


Hydrometeorological Discussion
Issued by NWS Tuscaloosa, AL
Issued by NWS Tuscaloosa, AL
983 AGUS74 KWCO 081523 HMDNWC National Hydrologic Discussion - EXPERIMENTAL NWS National Water Center - Tuscaloosa AL 10:15 AM CDT THU MAY, 8 2025 .Synopsis... Flooding possible across the Gulf Coast into the Southeast... Localized urban and small stream flooding is possible in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast... Flash flooding is possible today in response to rainfall and snowmelt across Northern New Mexico... Flash and small stream flooding, along with landslides, are possible this week in American Samoa...Lingering rainfall may cause isolated flooding impacts in Puerto Rico and the USVI... River ice breakup increasing in Alaska... Ongoing river flooding will continue Southern Oklahoma through east Texas and northern Louisiana... .Gulf Coast into the Southeast... All flooding hazards are possible through day 7 (Wed), with variability in exact timing, for portions of eastern LA, MS, AL, FL, GA, SC, and NC in response to multiple days of scattered showers and storms. Cumulative precipitation totals of 2 - 5", locally higher, are expected across the region. LA, MS, and portions of western AL are already wet with relative soil moistures of 60 - 90% (0 - 100 cm RSM, NASA SPoRT). GA, FL, and SC, are somewhat drier with most deep layer relative soil moistures ranging between 10 - 50% (0 - 100 cm RSM, NASA SPoRT). Many rivers across the entire region are elevated with normal to above normal streamflows due to ongoing and previous rainfall with the exception of FL which has below normal streamflows (USGS). There is still some inherent uncertainty with the extent and magnitude of potential flooding given this event will span numerous days, but at minimum scattered flash flooding and areas of minor river flooding can be expected through day 7 (Wed). Isolated moderate river flooding cannot be completely ruled out. The NBM and GFS forced National Water Model (NWM) Medium Range Forecasts (MRF) are showing rises across the region with some variability as to timing and magnitude. Rises in TX, LA, and MS will continue today, with some mainstem rivers not cresting until at least day 3 (Sat) or beyond. River rises in GA and SC will begin late this weekend into early next week with low potential for rapid onset flooding and flows with annual exceedance probabilities below 20% for northern FL through southern SC are possible, however this region has the driest antecedent conditions which should mitigate much of the initial hydrologic response. Ensemble guidance shows potential for minor to isolated moderate river flooding as well (MMEFS, HEFS, SR PQPF ensembles). Overall, flooding potential is variable for the region, but there looks to be at least a minimal threat for isolated flash and river flooding for the regions entirety. .Mid-Atlantic and Northeast... Localized urban and small stream/river flooding is possible today through day 3 (Sat) due to persistent and locally heavy rainfall across portions of the Northern Appalachians and New England. High water probabilities range between 51 - 75% for much of the area (NWM MRF), particularly across eastern NY and western New England. Recent rainfall and snowmelt has primed the region leaving relative soil moistures ranging between 75 - 95% (0 - 100 cm RSM, NASA SPoRT). Rivers for the entire region are elevated with much above normal streamflows due to ongoing and previous rainfall (USGS). While widespread significant flooding is unlikely, the Susquehanna River is expected to reach minor flood status, and ensemble guidance (MMEFS, HEFS) shows potential for isolated river flooding by the end of this week. .Northern New Mexico... Flash flooding is possible today in response to rainfall and snowmelt of 0.5 - 1" (SNODAS). In particular, recently burned areas, creeks, streams, low lying, and flood-prone areas are under threat from excessive runoff. Cumulative QPF through today may total in the 0.5 - 0.75" range across the area. Previous days have seen active precipitation leaving most relative soil moistures ranging between 60 - 90% (0 - 100 cm RSM, NASA SPoRT). With little infiltration capacity due to past rainfall and steep terrain being at and in the foothills of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, there is enough evidence to suggest flooding could occur. .American Samoa... Flash, urban, and small stream flooding may continue today and through the weekend due to prolonged rainfall across the island. The most significant flooding impacts are likely to occur in low-lying areas and areas that may be poorly drained. Previous weeks have also seen some active weather causing saturated soil conditions. Most of the island is mountainous topped with thin erodible soils, making them now favorable for landslides at the base of steep slopes. Current forecast trends suggest a break in the rainfall today with wet conditions returning day 2 - 3 (Fri - Sat) favorable for elevated flooding risk. .Puerto Rico and the USVI... Localized flooding, including flash flooding, will be possible across much of the island today through day 3 (Sat). In particular, the interior and western sections are vulnerable due to continued rainfall and thunderstorms. While the most significant impacts may have peaked, antecedent soil conditions and stream flows are still vulnerable to additional rainfall. This may result in mudslides/landslides, quick river rises, and water surges. .Alaska... River breakup is underway in portions of AK, with minor to moderate flooding possible on portions of the Yukon River as well as sections of the Lower Kuskokwim river. In addition, several rivers north of the Alaska Range and south of the Brooks Range have been characterized by steady stage rises with intermittent rapid spikes indicative of ice jamming and releasing. Flood potential on these rivers is expected to continue through this week as breakup fronts continue to push downstream. .Southern Oklahoma into Louisiana... Ongoing river flooding will continue through tomorrow day 2 (Fri) due to previous rainfall across portions of the region. //DPL $$