Merrimack River at Lawrence
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 22.0 ft; minor flooding begins at 24.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 29.0 ft; major flooding begins at 34.0 ft.
| Action stage | 22.0 ft |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 24.0 ft |
| Moderate flooding | 29.0 ft |
| Major flooding | 34.0 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 25.4 ft on Dec 20, 2023 (historic crest)
- 22.6 ft on Apr 28, 2019 (historic crest)
- 22.5 ft on Apr 1, 2014 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 24.0 ft | Minor lowland flooding is expected along the Merrimack River near Lawrence. This will affect some businesses along the river susceptible to basement flooding. In addition, backwater flooding may occur along the lower Shawsheen River in Lawrence and North Andover. First impacts include very lowest lying parking lot flooding for businesses on Route 114 adjacent to the river. |
|---|---|
| 26.0 ft | Minor lowland flooding is expected along the Merrimack River near Lawrence. This will affect some businesses along the river susceptible to basement flooding. In addition, backwater flooding may occur in the lower Shawsheen River area in Lawrence and North Andover. First imapcts include very lowest lying parking lots for businesses on Route 114 adjacent to the river. |
| 28.0 ft | Lowland flooding is expected along the Merrimack River near Lawrence. This will affect some businesses and associated parking lots along the river. Backwater flooding along the Shawsheen River may result in flood impacts along lower Glenwood Street in North Andover, as well as businesses on Route 114 on the Lawrence-North Andover town line that are adjacent to the river. |
| 29.0 ft | Floodwaters affect some businesses and parking lots in Lawrence and North Andover. In North Andover, the Merrimack River affects properties in the vicnity of North Main Street and Riverview, as well as 90 Sutton Street. Backwater flooding into the lower Shawsheen River is expected in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover. Areas affected by backwater flooding include Route 114 nearest to the river, Mass Ave at I-495, and homes in the vicinity of Glenwood, Elmwood and Fernwood Streets. |
| 30.0 ft | Floodwaters affect some businesses and parking lots in Lawrence and North Andover. In North Andover, the Merrimack River affects properties in the vicnity of North Main Street and Riverview, as well as 90 Sutton Street. Backwater flooding into the lower Shawsheen River is expected in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover. Areas affected by backwater flooding include Route 114 nearest to the river, Mass Ave at I-495, and homes in the vicinity of Glenwood, Elmwood and Fernwood Streets. |
| 32.0 ft | Moderate flooding is expected in Lawrence and North Andover. Some roads and homes along the river, as well as lower levels of factory buildings and low lying parking lots along the river's historic industrial corridor, are expected to experience flooding. In North Andover, North Main Street and Riverview as well as 90 Sutton Street are impacted. Backwater flooding on the lower Shawsheen River is expected in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover. |
| 34.0 ft | Flooding occurs on low lying roads and homes, as well as lower levels of buildings along the river's historic industrial corridor. This includes portions of Riverview Street and 90 Sutton Street in North Andover, and the Riverwalk Complex in Lawrence. Substantial backwater flooding is expected on the lower Shawsheen River in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover. This includes Route 114 at I-495 Exit 42 and Mass Ave and Commonwealth Ave at I-495. |
| 36.0 ft | This is a major, life threatening flood. People in flood prone areas should prepare to evacuate. Follow the directions of local officials. Serious flood impacts are expected at some factories along the river. In addition, major backwater flooding is expected on the lower Shawsheen River in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover. Know alternate routes of travel to avoid flooded areas, and bridges that may be shut down. |
Forecast office: NWS Norton · River Forecast Center: Northeast River Forecast Center.
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Nearby stations and gauges
- Shawsheen River at Andover NWS gauge · 2.3 mi
- Spicket River near Methuen NWS gauge · 3.9 mi
- Riverside NOAA tide station · 7.3 mi
- Merrimack River near Haverhill NWS gauge · 7.3 mi
- Merrimack River at Lowell NWS gauge · 8.4 mi
- Concord River at Lowell NWS gauge · 8.9 mi