Rainfall totals from the storm in New England are increasing as flooding continues

In Rhode Island, the flood warning for the Pawtuxet River near Cranston and the Wood River near Hope Valley in southern Rhode Island has been extended until early Thursday afternoon. The Pawtuxet was expected to rise several inches above flood stage (9 feet) overnight, while minor flooding occurred on the Wood River. Both were forecast to decline on Thursday.

Rainfall was not as intense in the north, with some areas of northern New England receiving nearly an inch of rain. However, due to the rapid melting of the snow, flood warnings will remain in force until early Thursday morning.

The ongoing heavy rains were persistent and widespread, increasing the risk of flooding in parts of New England, particularly as very warm temperatures accelerate snowmelt in interior parts of New England. The flood warnings for the Central and Western Massif remain in force until 7 a.m. Thursday.

Let’s split it between the amount of water expected from rainfall and the amount that could melt from the snowpack due to temperatures rising above 60 degrees today.

During this storm, a continuous river of moisture poured over New England. So far, rainfall amounts of 1 to 4 inches have been recorded across most of New England, with the heaviest rainfall expected to fall inland. This means the higher totals may extend across portions of mountainous regions in Vermont and New Hampshire, which may increase water runoff depending on the terrain.

Added to the amount of water is the melting snow. There is still enough snow in central and northern New England from previous storms that is melting quickly and could add 1 to 2 inches of water, which will certainly increase the risk of flooding.

Here is the forecast snowmelt from this storm:

The good news is that this storm is expected to have a lasting impact on the ongoing drought. River levels on most rivers and streams have been very low for some time, so most rivers and streams should be able to handle the excess runoff from rain and snowmelt. However, there could be some places that absorb too much water too quickly and become flooded.

Four rivers in the Berkshires and southern Vermont, near Rutland and Bennington, could experience moderate flooding due to ongoing flooding, peaking shortly around or after midnight this evening.

In Rhode Island, a

It depends on where the most intense precipitation occurs and whether these are areas with rapidly melting snow. Also contributing is that the storm is accelerating more quickly as the night progresses – which should limit the impact as it moves out of the region.

Ken Mahan can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Instagram @kenmahantheweatherman.