Northeast U.S. flooding of October 2005

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In October of 2005, remnants of Tropical Storm Tammy and Subtropical Depression Twenty-Two merged with incoming continental cold fronts to produce torrential rains over interior New England, as well as over parts of New Jersey and New York. Particularly hard hit was the state of New Hampshire, which saw roads and bridges wiped out, several reported deaths, and whole buildings destroyed. Rain lingered over some areas for several weeks. Rainfall from both rain events totaled well over 20 inches in some areas.

Contents 1 Effects by state 1.1 Rhode Island 1.2 Connecticut 1.3 Massachusetts 1.4 New Hampshire 1.5 New Jersey 1.6 New York 1.7 Maine 2 See also 3 Notes 4 External links

[edit] Effects by state

[edit] Rhode Island

With 14.94" of rain in October 2005, T.F. Green Airport recorded its wettest month ever. During October 13-15, rainfall was heaviest in central and eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The NWS reported rainfall amounts of 4 to 7 inches in central and eastern Massachusetts and 7 to 9 inches in Rhode Island. A state of emergency was declared for the state, and thousands were without power. At least 100 residents were evacuated after swift rises in local rivers, and Red Cross shelters were set up throughout the state. The Pawtuxet River, at Cranston and Warwick, recorded its second worst flood, at a stage of 13.68 feet. The Blackstone River, at Woonsocket, also recorded its second worst flood, at a stage of 15.34 feet. The Woonasquatucket River in Providence & Central Falls recorded a new flood record, at 8.3 feet.^{[citation needed]} Damage in Rhode Island totaled to $1.6 million (2005 USD). ^[1]

[edit] Connecticut

Thousands of homes and businesses lost power, primarily in Bridgeport. Localized flooding was reported in certain areas of Connecticut: one death occurred when a man was swept away at a campground, and another woman fell into the churning Connecticut River. In addition, the soil became so soft that it buckled a lengthy stretch of railroad tracks near Naugatuck, interrupting service. It was the wettest October on record for Hartford. ^[2] Damage totaled to $6 million (2005 USD). ^[3]

[edit] Massachusetts

Severe inland flooding resulted in $6.5 million in damage. In Greenfield, a trailer park was destroyed, leaving at least 70 people homeless.

[edit] New Hampshire

The state of New Hampshire was one of the hardest hit from the flooding, particularly in the southwestern part. The town of Alstead was especially hard hit, as the Cold River and its tributaries substantially overflowed due to the heavy rain and water flowing downstream, inundating the community. The city of Keene, New Hampshire received over 14 inches of rain, flooding communities near Beaver Brook and the lower Ashuelot River. More than 1,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes in the region. Seven deaths were confirmed in the state. In some areas, entires houses were washed off of their foundations. ^[4] Damaged totaled to $15.8 million (2005 USD), primarily in Cheshire County. ^[5][6] The storm dropped nearly 18 (46 cm) inches of liquid precipitation, including nearly three feet (91 cm) of snow, on the summit of Mount Washington, as recorded by the Mount Washington Observatory. This contributed to a record-setting month on the peak with "the world's worst weather," which recorded 28.7 (73 cm) inches of rain, a record for any month since 1934, and 78.9 inches (2 meters) of snow, a record for the month of October.^[7]

[edit] New Jersey

Flooding was reported in several parts of northern New Jersey. Bergen and Passaic counties were hardest hit, as floodwaters covered several communities to varying degrees. In most places, flooding was the worst seen since 1999's Hurricane Floyd.

Several rivers, including the Pequannock River, Passaic River and Ramapo River, overflowed their banks. Evacuation orders were issued for parts of the towns of Bound Brook, Lodi, Oakland and Westwood during the peak of the flooding. Coastal flooding was also reported along parts of the Jersey Shore. ^[8] A statewide state of emergency was declared by Governor Richard Codey. ^[9]

[edit] New York

Coastal flooding was a problem on Long Island, and severe beach erosion was reported in many areas. ^[10] It was the wettest October on record for Central Park. ^[11]

[edit] Maine

Minor to moderate flooding occurred across the southern half of the state, in such cities as Portland, Bar Harbor, and Bangor. In Bangor, a total of 13.32 inches of rain was measured during the month, making it the rainiest month in history.

[edit] See also

• 2005 Atlantic hurricane season
• Michelle Kosinski - A memorable incident where a reporter exaggerated the flooding live on national television.
• New England Flood of May 2006

[edit] Notes

[edit] External links

• The HPC archive for the first event.
• The HPC archive for the second event.