Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain Across the Southern and Eastern US; Heat and Fire Weather Concerns in the West

Showers and thunderstorms are expected across the southern and eastern US this week, with heavy rain and localized flooding, particularly near the Gulf Coast. Monsoonal moisture will bring rain and potential flooding to parts of the Southwest. Heat and fire weather threats will continue to impact the West. Read More >

Overview:

On March 8th, in order to provide more accurate marine-related watch, warning, and advisory services in northeastern Maryland, the marine zone:

ANZ530: Chesapeake Bay north of Pooles Island

which is in the forecast and warning area of NWS Baltimore/Washington, will be expanded slightly to include significant portions of the Elk, Bohemia, North East, and Sassafras Rivers.

These areas in the marine zone expansion will mostly be carved from the land-based zone of Cecil County Maryland (which is in the county warning area of NWS Baltimore/Washington), as well as a small portion of the land-based zone of Kent County Maryland that is in the county warning area of NWS Mt. Holly. Only waters will be impacted. No communities or land will be affected by this change.

This is expected to be implemented Wednesday, March 8, 2023, by 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), 2100 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

After the marine zone expansion to include the Elk, Bohemia, North East, and Sassafras Rivers:

Rationale:

The upper portion of the Chesapeake Bay consists of many wide sections of river that have a heavy amount of boater traffic as well as many large marinas. The Elk River is also part of the Intercoastal Waterway that connects (with the C&D Canal) Chesapeake Bay with Delaware Bay. The ability to provide marine products to these portions of the waters will be greatly beneficial to mariners in the area.

Impacts to the public:

The positive impacts seen by the public will be by mariners, who will now receive marine-focused watches, warnings, and advisories. Mariners in these redesignated areas will be able to receive Special Marine Warnings for threats to boaters, instead of land-based warnings that often have higher thresholds of intensity (like a Severe Thunderstorm Warning) or lack relevance to marine areas (such as a Flash Flood Warning). Special Marine Warnings are also broadcast by the USCG across marine band radio. This change only impacts waters. No communities or land will be affected by this change to this marine zone.