NOAA, National Weather ServiceMiddle Atlantic

River Forecast Center Briefing

10:30 am Friday, May 16, 2014

Key Message• Significant river flooding occurring and will continue through the weekend.• Most severe flooding currently in the Potomac and James River basins of

Maryland/Virginia, roughly east of I-81. 3-5 inches of rain fell in these areas since yesterday.

• Rain has moved out of the Potomac and James River basins, but heavy runoff will continue, resulting in crests approaching the major flood category during the next 48 hours at several locations in the lower Potomac River basin.

• Eastern Pennsylvania, upstate New York, and New Jersey are experiencing the heaviest rain this morning, but any flooding is expected to be less severe than farther south.

• The rain is expected to move out of the MARFC area shortly after midnight tonight.

• At this time, it’s important to stay aware of the threat and monitor your weather and river forecasts often.

Observed Rainfall in the Past 48 hours through 8am this morning

3 to 5 inches

Rain Forecast

8am Friday to 8am Saturday 8am Saturday to 8am Sunday 8am Sunday to 8am Monday

The heaviest rain will continue through this evening in eastern PA, southeastern NY, and NJ.

For the latest MARFC rain forecasts, go to: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/marfc/Precipitation/Forecasts/

2 – 3 inches

River Forecasts• This shows the expected impacts of

this morning’s 3 day river forecasts.• Major flooding is forecast at 3

gauging stations in the Potomac River basin: Shenandoah R. at Millville, WV; Antietam C. at Sharpsburg, MD; and the Potomac R. at Georgetown, DC.

• These forecasts include the effects of observed rainfall through 8am this morning, plus any additional forecasted rain, and will be updated as conditions require.

Latest river forecasts are at: http://water.weather.gov

Current Stream Conditions

Streamflows in our area are running well above normal for this time of year. Our models account for this.

MARFC Status

• MARFC began 24 hour operations 6:30am Thursday, May 15th. We will remain open until the flood threat has ended.

• MARFC is actively coordinating with our NWS Weather Forecast Offices and partners, such as the USACE & USGS.

Need more info?

• Contact your local NWS Weather Forecast Office– Binghamton, NY http://weather.gov/bgm– Blacksburg, VA http://weather.gov/rnk– Mt Holly, NJ http://weather.gov/phi– State College, PA http://weather.gov/ctp– New York City, NY http://weather.gov/okx– Sterling, VA http://weather.gov/lwx– Wakefield, VA http://weather.gov/akq

• Email MARFC at: seann.reed@noaa.gov

Find MARFC Online at:

• Website: http://weather.gov/marfc• Facebook: https://

www.facebook.com/US.NationalWeatherService.MARFC.gov

• Twitter @NWSMARFC

Next MARFC Briefing

Saturday, May 17th