Chesapeake Bay at Tolchester Beach (IN MLLW)
Stage at this gauge is reported IN MLLW.
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: minor flooding begins at 3.5 ft; moderate flooding begins at 4.5 ft; major flooding begins at 5.5 ft.
| Minor flooding | 3.5 ft |
|---|---|
| Moderate flooding | 4.5 ft |
| Major flooding | 5.5 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 7.9 ft on Sep 19, 2003 (historic crest)
- 5.3 ft on Jan 10, 2024 (historic crest)
- 4.9 ft on Oct 30, 2021 (historic crest)
- 4.9 ft on Sep 7, 1996 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 3.5 ft | (MLLW) MINOR FLOODING. |
|---|---|
| 3.8 ft | (MLLW) COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY LEVEL. |
| 3.9 ft | (MLLW) Flooding begins in Charlestown along the North East River. Flooding begins in Rock Hall, Skinners Neck, Piney Neck, McKinleyville and Cliffs City. Flooding begins along the Chester River in Chestertown and also south of Chestertown along Quaker Neck Road. |
| 4.5 ft | (MLLW) MODERATE FLOODING. At this level, additional roadways near the bay and its tidal tributaries in Cecil County and Kent County begin to flood. Lives may be at risk when people put themselves in harm's way. Some damage to vulnerable structures may begin to occur. COASTAL FLOOD WARNING LEVEL. |
| 5.5 ft | (MLLW) MAJOR FLOODING. At this level, widespread roadway flooding begins near the bay and its tidal tributaries in Cecil County and Kent County. Vulnerable homes and businesses may be damaged as water levels rise further above this threshold. Numerous roads become impassable and some neighborhoods may be isolated. The flood waters become a danger to anyone who attempts to cross on foot or in a vehicle. |
| 7.9 ft | (Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW)) The level reached on September 19, 2003 during Hurricane Isabel. |
Forecast office: NWS Mount Holly · River Forecast Center: Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center.
A NOAA tide station shares this spot: Tolchester Beach, with tide predictions and official flood levels.
Chesapeake Bay at Tolchester Beach (IN MLLW) in your pocket
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Nearby stations and gauges
- Tolchester Beach NOAA tide station · 0.0 mi
- Deep Landing NOAA tide station · 4.8 mi
- Worton Creek entrance NOAA tide station · 7.0 mi
- Back River Tributary at Rocky Point Park, MD NWS gauge · 8.9 mi
- Cliffs Wharf NOAA tide station · 9.1 mi
- Cliffs Point NOAA tide station · 9.2 mi