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Flash Flood — Essex, MA

Jul 23, 2020

Flood Cause
Heavy Rain

A short-wave trough approached the region aloft while a pre-frontal trough moved into the area at the surface. producing severe thunderstorms in the afternoon. Dewpoints were between 70 and 75, providing ample moisture. With only marginal shear, the storms were slow-moving and produced torrential downpours, which led to significant flooding, especially in urban areas of northeast Massachusetts.

Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 908363). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.

Flood Risk Context for Essex, MA

This event is one of many recorded floods in Essex County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.

View Essex County flood data →

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