First east coastal storm flooding event

By: Dr Larry P. Atkinson , 1:33AM,GMT on December 16,2015



 

On Dec 16 we will see the first minor coastal flooding even along the east and Gulf Coasts. With a cold front approaching the east coast southward winds will force water from the ocean into the coastal inlets throughout the east, southeast and Gulf Coast.

The figure below was taken from the NOAA Extra Tropical Storm Surge website LINK

The red dots (and there are many of them) are where the water level will be higher than 'highest astronomical tide (HAT)' that is seen during the last 19 year tidal cycle. Many locations experience minor flooding when water levels are over HAT.

If you live on the east, southeast or Gulf coast zoom into your area and see what the water level is predicted to be on Dec 16. I see the Gulf coast already had some above HAT levels.

These predictions are based on the wind field predictions.

How about some pictures of this flooding in the coming days (or past few days for the Gulf coast?)


Figure. Storm surge prediction on Dec 15 for Dec 16


Figure. Example of storm surge prediction showing one tide on the 16th that will be above HAT.