Characterization of peak streamflows and flooding in select areas of Pennsylvania from the remnants of Hurricane Ida, September 1–2, 2021
Pennsylvania experienced heavy rainfall on September 1 and 2, 2021, as the remnants of Hurricane Ida swept over parts of the State. Much of eastern and south-central Pennsylvania received 5 to 10 inches of rain, and most of the rainfall fell within little more than 6 hours. Southeastern Pennsylvania experienced widespread, substantial flooding, and the city of Philadelphia and surrounding areas were particularly affected by the flooding. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamgages registered peak streamflows of record at 19 locations, and 52 locations experienced top 5 peak streamflows for the period of record and an annual exceedance probability estimate of at least 10 percent. During this September 2021 flood event, USGS personnel made over 60 streamflow measurements at streamgages in Pennsylvania using direct and indirect methods. Many of those streamflow measurements were made to verify or improve the accuracy, extent, or development of new stage-streamflow relations at streamgages operated by the USGS. After the floodwaters receded, USGS personnel identified and documented a total of 338 high-water marks in Pennsylvania, noting such things as their general description, location, height above land surface, and quality. Many of these high-water marks were used to create five flood-documentation maps for selected communities in southeastern Pennsylvania that experienced substantial flooding because of the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Digital datasets of the inundated areas, mapped boundaries, and water depth are available (Stuckey and Conlon, 2023).
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2023 |
---|---|
Title | Characterization of peak streamflows and flooding in select areas of Pennsylvania from the remnants of Hurricane Ida, September 1–2, 2021 |
DOI | 10.3133/sir20235086 |
Authors | Marla H. Stuckey, Matthew D. Conlon, Mitchell R. Weaver |
Publication Type | Report |
Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
Series Title | Scientific Investigations Report |
Series Number | 2023-5086 |
Index ID | sir20235086 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Pennsylvania Water Science Center |
Related
Data in support of peak streamflows and flooding in select areas of Pennsylvania from the remnants of Hurricane Ida, September 1-2, 2021
Hurricane Ida: USGS Response in Pennsylvania to September 1-2, 2021, Flooding Related to Remnants of Hurricane Ida
This geonarrative is an interactive online presentation of the USGS Pennsylvania Water Science Center's data collection efforts related to Hurricane Ida. This geonarrative includes a summary of the storm in Pennsylvania, USGS data collection methods, embedded interactive maps of flood extents in 5 southeastern Pennsylvania localities, and visual depictions of the storm’s impact across the state.
Related
Data in support of peak streamflows and flooding in select areas of Pennsylvania from the remnants of Hurricane Ida, September 1-2, 2021
Hurricane Ida: USGS Response in Pennsylvania to September 1-2, 2021, Flooding Related to Remnants of Hurricane Ida
This geonarrative is an interactive online presentation of the USGS Pennsylvania Water Science Center's data collection efforts related to Hurricane Ida. This geonarrative includes a summary of the storm in Pennsylvania, USGS data collection methods, embedded interactive maps of flood extents in 5 southeastern Pennsylvania localities, and visual depictions of the storm’s impact across the state.