may floods of 2006 in southeast new hampshire and northeast massachusetts rob macedo (kd1cy) ares...

May Floods of 2006 in May Floods of 2006 in Southeast New Hampshire and Southeast New Hampshire and

Northeast MassachusettsNortheast Massachusetts

Rob Macedo (KD1CY) ARES SKYWARN Rob Macedo (KD1CY) ARES SKYWARN Coordinator for NWS Taunton, Director of Operations Coordinator for NWS Taunton, Director of Operations for the VoIP Hurricane Netfor the VoIP Hurricane Net

The Days Before the May FloodsThe Days Before the May Floods On Thursday May 11On Thursday May 11thth, 2006, there was a NWS Taunton constituents , 2006, there was a NWS Taunton constituents

meeting at the weather office for partner organizations and meeting at the weather office for partner organizations and SKYWARN/ARES was included.SKYWARN/ARES was included.

Meeting was called to improve services for the NWS office and was part of a Meeting was called to improve services for the NWS office and was part of a national effort to have these meetings at NWS offices across the country.national effort to have these meetings at NWS offices across the country.

After the meeting, I was briefed on the potential long duration heavy rainfall After the meeting, I was briefed on the potential long duration heavy rainfall event and the potential for significant flooding.event and the potential for significant flooding.

It was unclear that day what area was to be hardest hit.It was unclear that day what area was to be hardest hit. Some thoughts were the Southeast New Hampshire, Northeast Massachusetts Some thoughts were the Southeast New Hampshire, Northeast Massachusetts

corridor.corridor. Other thoughts had possibly Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut Other thoughts had possibly Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut

heavily impacted.heavily impacted. Still other thoughts and analysis had the heaviest rain falling just north of the Still other thoughts and analysis had the heaviest rain falling just north of the

NWS Taunton County Warning area.NWS Taunton County Warning area. Understanding the potential threats, I made sure that all personal items Understanding the potential threats, I made sure that all personal items

were taken care of (Mother’s Day was that weekend) and made sure I was were taken care of (Mother’s Day was that weekend) and made sure I was prepared to handle a long duration activation spanning several days.prepared to handle a long duration activation spanning several days.

Notified several operators at NWS Taunton of the potential threat.Notified several operators at NWS Taunton of the potential threat. Notified Massachusetts State RACES Radio Officer of the potential threat and Notified Massachusetts State RACES Radio Officer of the potential threat and

potential activation plans.potential activation plans. Started Coordination Messages on the potential event Thursday Evening May Started Coordination Messages on the potential event Thursday Evening May

1111thth, 2006 to the SKYWARN email list of over 1,100 people., 2006 to the SKYWARN email list of over 1,100 people.

Day-1 of the SKYWARN ActivationDay-1 of the SKYWARN Activation

SKYWARN was activated with Ops at NWS Taunton station, SKYWARN was activated with Ops at NWS Taunton station, WX1BOX, at 4 PM Friday May 12WX1BOX, at 4 PM Friday May 12thth, 2006 as 2-4” with isolated , 2006 as 2-4” with isolated rainfall amounts as high as 6” occurred in Western Massachusetts rainfall amounts as high as 6” occurred in Western Massachusetts and Northwest Connecticut.and Northwest Connecticut.

Activation efforts were led by Rob-KD1CY and Steve Silverstre-Activation efforts were led by Rob-KD1CY and Steve Silverstre-KB1NARKB1NAR

Small stream and urban flooding was reported in Newington and Small stream and urban flooding was reported in Newington and Burlington, CT from Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters.Burlington, CT from Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters.

SKYWARN was active on the 146.790-Vernon, CT Repeater. The SKYWARN was active on the 146.790-Vernon, CT Repeater. The repeater is too far to hit via RF from NWS Taunton so the IRLP node repeater is too far to hit via RF from NWS Taunton so the IRLP node on that repeater was utilized.on that repeater was utilized.

The New England Reflector system IRLP reflector 9123/EchoLink The New England Reflector system IRLP reflector 9123/EchoLink *NEW-ENG* conference server node: 9123 was utilized during the *NEW-ENG* conference server node: 9123 was utilized during the activation.activation.

Activation was secured at 9 PM as heavier rain moved north and Activation was secured at 9 PM as heavier rain moved north and east of the area currently impacted. This was earlier than the 11 PM east of the area currently impacted. This was earlier than the 11 PM timeframe given in a coordination message to spotters.timeframe given in a coordination message to spotters.

Rainfall Reports Day-1Rainfall Reports Day-1 CONNECTICUTCONNECTICUT

...HARTFORD COUNTY......HARTFORD COUNTY... BURLINGTON 5.18 454 PM 5/12 SPOTTER SPOTTERBURLINGTON 5.18 454 PM 5/12 SPOTTER SPOTTER AVON 3.64 515 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIOAVON 3.64 515 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIO BERLIN 3.58 1230 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIOBERLIN 3.58 1230 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIO SOUTHINGTON 3.38 1230 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIOSOUTHINGTON 3.38 1230 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIO NEWINGTON 3.32 505 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIONEWINGTON 3.32 505 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIO WEST HARTFORD 3.17 530 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIOWEST HARTFORD 3.17 530 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIO CANTON 3.08 515 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIOCANTON 3.08 515 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIO ROCKY HILL 3.03 430 PM 5/12 SPOTTER SPOTTERROCKY HILL 3.03 430 PM 5/12 SPOTTER SPOTTER HARTLAND 2.70 445 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIOHARTLAND 2.70 445 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIO WETHERSFIELD 2.30 540 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIOWETHERSFIELD 2.30 540 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIO MARLBOROUGH 2.26 515 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIOMARLBOROUGH 2.26 515 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIO BLOOMFIELD 2.11 445 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIOBLOOMFIELD 2.11 445 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIO ...TOLLAND COUNTY......TOLLAND COUNTY... TOLLAND 2.40 450 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIOTOLLAND 2.40 450 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIO Source was Public Information Statement from NWS and Storm logs Source was Public Information Statement from NWS and Storm logs

captured from activation at NWS Taunton.captured from activation at NWS Taunton.

Rainfall Reports Day-1 Cont’dRainfall Reports Day-1 Cont’d MASSACHUSETTSMASSACHUSETTS

...HAMPDEN COUNTY......HAMPDEN COUNTY... GRANVILLE 2.75 330 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIOGRANVILLE 2.75 330 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIO SOUTHWICK 2.60 510 PM 5/12 SPOTTER SPOTTERSOUTHWICK 2.60 510 PM 5/12 SPOTTER SPOTTER

...HAMPSHIRE COUNTY......HAMPSHIRE COUNTY... GOSHEN 2.40 250 PM 5/12 SPOTTER SPOTTERGOSHEN 2.40 250 PM 5/12 SPOTTER SPOTTER WESTHAMPTON 2.30 400 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIOWESTHAMPTON 2.30 400 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIO WILLIAMSBURG 2.00 240 PM 5/12 SPOTTER SPOTTERWILLIAMSBURG 2.00 240 PM 5/12 SPOTTER SPOTTER

RHODE ISLANDRHODE ISLAND ...WASHINGTON COUNTY......WASHINGTON COUNTY... CHARLESTOWN 2.00 515 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIOCHARLESTOWN 2.00 515 PM 5/12 SPOTTER HAM RADIO Source was Public Information Statement from NWS and Storm logs Source was Public Information Statement from NWS and Storm logs

captured from activation at NWS Taunton.captured from activation at NWS Taunton.

Day-2 of SKYWARN ActivationDay-2 of SKYWARN Activation

Headlines from Storm Coordination Message #2:Headlines from Storm Coordination Message #2:

…….Threat for Heavy Rainfall and Potential Flooding Shifts Eastward…...Threat for Heavy Rainfall and Potential Flooding Shifts Eastward….. …….The Flood Watch for Western Massachusetts, Northern Connecticut and .The Flood Watch for Western Massachusetts, Northern Connecticut and

Central and Southern Rhode Island has been cancelled….Central and Southern Rhode Island has been cancelled…. …….A Flood Watch Continues for Southern New Hampshire, Northern Rhode .A Flood Watch Continues for Southern New Hampshire, Northern Rhode

Island and Central and Eastern Massachusetts except for Cape Cod and Island and Central and Eastern Massachusetts except for Cape Cod and the Islands through late tonight. The region under the flood watch has the the Islands through late tonight. The region under the flood watch has the potential for 2-4” of rain with isolated 5-7” amounts remaining possible. This potential for 2-4” of rain with isolated 5-7” amounts remaining possible. This would be enough rain to cause the potential for moderate flooding with the would be enough rain to cause the potential for moderate flooding with the greatest threat in Southern New Hampshire and Northeast Massachusetts greatest threat in Southern New Hampshire and Northeast Massachusetts but other parts of the flood watch area may still be affected….but other parts of the flood watch area may still be affected….

…….SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will resume between .SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will resume between 930-10 AM through late tonight as required for the Flood Watch area. 930-10 AM through late tonight as required for the Flood Watch area. ARES/RACES groups in the Flood Watch area should monitor the situation ARES/RACES groups in the Flood Watch area should monitor the situation and seek advice from their leadership on any activation plans….and seek advice from their leadership on any activation plans….

…….State EOC at MEMA Framingham to activate RACES Operations at 11 .State EOC at MEMA Framingham to activate RACES Operations at 11 AM Saturday….AM Saturday….

Day-2 of SKYWARN Activation Day-2 of SKYWARN Activation Cont’dCont’d

SKYWARN activated at 10 AM Saturday May 13SKYWARN activated at 10 AM Saturday May 13thth, 2006 as flooding , 2006 as flooding shifted eastward.shifted eastward.

Rob-KD1CY had to go to New England Weather Net and give a Rob-KD1CY had to go to New England Weather Net and give a SKYWARN presentation in Portsmouth, NH.SKYWARN presentation in Portsmouth, NH.

Rob-KD1CY spotted flooding on his way back from Portsmouth, NH Rob-KD1CY spotted flooding on his way back from Portsmouth, NH where water from a river/stream was covering a low area of Route 1 where water from a river/stream was covering a low area of Route 1 in Seabrook, NH. If rain continued road would soon become in Seabrook, NH. If rain continued road would soon become impassable in that area.impassable in that area.

Carl Aveni-N1FY and Phil McLaughlin-KB1CYO covered operations Carl Aveni-N1FY and Phil McLaughlin-KB1CYO covered operations at NWS Taunton from approximately 10 AM-5 PM with Rob-KD1CY at NWS Taunton from approximately 10 AM-5 PM with Rob-KD1CY joining Phil-KB1CYO at WX1BOX-NWS Taunton.joining Phil-KB1CYO at WX1BOX-NWS Taunton.

Numerous significant flooding reports received in Southeast NH and Numerous significant flooding reports received in Southeast NH and Northeast Massachusetts.Northeast Massachusetts.

Severity of situation escalating as heavy rainfall continued with Severity of situation escalating as heavy rainfall continued with embedded thunderstorms.embedded thunderstorms.

SKYWARN Net secured at 11 PM ET to setup for extended SKYWARN Net secured at 11 PM ET to setup for extended SKYWARN operations during daytime hours Sunday as heavy SKYWARN operations during daytime hours Sunday as heavy rainfall expected to continue for an entire day again Sunday.rainfall expected to continue for an entire day again Sunday.

Sampling of Flood Reports from May 13Sampling of Flood Reports from May 13thth, 2006 , 2006 Local Storm Report from NWS TauntonLocal Storm Report from NWS Taunton

0645 PM FLOOD TOPSFIELD 42.64N 70.96W 0645 PM FLOOD TOPSFIELD 42.64N 70.96W 05/13/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO 05/13/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO

PORTION OF ROUTE 1 CLOSED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS DUE TO A PORTION OF ROUTE 1 CLOSED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS DUE TO A MUDSLIDE.MUDSLIDE.

0830 PM FLOOD MELROSE 42.45N 71.06W 0830 PM FLOOD MELROSE 42.45N 71.06W 05/13/2006 MIDDLESEX MA AMATEUR RADIO 05/13/2006 MIDDLESEX MA AMATEUR RADIO

SEVERAL ROADS CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING INCLUDING TREMONT TOSEVERAL ROADS CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING INCLUDING TREMONT TO MELROSE STREETS AND MELROSE TO WEST EMERSON STREETS. MELROSE STREETS AND MELROSE TO WEST EMERSON STREETS. BASEMENT FLOODING IN SEVERAL HOMES WITH SEWER OVERFLOW. BASEMENT FLOODING IN SEVERAL HOMES WITH SEWER OVERFLOW. SOME APARTMENTS ALSO FLOODED. STATE OF EMERGENCY SOME APARTMENTS ALSO FLOODED. STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED.DECLARED.

0905 PM FLOOD PEABODY 42.53N 70.97W 0905 PM FLOOD PEABODY 42.53N 70.97W 05/13/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO 05/13/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO

FOSTER STREET FLOODED BY TRIBUTARY OF THE NORTH RIVER. FOSTER STREET FLOODED BY TRIBUTARY OF THE NORTH RIVER. FIVE TO SIX STREETS IN PEABODY SQUARE FLOODED...PUMPS FIVE TO SIX STREETS IN PEABODY SQUARE FLOODED...PUMPS BROUGHT IN TO REMOVE WATER.BROUGHT IN TO REMOVE WATER.

Sampling of Rainfall Sampling of Rainfall Reports from Day-2 of the Reports from Day-2 of the

SKYWARN ActivationSKYWARN Activation MASSACHUSETTSMASSACHUSETTS

...ESSEX COUNTY......ESSEX COUNTY... MANCHESTER 5.65 1244 AM 5/14 MANCHESTER 5.65 1244 AM 5/14 LYNN 5.49 800 PM 5/13 HAM RADIOLYNN 5.49 800 PM 5/13 HAM RADIO ROCKPORT 5.07 106 AM 5/14 ROCKPORT 5.07 106 AM 5/14 PEABODY 4.85 805 PM 5/13 HAM RADIOPEABODY 4.85 805 PM 5/13 HAM RADIO LAWRENCE 4.71 114 AM 5/14 ASOSLAWRENCE 4.71 114 AM 5/14 ASOS MARBLEHEAD 4.71 1252 AM 5/14 MARBLEHEAD 4.71 1252 AM 5/14 WEST PEABODY 4.71 805 PM 5/13 HAM RADIOWEST PEABODY 4.71 805 PM 5/13 HAM RADIO ANDOVER 4.58 635 PM 5/13 HAM RADIOANDOVER 4.58 635 PM 5/13 HAM RADIO METHUEN 4.53 1018 PM 5/13 SPOTTERMETHUEN 4.53 1018 PM 5/13 SPOTTER SWAMPSCOTT 4.42 1243 AM 5/14 SWAMPSCOTT 4.42 1243 AM 5/14 TOPSFIELD 4.15 647 PM 5/13 SPOTTERTOPSFIELD 4.15 647 PM 5/13 SPOTTER HAVERHILL 3.70 800 PM 5/13 HAM RADIOHAVERHILL 3.70 800 PM 5/13 HAM RADIO Source Public Information Statement and NWS Taunton storm logs.Source Public Information Statement and NWS Taunton storm logs.

Sampling of Rainfall Reports from Day-2 Sampling of Rainfall Reports from Day-2 of the SKYWARN Activationof the SKYWARN Activation

MASSACHUSETTS CONT’DMASSACHUSETTS CONT’D

...MIDDLESEX COUNTY......MIDDLESEX COUNTY... CAMBRIDGE 4.30 1115 PM 5/13 SPOTTERCAMBRIDGE 4.30 1115 PM 5/13 SPOTTER BILLERICA 4.28 940 PM 5/13 SPOTTERBILLERICA 4.28 940 PM 5/13 SPOTTER CHELMSFORD 4.00 700 PM 5/13 SPOTTERCHELMSFORD 4.00 700 PM 5/13 SPOTTER TEWKSBURY 3.24 755 PM 5/13 HAM RADIOTEWKSBURY 3.24 755 PM 5/13 HAM RADIO MALDEN 3.18 800 PM 5/13 HAM RADIOMALDEN 3.18 800 PM 5/13 HAM RADIO CARLISLE 2.99 805 PM 5/13 HAM RADIOCARLISLE 2.99 805 PM 5/13 HAM RADIO WESTON 2.89 755 PM 5/13 HAM RADIOWESTON 2.89 755 PM 5/13 HAM RADIO

NEW HAMPSHIRENEW HAMPSHIRE

...HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY......HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY... MANCHESTER 5.26 1020 PM 5/13 SPOTTERMANCHESTER 5.26 1020 PM 5/13 SPOTTER GOFFSTOWN 4.86 730 PM 5/13 SPOTTER GOFFSTOWN 4.86 730 PM 5/13 SPOTTER MANCHESTER 4.77 120 AM 5/14 ASOSMANCHESTER 4.77 120 AM 5/14 ASOS NASHUA 3.59 800 PM 5/13 HAM RADIONASHUA 3.59 800 PM 5/13 HAM RADIO Source Public Information Statement and NWS Taunton storm logs.Source Public Information Statement and NWS Taunton storm logs.

Preparing for Day-3 of SKYWARN Preparing for Day-3 of SKYWARN Activation on Sunday 5/14, Mother’s DayActivation on Sunday 5/14, Mother’s Day

It became evident that the situation was rapidly deteriorating over It became evident that the situation was rapidly deteriorating over the Southeast NH, Northeast Massachusetts corridor.the Southeast NH, Northeast Massachusetts corridor.

SKYWARN Activation operations Saturday Evening were secured at SKYWARN Activation operations Saturday Evening were secured at 11 PM.11 PM.

If persistent rainfall continued its feed from all the way down in the If persistent rainfall continued its feed from all the way down in the tropics a potentially dangerous situation would develop.tropics a potentially dangerous situation would develop.

Woke up at 515 AM and saw the feed of heavy rainfall continuing to Woke up at 515 AM and saw the feed of heavy rainfall continuing to affect the same area.affect the same area.

Placed Eastern Massachusetts ARES on stand-by status Placed Eastern Massachusetts ARES on stand-by status indefinitely.indefinitely.

Ramped up SKYWARN Activation Operations for shortly before 7 Ramped up SKYWARN Activation Operations for shortly before 7 AM at NWS Taunton.AM at NWS Taunton.

Gave mom Mother’s Day gift before heading to NWS Taunton Gave mom Mother’s Day gift before heading to NWS Taunton knowing I would not see her for the rest of the day.knowing I would not see her for the rest of the day.

Amateur Radio Operators, Tony Duarte-N1XRS, Steve Silverstre-Amateur Radio Operators, Tony Duarte-N1XRS, Steve Silverstre-KB1NAR and Rob-KD1CY were active much of the day into the KB1NAR and Rob-KD1CY were active much of the day into the evening hours.evening hours.

Day-3 of SKYWARN Activation-Day-3 of SKYWARN Activation-Sunday May 14Sunday May 14thth, 2006, 2006

Widespread significant flooding reported.Widespread significant flooding reported. Apartment complexes flooding and evacuations reported.Apartment complexes flooding and evacuations reported. Shelters opened in many communities across the Northeast Shelters opened in many communities across the Northeast

Massachusetts and Southeast New Hampshire.Massachusetts and Southeast New Hampshire. Nets move from semi-formal to formal net activation mode.Nets move from semi-formal to formal net activation mode. State of Emergency declared in state of Massachusetts to mobilize State of Emergency declared in state of Massachusetts to mobilize

National Guard troops to attempt to alleviate flooded areas.National Guard troops to attempt to alleviate flooded areas. Amateur Operator on local repeater in Danvers evacuates from Amateur Operator on local repeater in Danvers evacuates from

home due to flood waters encompassing her apartment.home due to flood waters encompassing her apartment. Amateur Radio Operator SKYWARN spotters in the field report flood Amateur Radio Operator SKYWARN spotters in the field report flood

conditions and follow-up with pictures that are sent to conditions and follow-up with pictures that are sent to Massachusetts State EOC and NWS Taunton.Massachusetts State EOC and NWS Taunton.

Activity was on the EchoLink/IRLP New England reflector system, Activity was on the EchoLink/IRLP New England reflector system, the 145.47 NSRA (North Shore Radio Association) Danvers the 145.47 NSRA (North Shore Radio Association) Danvers Repeater and several other VHF/UHF repeaters throughout the Repeater and several other VHF/UHF repeaters throughout the entire activation.entire activation.

Sampling of Reports from Sunday Sampling of Reports from Sunday May 14May 14thth, 2006 Local Storm Report, 2006 Local Storm Report

0905 AM FLOOD DANVERS 42.57N 70.95W 0905 AM FLOOD DANVERS 42.57N 70.95W 05/14/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO 05/14/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO

RIVER DRIVE APARTMENTS FLOODED WITH 3-4 INCHES OF WATER. RIVER DRIVE APARTMENTS FLOODED WITH 3-4 INCHES OF WATER. OTHER HOMES IN AREA FLOODED WITH A FEW FEET OF WATER.OTHER HOMES IN AREA FLOODED WITH A FEW FEET OF WATER.

1120 AM FLOOD AMESBURY 42.86N 70.93W 1120 AM FLOOD AMESBURY 42.86N 70.93W 05/14/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO 05/14/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO

CARRIAGE MILL APARTMENTS FLOODED ON THE 1ST FLOOR.CARRIAGE MILL APARTMENTS FLOODED ON THE 1ST FLOOR.

1133 AM FLOOD PEABODY 42.53N 70.97W 1133 AM FLOOD PEABODY 42.53N 70.97W 05/14/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO 05/14/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO

PEABODY SQUARE IS UNDER 5 FEET OF WATER. NUMEROUS ROAD PEABODY SQUARE IS UNDER 5 FEET OF WATER. NUMEROUS ROAD CLOSURES AND BACKYARDS FLOODED. FIRE DEPARTMENT MAKING CLOSURES AND BACKYARDS FLOODED. FIRE DEPARTMENT MAKING SEVERAL RESCUES OF STRANDED PEOPLE. NO INJURIES REPORTED.SEVERAL RESCUES OF STRANDED PEOPLE. NO INJURIES REPORTED.


SHAWS LANE...PEOPLE BEING RESCUED FROM THEIR HOMES. 4 TO SHAWS LANE...PEOPLE BEING RESCUED FROM THEIR HOMES. 4 TO 5 FEET OF WATER.5 FEET OF WATER.



CROWNINSHIELD ELDERLY COMPLEX BEING EVACUATED.CROWNINSHIELD ELDERLY COMPLEX BEING EVACUATED.

1235 PM FLOOD GLOUCESTER 42.62N 70.65W 1235 PM FLOOD GLOUCESTER 42.62N 70.65W 05/14/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO 05/14/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO

POPLAR PARK ELDERLY COMPLEX BEING EVACUATED...POPLAR POPLAR PARK ELDERLY COMPLEX BEING EVACUATED...POPLAR STREET.STREET.

1240 PM FLOOD WOBURN 42.49N 71.16W 1240 PM FLOOD WOBURN 42.49N 71.16W 05/14/2006 MIDDLESEX MA AMATEUR RADIO 05/14/2006 MIDDLESEX MA AMATEUR RADIO

FLOODING OF HOME ON TOTMAN DRIVE...ONE FAMILY EVACUATED.FLOODING OF HOME ON TOTMAN DRIVE...ONE FAMILY EVACUATED.

0135 PM FLOOD HAVERHILL 42.78N 71.09W 0135 PM FLOOD HAVERHILL 42.78N 71.09W 05/14/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO 05/14/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO

A FEW TREES FELL DUE TO WET SOIL...CAUSING A BEAVER DAM A FEW TREES FELL DUE TO WET SOIL...CAUSING A BEAVER DAM TO LET GO...CAUSING SOME DAMAGE TO A SEWER PLANT AND TO LET GO...CAUSING SOME DAMAGE TO A SEWER PLANT AND SEWAGE SPILLING INTO THE MERRIMACK RIVER. ALSO..20 HORSESSEWAGE SPILLING INTO THE MERRIMACK RIVER. ALSO..20 HORSES BEING EVACUATED DUE TO FLOODING.BEING EVACUATED DUE TO FLOODING.


0140 PM FLOOD GOFFSTOWN 43.02N 71.60W 0140 PM FLOOD GOFFSTOWN 43.02N 71.60W 05/14/2006 HILLSBOROUGH NH AMATEUR RADIO 05/14/2006 HILLSBOROUGH NH AMATEUR RADIO

NUMEROUS ROADS CLOSED INCLUDING MAST ROAD AND EAST NUMEROUS ROADS CLOSED INCLUDING MAST ROAD AND EAST DUNBARTON ROAD. EMERGENCY EVACUATIONS OCCURRING DUE TO DUNBARTON ROAD. EMERGENCY EVACUATIONS OCCURRING DUE TO FLOODING OF THE PISCATAQUOG RIVER.FLOODING OF THE PISCATAQUOG RIVER.

0545 PM FLOOD GOFFSTOWN 43.02N 71.60W 0545 PM FLOOD GOFFSTOWN 43.02N 71.60W 05/14/2006 HILLSBOROUGH NH AMATEUR RADIO 05/14/2006 HILLSBOROUGH NH AMATEUR RADIO

ALL ROADS CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCY ALL ROADS CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES. 75 HOMES EVACUATED. WINDING BROOK OUT OF ITS VEHICLES. 75 HOMES EVACUATED. WINDING BROOK OUT OF ITS BANKS. BRIDGE ON ADDISONS ROAD WASHED OUT.BANKS. BRIDGE ON ADDISONS ROAD WASHED OUT.


WATER UP TO THE HOOD OF A VEHICLE ON UPTON STREET. WATER UP TO THE HOOD OF A VEHICLE ON UPTON STREET. EVACUATIONS OCCURRING ON COUNTY ROAD.EVACUATIONS OCCURRING ON COUNTY ROAD.

0940 PM FLOOD MERRIMACK 42.87N 71.48W 0940 PM FLOOD MERRIMACK 42.87N 71.48W 05/14/2006 HILLSBOROUGH NH AMATEUR RADIO 05/14/2006 HILLSBOROUGH NH AMATEUR RADIO

FLOODING FROM SOUHEGAN AND MERRIMACK RIVERS. EVACUATIONS FLOODING FROM SOUHEGAN AND MERRIMACK RIVERS. EVACUATIONS ONGOING.ONGOING.

Day-4 of SKYWARN Day-4 of SKYWARN ActivationActivation Operations for SKYWARN continued into a 4Operations for SKYWARN continued into a 4thth and final and final

day on Monday May 15day on Monday May 15thth for monitoring of flooded areas, for monitoring of flooded areas, ongoing rainfall that gradually subsided and for ongoing rainfall that gradually subsided and for monitoring of dams and flooded conditions to see if the monitoring of dams and flooded conditions to see if the peak of flooding had been obtained.peak of flooding had been obtained.

Operations were led by Carl Aveni-N1FY and Phil Operations were led by Carl Aveni-N1FY and Phil McNamara-N1XTB during the day with Rob Macedo-McNamara-N1XTB during the day with Rob Macedo-KD1CY and Phil McLaughlin-KB1CYO following up that KD1CY and Phil McLaughlin-KB1CYO following up that evening.evening.

Numerous reports of dam failures in the media were Numerous reports of dam failures in the media were refuted by coordination between Hams at the NWS refuted by coordination between Hams at the NWS Taunton Forecast Office and the Massachusetts State Taunton Forecast Office and the Massachusetts State EOC.EOC.

Additional flood reports were obtained throughout the Additional flood reports were obtained throughout the day Monday in what would be the last day of flood day Monday in what would be the last day of flood operations from a SKYWARN perspective.operations from a SKYWARN perspective.

Sampling of reports from Local Storm Sampling of reports from Local Storm Report from Monday May 15Report from Monday May 15thth, 2006, 2006

0815 AM FLOOD IPSWICH 42.68N 70.83W 0815 AM FLOOD IPSWICH 42.68N 70.83W 05/15/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO 05/15/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO

COUNTY ROAD ROUTE 1A AND ROUTE 133 CLOSED NEAR DPW COUNTY ROAD ROUTE 1A AND ROUTE 133 CLOSED NEAR DPW GARAGE. TOPSFIELD ROAD CLOSED AT TOPSFIELD/IPSWICH LINE. GARAGE. TOPSFIELD ROAD CLOSED AT TOPSFIELD/IPSWICH LINE. LIMEBROOK ROAD IN AREA OF BULL BROOK WASHED OUT.LIMEBROOK ROAD IN AREA OF BULL BROOK WASHED OUT.


TWO FEET OF WATER COVERING HARRISON AVENUE. HOMES TWO FEET OF WATER COVERING HARRISON AVENUE. HOMES EVACUATED.EVACUATED.

1239 PM FLOOD LAWRENCE 42.70N 71.16W 1239 PM FLOOD LAWRENCE 42.70N 71.16W 05/15/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO 05/15/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO

PEOPLE TRAPPED IN HOME ON SPRUCE STREET BY RISING FLOOD PEOPLE TRAPPED IN HOME ON SPRUCE STREET BY RISING FLOOD WATERS.WATERS.

Sampling of reports from Local Storm Sampling of reports from Local Storm Report from Monday May 15Report from Monday May 15thth, 2006, 2006

0148 PM FLOOD LYNNFIELD 42.54N 71.04W 0148 PM FLOOD LYNNFIELD 42.54N 71.04W 05/15/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO 05/15/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO

ROUTE 1 FLOODED. CARS UNDERWATER.ROUTE 1 FLOODED. CARS UNDERWATER.

0420 PM FLOOD AMESBURY 42.86N 70.93W 0420 PM FLOOD AMESBURY 42.86N 70.93W 05/15/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO 05/15/2006 ESSEX MA AMATEUR RADIO

DAMAGED DOCK BROKEN LOOSE FROM MCKENSIES MARINA DAMAGED DOCK BROKEN LOOSE FROM MCKENSIES MARINA WITH TWO PEOPLE ON IT. BOTH RESCUED BY GOOD WITH TWO PEOPLE ON IT. BOTH RESCUED BY GOOD SAMARITANS NEARBY.SAMARITANS NEARBY.

Final Rainfall Reports from the EventFinal Rainfall Reports from the Event MASSACHUSETTSMASSACHUSETTS

...ESSEX COUNTY......ESSEX COUNTY... NEWBURYPORT 14.47 921 AM 5/16 CO-OPNEWBURYPORT 14.47 921 AM 5/16 CO-OP SALISBURY 13.36 445 PM 5/15 MAY 2006 18.82SALISBURY 13.36 445 PM 5/15 MAY 2006 18.82 PEABODYPEABODY 12.82 445 PM 5/15 12.82 445 PM 5/15

ROCKPORT 12.64 315 PM 5/15 ROCKPORT 12.64 315 PM 5/15 TOPSFIELD 12.60 503 PM 5/15 SPOTTERTOPSFIELD 12.60 503 PM 5/15 SPOTTER IPSWICH 12.46 515 PM 5/15 IPSWICH 12.46 515 PM 5/15 GLOUCESTER 11.75 1021 AM 5/15 SPOTTERGLOUCESTER 11.75 1021 AM 5/15 SPOTTER SWAMPSCOTT 11.75 1023 AM 5/15 SPOTTERSWAMPSCOTT 11.75 1023 AM 5/15 SPOTTER ANDOVER 11.60 1031 AM 5/15 ANDOVER 11.60 1031 AM 5/15 BEVERLY 11.50 1017 AM 5/16 ASOSBEVERLY 11.50 1017 AM 5/16 ASOS MARBLEHEAD 10.74 812 PM 5/15 SPOTTERMARBLEHEAD 10.74 812 PM 5/15 SPOTTER SALEM 10.68 1019 AM 5/15 SALEM STATE SALEM 10.68 1019 AM 5/15 SALEM STATE METHUEN 9.19 1000 PM 5/15 SPOTTERMETHUEN 9.19 1000 PM 5/15 SPOTTER LAWRENCE 9.06 1017 AM 5/16 ASOSLAWRENCE 9.06 1017 AM 5/16 ASOS Source Public Information Statement and NWS Taunton SKYWARN Storm Source Public Information Statement and NWS Taunton SKYWARN Storm

Logs.Logs.

Final Rainfall Reports from the EventFinal Rainfall Reports from the Event MASSACHUSETTSMASSACHUSETTS

...MIDDLESEX COUNTY......MIDDLESEX COUNTY... WAKEFIELD 11.19 621 PM 5/15 SPOTTERWAKEFIELD 11.19 621 PM 5/15 SPOTTER READING 9.49 334 PM 5/15 MAY 2006 10.90READING 9.49 334 PM 5/15 MAY 2006 10.90 NORTH CAMBRIDGE 8.99 221 PM 5/15 NORTH CAMBRIDGE 8.99 221 PM 5/15 BILLERICA 8.47 1000 PM 5/15 SPOTTERBILLERICA 8.47 1000 PM 5/15 SPOTTER STONEHAM 8.47 727 AM 5/15 SPOTTERSTONEHAM 8.47 727 AM 5/15 SPOTTER BELMONT 7.60 500 PM 5/15 SPOTTERBELMONT 7.60 500 PM 5/15 SPOTTER TYNGSBORO 7.40 123 PM 5/15 TYNGSBORO 7.40 123 PM 5/15 HUDSON 7.36 825 PM 5/15 SPOTTERHUDSON 7.36 825 PM 5/15 SPOTTER LOWELL 7.02 1042 AM 5/15 SPOTTERLOWELL 7.02 1042 AM 5/15 SPOTTER TEWKSBURY 6.38 650 AM 5/15 HAM RADIOTEWKSBURY 6.38 650 AM 5/15 HAM RADIO CHELMSFORD 6.15 703 AM 5/15 SPOTTERCHELMSFORD 6.15 703 AM 5/15 SPOTTER PEPPERELL 5.99 705 PM 5/15 SPOTTERPEPPERELL 5.99 705 PM 5/15 SPOTTER BEDFORD 5.61 1050 AM 5/15 ASOSBEDFORD 5.61 1050 AM 5/15 ASOS AYER 4.86 1039 AM 5/15 AYER 4.86 1039 AM 5/15

Final Rainfall Reports from the EventFinal Rainfall Reports from the Event

NEW HAMPSHIRENEW HAMPSHIRE ...HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY......HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY... MANCHESTER 11.05 1023 AM 5/15 SPOTTERMANCHESTER 11.05 1023 AM 5/15 SPOTTER GOFFSTOWN 10.99 700 AM 5/15 GOFFSTOWN 10.99 700 AM 5/15 MANCHESTER 9.23 1008 AM 5/16 ASOSMANCHESTER 9.23 1008 AM 5/16 ASOS SOUTH WEARE 8.40 625 PM 5/14 SPOTTERSOUTH WEARE 8.40 625 PM 5/14 SPOTTER HUDSON 7.89 1147 AM 5/16 CO-OPHUDSON 7.89 1147 AM 5/16 CO-OP NASHUA 6.90 1007 AM 5/16 AWOSNASHUA 6.90 1007 AM 5/16 AWOS FRANCESTOWN 6.43 655 PM 5/14 CO-OPFRANCESTOWN 6.43 655 PM 5/14 CO-OP

Eastern Massachusetts Eastern Massachusetts ARES Operations in the ARES Operations in the

Recovery PhaseRecovery Phase After dropping back to an informal SKYWARN mode and nearly After dropping back to an informal SKYWARN mode and nearly

clearing the ARES stand-by status, State RACES Radio Officer Tom clearing the ARES stand-by status, State RACES Radio Officer Tom Kinahan-N1CPE calls with a request from Red Cross through State Kinahan-N1CPE calls with a request from Red Cross through State EOC for Hams assistance for Disaster Assessment communications EOC for Hams assistance for Disaster Assessment communications and relief effort communications.and relief effort communications.

North Shore ARES District Emergency Coordinator, Eric Horwitz-North Shore ARES District Emergency Coordinator, Eric Horwitz-KA1NCF and Jim Palmer-KB1KQW activated ARES and deployed KA1NCF and Jim Palmer-KB1KQW activated ARES and deployed over 20 Amateurs for Mass. Bay and Greater Northeast Red Cross over 20 Amateurs for Mass. Bay and Greater Northeast Red Cross chapter operations.chapter operations.

Operations were done on Thursday May 18Operations were done on Thursday May 18 thth, Friday May 19, Friday May 19thth and and Saturday May 20Saturday May 20thth..

Sunday May 21Sunday May 21stst ended up being the first widespread severe ended up being the first widespread severe weather outbreak of the year with a low-topped squall line producing weather outbreak of the year with a low-topped squall line producing hail, wind damage and isolated tornado and waterspouts.hail, wind damage and isolated tornado and waterspouts.

Operations for this event and the severe weather event caused a Operations for this event and the severe weather event caused a nearly 10 day operation for SKYWARN and ARES in Eastern nearly 10 day operation for SKYWARN and ARES in Eastern Massachusetts.Massachusetts.

Pictures are Pictures are worth a 1,000 worth a 1,000

WordsWordsPictures of the May Floods of Pictures of the May Floods of 2006 from across the affected 2006 from across the affected

area as well as ARES area as well as ARES Operations.Operations.

May Floods of 2006 SummaryMay Floods of 2006 Summary

May Floods of 2006 impacted Southeast New Hampshire and Northeast Massachusetts from May 13th-15th 2006.

Was declared a federal disaster area and recovery efforts continue even today.

Amateur Radio Operators played a significant role using Amateur Radio, Web EOC, phone, FAX, email and all communication resources to support the disaster for the National Weather Service, Red Cross and Massachusetts Emergency Management. Amateur Radio Operators lauded by MEMA officials as providing

“disaster intelligence” for the situation. NWS Hydrologist, Nicole Belk, gives high praise to Amateur Radio

Operators stating that NWS relied heavily on Hams to provide information with Emergency Management and Public Safety busy handling the first response to the disaster.

Over 350 Amateur Radio reports collected over the 3 day period on flooding and rainfall.

Amateur Radio responsible for 98% of the reports received at NWS Taunton.

Over 100 Amateurs participated in ARES/RACES/SKYWARN/MARS Operation.

May Floods of 2006 SummaryMay Floods of 2006 Summary High level Summary of the May Floods of 2006 Operation

21 Amateurs participated in the Red Cross Recovery Phase operation for Mass. Bay/Northeast Red Cross

12 Amateurs participated at the Massachusetts Region 1 Headquarters 6 Amateurs participated at the NWS Taunton Forecast Office 5 Amateurs participated at the Massachusetts State EOC 44 Total Amateurs participated and deployed from official agencies. 60 Amateurs participated in North Shore ARES-SKYWARN Operations 104 Total Amateurs participated in the operation. 263 Flood Reports were received from Amateur Radio Operators in

Massachusetts 58 Rainfall reports were received from Amateur Radio Operators in

Massachusetts 321 Total Flood and Rainfall Reports in Massachusetts 36 Flood reports were received from Amateur Radio Operators in New

Hampshire 6 Rainfall reports were received from Amateur Radio Operators in New

Hampshire 42 Total Flood and Rainfall Reports in New Hampshire 363 Total Flood and rainfall reports in Massachusetts and New

Hampshire

For More Information on For More Information on the May Floods of 2006the May Floods of 2006

For more information on the May Floods of 2006, visit For more information on the May Floods of 2006, visit the following web sites:the following web sites:

Eastern Massachusetts ARES web site: Eastern Massachusetts ARES web site: http://ares.ema.arrl.orghttp://ares.ema.arrl.org

North Shore Radio Association Floods of 2006 web North Shore Radio Association Floods of 2006 web page: page: http://nsradio.org/SKYWARN/flood06.htmhttp://nsradio.org/SKYWARN/flood06.htm

may floods of 2006 in southeast new hampshire and northeast massachusetts rob macedo (kd1cy) ares...

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