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On August 28, 2011 Tropical Storm Irene made landfall in New England, leading to coastal storm surge, significant riverine flooding, sediment transport to Long Island Sound, and major infrastructure damage and destruction. Ten years later, the USGS New England Water Science Center looks back at Irene, the data collected by our Center during the event, the response by our employees before, during and after the event, and how the event changed the way we do business.
The "Tropical Storm Irene 2011 Flood" geonarrative examines the impact of Tropical Storm Irene and the role of USGS monitoring and science in identifying, understanding, and mitigating flood risks.
For many New Englanders, August of 2011 may not seem that memorable. For others, it's remembered as the month that Tropical Storm Irene permanently changed the landscape in their hometown. Follow us on Facebook through the #21DaysofIrene.
On August 28, 2011 Tropical Storm Irene reached the coast of New England and traversed through western Connecticut and Massachusetts and then along the New Hampshire/Vermont border and eventually exited New England through northern Maine. Irene was downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm prior to reaching New England as winds subsided to approximately 55 mph, and again downgraded to an extratropical storm as winds dropped to near 45 mph. Irene caused coastal damage in western Connecticut due to the storm surge associated with the high winds and significant damage to roadways, bridges, and other infrastructure due to the tremendous amounts of rainfall during the storm. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) New England Water Science Center responded to the storm surge and severe flooding caused by Irene before, during, and after the storm by monitoring tidal storm surge and collecting measurements of river stage and discharge. In some cases, there was record-breaking river stage elevations and associated discharge, especially in Vermont and western New Hampshire.
Leading up to the 10-year anniversary of Tropical Storm Irene the New England Water Science Center posted numerous photographs and other content to highlight the historical significance of the storm and the response by the USGS New England Water Science Center. Additionally, we posted content on our Facebook page using the hashtag #21DaysofIrene.
We focus on the preparation for the storm and some of the coastal and riverine flooding caused by the storm. Preparation was primarily deploying storm surge sensors along New England’s coastline and getting teams ready to go into the field to get discharge measurements of flooding rivers throughout the most impacted areas of New England.
We also feature continued USGS New England Water Science Center response during and after the storm, as well as lessons learned and how USGS has changed their way of responding to this type of storm event.
Below are other science projects associated with this information.
Below are multimedia items associated with this information.
USGS station ID 01075000 Pemigewasset River at Woodstock, New Hampshire. The high-water mark monument was installed in May 2021, and shows the peak for the period of record at this gage was from Tropical Storm Irene. It still remains the highest peak to this day.
USGS station ID 01075000 Pemigewasset River at Woodstock, New Hampshire. The high-water mark monument was installed in May 2021, and shows the peak for the period of record at this gage was from Tropical Storm Irene. It still remains the highest peak to this day.
The impacts of Tropical Storm Irene lingered on long after the storm. This photo shows the Green River in Great Barrington, Massachusetts (USGS station ID 01198000) and was taken on May 14, 2012, almost a year after Irene. This tree was lodged under the Hurlburt Rd.
The impacts of Tropical Storm Irene lingered on long after the storm. This photo shows the Green River in Great Barrington, Massachusetts (USGS station ID 01198000) and was taken on May 14, 2012, almost a year after Irene. This tree was lodged under the Hurlburt Rd.
A debris line was left on the ground where the river reached its peak at USGS station ID 010642505 Saco River at Bartlett, New Hampshire. This is a type of High-Water Mark that was flagged for an indirect measurement of discharge.
A debris line was left on the ground where the river reached its peak at USGS station ID 010642505 Saco River at Bartlett, New Hampshire. This is a type of High-Water Mark that was flagged for an indirect measurement of discharge.
The channel at Roaring Brook needed reconstruction after Irene devastated the river system due to the immense rainfall. This image was taken looking upstream from Route 7 (North St) crossing in Bennington, Vermont.
The channel at Roaring Brook needed reconstruction after Irene devastated the river system due to the immense rainfall. This image was taken looking upstream from Route 7 (North St) crossing in Bennington, Vermont.
Before Irene reached New England, the USGS New England Water Science Center had to make sure our boats were running properly in anticipation of making discharge measurements in the larger rivers. In some cases, we had to get permission ahead of time to use boat ramps that were closed to the public.
Before Irene reached New England, the USGS New England Water Science Center had to make sure our boats were running properly in anticipation of making discharge measurements in the larger rivers. In some cases, we had to get permission ahead of time to use boat ramps that were closed to the public.
This photo taken on August 30, 2011 shows what used to be the parking lot where we parked our field vehicle during a previous deployment. The rocks in the forefront used to be part of the paved parking lot that was largely destroyed during Irene.
This photo taken on August 30, 2011 shows what used to be the parking lot where we parked our field vehicle during a previous deployment. The rocks in the forefront used to be part of the paved parking lot that was largely destroyed during Irene.
A High-Water Mark (HWM) at USGS station ID 01150900 Ottauquechee River at West Bridgewater, Vermont was observed at an undesirable location. It was inside the gage house and above the equipment, which was destroyed!
A High-Water Mark (HWM) at USGS station ID 01150900 Ottauquechee River at West Bridgewater, Vermont was observed at an undesirable location. It was inside the gage house and above the equipment, which was destroyed!
This photograph of the White River near West Hartford, Vermont (USGS station ID 01144000, gage on the left) was taken on August 29, 2011 and is looking upstream towards the USGS gage.
This photograph of the White River near West Hartford, Vermont (USGS station ID 01144000, gage on the left) was taken on August 29, 2011 and is looking upstream towards the USGS gage.
USGS station ID 01150900 Ottauquechee River at West Bridgewater, Vermont. Bridge and road damage was substantial throughout New England due to the intense rainfall. Amazingly, the USGS gage survived the storm!
USGS station ID 01150900 Ottauquechee River at West Bridgewater, Vermont. Bridge and road damage was substantial throughout New England due to the intense rainfall. Amazingly, the USGS gage survived the storm!
USGS station ID 01144000 White River near West Hartford, Vermont. Rainfall from Irene led to flooding throughout New England including here where floodwaters damaged Route 14. Note the debris line on the bridge rail, which is the river’s peak from the storm!
USGS station ID 01144000 White River near West Hartford, Vermont. Rainfall from Irene led to flooding throughout New England including here where floodwaters damaged Route 14. Note the debris line on the bridge rail, which is the river’s peak from the storm!
USGS station ID 01075000 Pemigewasset River at Woodstock, New Hampshire. Onlookers observing the flooded river on August 28, 2011 from just across the gage house. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/01075000/
USGS station ID 01075000 Pemigewasset River at Woodstock, New Hampshire. Onlookers observing the flooded river on August 28, 2011 from just across the gage house. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/01075000/
USGS station ID 01077400 Cockermouth River near Groton, New Hampshire. On August 28, 2011, during Irene the river jumped its banks upstream of this road crossing at North Groton Rd. due to the significant rainfall during the storm.
USGS station ID 01077400 Cockermouth River near Groton, New Hampshire. On August 28, 2011, during Irene the river jumped its banks upstream of this road crossing at North Groton Rd. due to the significant rainfall during the storm.
USGS hydrologist pointing to the location of a storm surge sensor deployment near the mouth of the Housatonic River in Stratford, CT at the Sikorsky aircraft facility on August 27, 2011.
USGS hydrologist pointing to the location of a storm surge sensor deployment near the mouth of the Housatonic River in Stratford, CT at the Sikorsky aircraft facility on August 27, 2011.
USGS hydrologist holding a dry erase board to identify the storm surge sensor location deployment on August 27, 2011. The sensor is strapped to the back of a dock piling on the Saugatuck River in Westport, CT owned by the Saugatuck River Rowing Club.
USGS hydrologist holding a dry erase board to identify the storm surge sensor location deployment on August 27, 2011. The sensor is strapped to the back of a dock piling on the Saugatuck River in Westport, CT owned by the Saugatuck River Rowing Club.
In anticipation of coastal tidal storm surge from high winds associated with Tropical Storm Irene, USGS deployed a series of storm surge sensors along the New England coastline to monitor the severity of storm surge.
In anticipation of coastal tidal storm surge from high winds associated with Tropical Storm Irene, USGS deployed a series of storm surge sensors along the New England coastline to monitor the severity of storm surge.
Another deployment type prior to Irene was a Rapid Deployment Gage established along Interstate 95 on Taylor River in Hampton, New Hampshire on August 26, 2011. The gage was installed to monitor river stage for potential flooding of the Interstate.
Another deployment type prior to Irene was a Rapid Deployment Gage established along Interstate 95 on Taylor River in Hampton, New Hampshire on August 26, 2011. The gage was installed to monitor river stage for potential flooding of the Interstate.
USGS station ID 01199000 Housatonic River at Falls Village, CT, the top photo is the river at a “normal” flow on March 30, 2017, and the bottom picture is the river on August 29, 2011, the day after Irene hit New England. This station is located at the outflow of a hydroelect
USGS station ID 01199000 Housatonic River at Falls Village, CT, the top photo is the river at a “normal” flow on March 30, 2017, and the bottom picture is the river on August 29, 2011, the day after Irene hit New England. This station is located at the outflow of a hydroelect
On August 28, 2011 Tropical Storm Irene made landfall in New England, leading to coastal storm surge, significant riverine flooding, sediment transport to Long Island Sound, and major infrastructure damage and destruction. Ten years later, the USGS New England Water Science Center looks back at Irene, the data collected by our Center during the event, the response by our employees before, during and after the event, and how the event changed the way we do business.
The "Tropical Storm Irene 2011 Flood" geonarrative examines the impact of Tropical Storm Irene and the role of USGS monitoring and science in identifying, understanding, and mitigating flood risks.
For many New Englanders, August of 2011 may not seem that memorable. For others, it's remembered as the month that Tropical Storm Irene permanently changed the landscape in their hometown. Follow us on Facebook through the #21DaysofIrene.
On August 28, 2011 Tropical Storm Irene reached the coast of New England and traversed through western Connecticut and Massachusetts and then along the New Hampshire/Vermont border and eventually exited New England through northern Maine. Irene was downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm prior to reaching New England as winds subsided to approximately 55 mph, and again downgraded to an extratropical storm as winds dropped to near 45 mph. Irene caused coastal damage in western Connecticut due to the storm surge associated with the high winds and significant damage to roadways, bridges, and other infrastructure due to the tremendous amounts of rainfall during the storm. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) New England Water Science Center responded to the storm surge and severe flooding caused by Irene before, during, and after the storm by monitoring tidal storm surge and collecting measurements of river stage and discharge. In some cases, there was record-breaking river stage elevations and associated discharge, especially in Vermont and western New Hampshire.
Leading up to the 10-year anniversary of Tropical Storm Irene the New England Water Science Center posted numerous photographs and other content to highlight the historical significance of the storm and the response by the USGS New England Water Science Center. Additionally, we posted content on our Facebook page using the hashtag #21DaysofIrene.
We focus on the preparation for the storm and some of the coastal and riverine flooding caused by the storm. Preparation was primarily deploying storm surge sensors along New England’s coastline and getting teams ready to go into the field to get discharge measurements of flooding rivers throughout the most impacted areas of New England.
We also feature continued USGS New England Water Science Center response during and after the storm, as well as lessons learned and how USGS has changed their way of responding to this type of storm event.
Below are other science projects associated with this information.
Below are multimedia items associated with this information.
USGS station ID 01075000 Pemigewasset River at Woodstock, New Hampshire. The high-water mark monument was installed in May 2021, and shows the peak for the period of record at this gage was from Tropical Storm Irene. It still remains the highest peak to this day.
USGS station ID 01075000 Pemigewasset River at Woodstock, New Hampshire. The high-water mark monument was installed in May 2021, and shows the peak for the period of record at this gage was from Tropical Storm Irene. It still remains the highest peak to this day.
The impacts of Tropical Storm Irene lingered on long after the storm. This photo shows the Green River in Great Barrington, Massachusetts (USGS station ID 01198000) and was taken on May 14, 2012, almost a year after Irene. This tree was lodged under the Hurlburt Rd.
The impacts of Tropical Storm Irene lingered on long after the storm. This photo shows the Green River in Great Barrington, Massachusetts (USGS station ID 01198000) and was taken on May 14, 2012, almost a year after Irene. This tree was lodged under the Hurlburt Rd.
A debris line was left on the ground where the river reached its peak at USGS station ID 010642505 Saco River at Bartlett, New Hampshire. This is a type of High-Water Mark that was flagged for an indirect measurement of discharge.
A debris line was left on the ground where the river reached its peak at USGS station ID 010642505 Saco River at Bartlett, New Hampshire. This is a type of High-Water Mark that was flagged for an indirect measurement of discharge.
The channel at Roaring Brook needed reconstruction after Irene devastated the river system due to the immense rainfall. This image was taken looking upstream from Route 7 (North St) crossing in Bennington, Vermont.
The channel at Roaring Brook needed reconstruction after Irene devastated the river system due to the immense rainfall. This image was taken looking upstream from Route 7 (North St) crossing in Bennington, Vermont.
Before Irene reached New England, the USGS New England Water Science Center had to make sure our boats were running properly in anticipation of making discharge measurements in the larger rivers. In some cases, we had to get permission ahead of time to use boat ramps that were closed to the public.
Before Irene reached New England, the USGS New England Water Science Center had to make sure our boats were running properly in anticipation of making discharge measurements in the larger rivers. In some cases, we had to get permission ahead of time to use boat ramps that were closed to the public.
This photo taken on August 30, 2011 shows what used to be the parking lot where we parked our field vehicle during a previous deployment. The rocks in the forefront used to be part of the paved parking lot that was largely destroyed during Irene.
This photo taken on August 30, 2011 shows what used to be the parking lot where we parked our field vehicle during a previous deployment. The rocks in the forefront used to be part of the paved parking lot that was largely destroyed during Irene.
A High-Water Mark (HWM) at USGS station ID 01150900 Ottauquechee River at West Bridgewater, Vermont was observed at an undesirable location. It was inside the gage house and above the equipment, which was destroyed!
A High-Water Mark (HWM) at USGS station ID 01150900 Ottauquechee River at West Bridgewater, Vermont was observed at an undesirable location. It was inside the gage house and above the equipment, which was destroyed!
This photograph of the White River near West Hartford, Vermont (USGS station ID 01144000, gage on the left) was taken on August 29, 2011 and is looking upstream towards the USGS gage.
This photograph of the White River near West Hartford, Vermont (USGS station ID 01144000, gage on the left) was taken on August 29, 2011 and is looking upstream towards the USGS gage.
USGS station ID 01150900 Ottauquechee River at West Bridgewater, Vermont. Bridge and road damage was substantial throughout New England due to the intense rainfall. Amazingly, the USGS gage survived the storm!
USGS station ID 01150900 Ottauquechee River at West Bridgewater, Vermont. Bridge and road damage was substantial throughout New England due to the intense rainfall. Amazingly, the USGS gage survived the storm!
USGS station ID 01144000 White River near West Hartford, Vermont. Rainfall from Irene led to flooding throughout New England including here where floodwaters damaged Route 14. Note the debris line on the bridge rail, which is the river’s peak from the storm!
USGS station ID 01144000 White River near West Hartford, Vermont. Rainfall from Irene led to flooding throughout New England including here where floodwaters damaged Route 14. Note the debris line on the bridge rail, which is the river’s peak from the storm!
USGS station ID 01075000 Pemigewasset River at Woodstock, New Hampshire. Onlookers observing the flooded river on August 28, 2011 from just across the gage house. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/01075000/
USGS station ID 01075000 Pemigewasset River at Woodstock, New Hampshire. Onlookers observing the flooded river on August 28, 2011 from just across the gage house. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/01075000/
USGS station ID 01077400 Cockermouth River near Groton, New Hampshire. On August 28, 2011, during Irene the river jumped its banks upstream of this road crossing at North Groton Rd. due to the significant rainfall during the storm.
USGS station ID 01077400 Cockermouth River near Groton, New Hampshire. On August 28, 2011, during Irene the river jumped its banks upstream of this road crossing at North Groton Rd. due to the significant rainfall during the storm.
USGS hydrologist pointing to the location of a storm surge sensor deployment near the mouth of the Housatonic River in Stratford, CT at the Sikorsky aircraft facility on August 27, 2011.
USGS hydrologist pointing to the location of a storm surge sensor deployment near the mouth of the Housatonic River in Stratford, CT at the Sikorsky aircraft facility on August 27, 2011.
USGS hydrologist holding a dry erase board to identify the storm surge sensor location deployment on August 27, 2011. The sensor is strapped to the back of a dock piling on the Saugatuck River in Westport, CT owned by the Saugatuck River Rowing Club.
USGS hydrologist holding a dry erase board to identify the storm surge sensor location deployment on August 27, 2011. The sensor is strapped to the back of a dock piling on the Saugatuck River in Westport, CT owned by the Saugatuck River Rowing Club.
In anticipation of coastal tidal storm surge from high winds associated with Tropical Storm Irene, USGS deployed a series of storm surge sensors along the New England coastline to monitor the severity of storm surge.
In anticipation of coastal tidal storm surge from high winds associated with Tropical Storm Irene, USGS deployed a series of storm surge sensors along the New England coastline to monitor the severity of storm surge.
Another deployment type prior to Irene was a Rapid Deployment Gage established along Interstate 95 on Taylor River in Hampton, New Hampshire on August 26, 2011. The gage was installed to monitor river stage for potential flooding of the Interstate.
Another deployment type prior to Irene was a Rapid Deployment Gage established along Interstate 95 on Taylor River in Hampton, New Hampshire on August 26, 2011. The gage was installed to monitor river stage for potential flooding of the Interstate.
USGS station ID 01199000 Housatonic River at Falls Village, CT, the top photo is the river at a “normal” flow on March 30, 2017, and the bottom picture is the river on August 29, 2011, the day after Irene hit New England. This station is located at the outflow of a hydroelect
USGS station ID 01199000 Housatonic River at Falls Village, CT, the top photo is the river at a “normal” flow on March 30, 2017, and the bottom picture is the river on August 29, 2011, the day after Irene hit New England. This station is located at the outflow of a hydroelect