTERN
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.

   FLOOD WATCH.
   HIGH WIND WARNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   FLOOD WATCH.
   HIGH WIND WARNING.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

CTZ002>004-RIZ001>004-142315-
HARTFORD CT-TOLLAND CT-WINDHAM CT-NORTHWEST PROVIDENCE RI-
SOUTHEAST PROVIDENCE RI-WESTERN KENT RI-EASTERN KENT RI-
603 PM EST SAT MAR 13 2010

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY MORNING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHERN CONNECTICUT 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.

   FLOOD WATCH.
   WIND ADVISORY.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   FLOOD WATCH.
   WIND ADVISORY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

RIZ005>007-142315-
BRISTOL RI-WASHINGTON RI-NEWPORT RI-
603 PM EST SAT MAR 13 2010

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY MORNING...
...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHERN RHODE ISLAND 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.

   FLOOD WATCH.
   HIGH WIND WARNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   FLOOD WATCH.
   HIGH WIND WARNING.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

MAZ003-005-010>013-NHZ012-142315-
EASTERN FRANKLIN MA-CENTRAL MIDDLESEX MA-EASTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-
EASTERN HAMPDEN MA-SOUTHERN WORCESTER MA-WESTERN NORFOLK MA-
EASTERN HILLSBOROUGH NH-
603 PM EST SAT MAR 13 2010

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY MORNING...

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.

   WIND ADVISORY.
   FLOOD WATCH.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WIND ADVISORY.
   FLOOD WATCH.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

MAZ023-142315-
DUKES MA-
603 PM EST SAT MAR 13 2010

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHEASTERN 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.

   HIGH WIND WARNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   HIGH WIND WARNING.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

MAZ007-015-016-019-142315-
EASTERN ESSEX MA-SUFFOLK MA-EASTERN NORFOLK MA-EASTERN PLYMOUTH MA-
603 PM EST SAT MAR 13 2010

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY MORNING...
...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY...
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 3 PM EDT SUNDAY...
...COASTAL FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY EVENING THROUGH LATE
SUNDAY NIGHT...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR EASTERN
MASSACHUSETTS...NORTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS AND SOUTHEASTERN
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.

   FLOOD WATCH.
   HIGH WIND WARNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   FLOOD WATCH.
   HIGH WIND WARNING.
   COASTAL FLOOD WARNING.
   COASTAL FLOOD WATCH.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

MAZ022-024-142315-
BARNSTABLE MA-NANTUCKET MA-
603 PM EST SAT MAR 13 2010

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY...
...COASTAL FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY EVENING THROUGH LATE
SUNDAY NIGHT...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHEASTERN 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.

   HIGH WIND WARNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   HIGH WIND WARNING.
   COASTAL FLOOD WATCH.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

ANZ232>237-255-256-142315-
NANTUCKET SOUND-VINEYARD SOUND-BUZZARDS BAY-RHODE ISLAND SOUND-
NARRAGANSETT BAY-BLOCK ISLAND SOUND-
COASTAL WATERS EXTENDING OUT TO 25 NM SOUTH OF MARTHAS VINEYARD AND
NANTUCKET-
COASTAL WATERS FROM MONTAUK NY TO MARTHAS VINEYARD EXTENDING OUT TO
20 NM SOUTH OF BLOCK ISLAND-
603 PM EST SAT MAR 13 2010

...STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR MASSACHUSETTS COASTAL WATERS
AND 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.

   STORM WARNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

 STORM WARNING.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

ANZ230-231-250-251-142315-
BOSTON HARBOR-CAPE COD BAY-
COASTAL WATERS EAST OF IPSWICH BAY AND THE STELLWAGEN BANK NATIONAL
MARINE SANCTUARY-MASSACHUSETTS BAY AND IPSWICH BAY-
603 PM EST SAT MAR 13 2010

...STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM EST THIS EVENING TO 3 PM EDT
SUNDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR MASSACHUSETTS 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.

   STORM WARNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   STORM WARNING.

THERE IS A LOW PROBABILITY OF STORM FORCE 50 KNOT EAST NORTHEAST
WIND GUSTS SUNDAY AND AGAIN ON MONDAY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

ANZ254-142315-
COASTAL WATERS FROM PROVINCETOWN MA TO CHATHAM MA TO NANTUCKET MA
OUT 20 NM-
603 PM EST SAT MAR 13 2010

...STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM EDT SUNDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR MASSACHUSETTS 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.

   STORM WARNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   STORM WARNING.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

FRANK

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

3 flood, 2 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.

High Wind, Washington

When: March 13, 7:47 PM EST to March 14, 5:02 AM EST
Where: Washington forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 41.397, -71.620 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A telephone pole and wires were downed and the door of a backyard shed was torn off in Charlestown. Numerous trees were downed in Exeter and South Kingstown, one of these trees blocked Post Road, east of Minesterial for several hours. In Westerly, trees and a utility pole were downed. Downed power lines trapped a Narragansett fire engine on Knowlesway Extension. The engine had to be abandoned for about an hour until the lines could be secured. Five utility poles were downed in Narragansett.

High Wind, Newport

When: March 14, 12:43 AM EST to 2:40 AM EST
Where: Newport forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 41.500, -71.281 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Trees and power lines were downed in Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth.

Flood, Washington

When: March 14, 1:00 AM EST to March 21, 1:00 AM EST
Where: Washington County, 1.27 mi W of Westerly State Arpt to 0.81 mi SW of Kenyon
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $40,000
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 41.351, -71.825

The Pawcatuck River in Westerly and at Wood River Junction rose above flood stage after three to six inches of rain fell in southern Rhode Island. This resulted in flooded basements and yards. While the bulk of the flooding occurred on the 14th and 15th, it took until the 20th for the waters to recede below flood stage.

The Towers (a local landmark) in Narragansett suffered from flood damage when rain leaked through the third floor and down to the second floor. Town Hall also sustained minor flood damage. Bonnet Shores Road between Allagash Trail and the Bonnet Shores Beach Club was closed by floodwaters. Beaver River Schoolhouse Road in Richmond was closed after a culvert under the road washed away, making the road impassable.

Flood, Kent

When: March 14, 6:39 AM EST to March 16, 10:00 AM EST
Where: Kent County, 0.58 mi ENE of Lakewood to 2.44 mi SSE of Oakland Beach
Cause: Heavy Rain
Deaths: 0 direct, 1 indirect
Property damage: $1.3 million
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 41.754, -71.391

The South Branch of the Pawtuxet River at Washington rose above flood stage and the main branch of the Pawtuxet River at Cranston rose into major flood, eventually setting a record crest following three to four inches of rain. The main branch of the Pawtuxet River flooded portions of Warwick and West Warwick.

Multiple streets across West Warwick, Coventry, and Warwick were closed due to flooding, including Aster, Begonia, Canna, Daisy, and River Streets in West Warwick. These streets were flooded with up to four feet of water and resulted in residents in the area being evacuated. The Natick Bridge, which carries East Avenue traffic over the Pawtucket River was closed and has since been deemed by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation as unsafe and beyond repair. Fifteen to twenty streets in Coventry were washed out or damaged.

Johnson Pond in Coventry rose out of its banks, flooding several homes and pushing docks inland. Elsewhere in Coventry, several roads were washed out by flooding brooks. News reports indicated that as many as 500 cars were submerged in flood waters in one section of West Warwick. Also in West Warwick, at least 40 business were flooded by waters from the Pawtucket River.

At least 100 people were evacuated from their homes in West Warwick.

One fatality indirectly due to the flooding occurred when an off-duty state trooper driving along Route 3 in West Greenwich hydroplaned and struck a utility pole.

Flood, Bristol

When: March 14, 7:09 AM EST to 10:00 AM EST
Where: Bristol County, 0.24 mi WNW of Bristol Highlands to 1.13 mi SSW of Bristol
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 41.702, -71.284

Several streets throughout Bristol were closed due to flooding.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Flood, Kent	2010-03-14	41	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Indirect

What these are

High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.
Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Rhode Island in 2010 Every state in 2010 This day in weather history Warnings in Rhode Island, March 2010

Sources

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: 215795, 215796, 215808, 215807, 215809.