Chesapeake Bay at Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (IN MLLW)
Stage at this gauge is reported IN MLLW.
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 4.5 ft; minor flooding begins at 5.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 5.5 ft; major flooding begins at 6.0 ft.
| Action stage | 4.5 ft |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 5.0 ft |
| Moderate flooding | 5.5 ft |
| Major flooding | 6.0 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 6.5 ft on Sep 6, 2019 (historic crest)
- 6.5 ft on Jan 3, 2022 (historic crest)
- 6.4 ft on Oct 12, 2025 (historic crest)
- 6.2 ft on Sep 16, 2025 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 5.0 ft | Shallow flooding is expected in the most vulnerable locations near the waterfront and shoreline resulting in a low threat of property damage. Expect up to one foot of water above ground level in low lying, vulnerable areas. Some roads and low lying property including parking lots, parks and lawns near the waterfront will experience shallow flooding. |
|---|---|
| 5.5 ft | Widespread flooding of vulnerable areas will result in an elevated threat of property damage to homes and businesses near the waterfront and shoreline. Water will be 1 to 2 feet above ground level in some areas resulting in a sufficient depth to close numerous roads and threaten homes and businesses. Flooding will extend inland from the waterfront along tidal rivers and bays resulting in some road closures and flooding of vehicles. |
| 6.0 ft | Severe flooding will cause extensive inundation and flooding of numerous roads and buildings resulting in a significant threat to property and life. Water will be 2 to 3 feet or more above ground level in some areas. Severe flooding will extend inland from the waterfront and shoreline flooding homes, businesses and isolating some neighborhoods. Numerous roads will be impassable under several feet of water and cars submerged. Some areas will need to be evacuated. |
Forecast office: NWS Wakefield · River Forecast Center: Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center.
A NOAA tide station shares this spot: CBBT, with tide predictions and official flood levels.
Chesapeake Bay at Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (IN MLLW) in your pocket
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Nearby stations and gauges
- CBBT NOAA tide station · 0.0 mi
- CHESAPEAKE BAY BRIDGE TUNNEL NOAA tide station · 4.9 mi
- Chesapeake Bay at Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel NWS gauge · 4.9 mi
- Fishermans Island NOAA tide station · 7.1 mi
- Cape Henry NOAA tide station · 8.3 mi
- Lynnhaven Inlet NOAA tide station · 8.7 mi