Event Summary

Two low pressure systems formed along a front over the Southeast U.S. One low formed over the Western Gulf of Mexico and another formed off the Southeast U.S. Coast. As both lows moved north-northeast, they intensified. A strong moist east wind flow developed ahead of the approaching strong warm front. This system produced widespread heavy rainfall including thunderstorms that caused widespread urban and small stream flooding across the region. Many low-lying and poor drainage areas, including streets were flooded throughout the area. For example, significant street flooding occurred on Wellwood Ave. in North Lindenhurst (Nassau County) and on Riverside Ave. in Amityville (Suffolk County). Rainfall began around noon on March 8th and became heavy producing flooding by the times indicated above. This system also produced strong wind gusts from 40 to 50 mph that in combination with the heavy rain caused some tree limbs to fall along with scattered power outages. Here are selected rainfall amounts: o For Rockland County, from 1.44 inches at Suffern to 2.38 inches at Nanuet. o For New York City, from 2.30 inches at Central Park to 2.73 inches at LaGuardia Airport. For March 9th at Central Park, a new daily rainfall record was set. o For Nassau County, from 2.62 inches at Levitown to 3.04 inches at Sea Cliff. o For Suffolk County, from 3.21 inches at Bridgehampton to 4.49 inches at the NWS Office at Upton.