U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA, NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

Transcription

1 NWS FORM E-5 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA, NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MONTHLY REPORT OF RIVER AND FLOOD CONDITIONS TO: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL INFO CENTER, W/OS31 SSMC 2 Room EAST-WEST HIGHWAY SILVER SPRING, MD HSA OFFICE: Indianapolis (IND), Indiana REPORT FOR (MONTH / YEAR): January 2012 DATE: February 9, 2012 SIGNATURE: Albert P. Shipe, Jr. When no flooding occurs, include miscellaneous river conditions, such as significant rises, record low stages, ice conditions, snow cover, droughts, and hydrologic products issued (WSOM E-41). An X inside this box indicates that no flooding occurred within this hydrologic service area. January 2012 continued the warm and wet pattern of December. After a dry start to the month, significant rainfall brought widespread lowland flooding to western and southern Indiana. Three brief cold snaps during January provided wintry weather. Dry weather during the first ten days of January allowed flooding from December rains to end and streams to return to normal levels. The first rains of January occurred on the 11 th ahead of an arctic front. The heaviest rainfall of 0.50 to 1.5 inches fell in southern Indiana along and south of U.S. Highway 50. Streams and rivers became elevated and soils saturated. Three rain events during the last half of January caused river flooding in western and southern Indiana. Central and southern Indiana received a total of 2 to 6 inches of rainfall from late on the 16 th through early on the 27 th. The largest amounts of rainfall occurred east of a line from Richmond to Evansville. Fast moving thunderstorms during the morning of the 17 th dropped intense rainfall of 0.5 to 2.5 inches. Moderate flooding of small streams followed in portions of south central and southeast Indiana. By evening, river flooding quickly returned to portions of the East Fork White, White, and Wabash Rivers. Lowland flooding and elevated river levels followed along the Wabash, White, East Fork White, and Muscatatuck Rivers in western and southern Indiana. Thunderstorms late on the 22 nd and early on the 23 rd brought an additional 0.5 to 1.5 inches of rain to western Indiana. As a result, river crests in southwest Indiana and southeast Illinois were delayed and river flooding extended. The last rainfall event of January quickly followed. A developing low pressure system on the 25 th tracked just south of the Ohio River. An additional 1.0 to 2.5 inches of rain fell in central and southern

2 Indiana from late on the 25 th through early on the 27 th. Renewed rises and higher river flooding followed in western and southern Indiana. During the last days of January, river flooding approached or was similar to December levels along much of the Wabash, White, East Fork White, and Muscatatuck Rivers. Flooding along the White River from Worthington to Edwardsport exceeded December flood levels by about a foot. Flooding continued into February along the Wabash and lower White Rivers. Monthly melted precipitation totals for January were near normal to above normal for the state. Totals ranged from 1.5 to 6.5 inches. Much of central and southern Indiana received amounts of 2 to 4 inches. The least amount of melted precipitation fell in extreme northern Indiana near Lake Michigan and the largest in southeast Indiana. Measurable precipitation occurred on 7 to 16 days with an inch or more falling on 1 to 2 days in portions of western and southern Indiana. Winter precipitation was more common in January than during December. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain all fell. Snowfall totals ranged from less than an inch in much of southern Indiana to nearly 3 feet near Lake Michigan in northern Indiana. Snowfall in central Indiana ranged from about an inch south of I-70 to over 12 inches in the Tipton area north of Indianapolis. Much of the winter precipitation in central Indiana fell from the 12 th -13 th and the 19 th -20 th. Winter precipitation accumulations during these periods ranged from 1 to 5 inches. At least 4 significant lake effect snowfalls occurred in northern Indiana. Local snowfall totals approached 8 inches or more. Remaining snow cover melted within 3 days in central Indiana and within 5 days in northern Indiana. January was a mild winter month. Twice during the month above normal temperatures prevailed a week or more. As a result, monthly temperatures ranged from 4.5 to 5.5 degrees above normal. All 3 January cold spells occurred during the first 3 weeks. Temperatures remained above normal from the 22 nd through the end of January. The warmest temperatures occurred on the 6 th or 31 st when afternoon readings reached into the upper 50s and lower 60s. The coldest temperatures occurred on the 15 th or 20 th when readings dropped below zero in snow covered areas north of Indianapolis and into the singles digit and low teens in central and southern Indiana. Temperatures fell to or below freezing on 24 to 28 days and remained near or below freezing on 6 to 10 days. Several locations north of Indianapolis had 1 morning of below zero readings. At the end of January, soils were very wet and frost free. The mild temperatures melted any remaining snow cover. Flooding continued into February along the Wabash and lower White Rivers.

3 January 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation January 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation Departure from Normal.

4 Pictured below is Scottsburg, Indiana on January 2nd. Photo by Jeanne Newton. Pictured below is a March like day at WFO Indianapolis on January 30th.

5 NWS Form E-3 U.S. Department of Commerce Hydrologic Service Area NOAA, National Weather Service Indianapolis, Indiana 2/02/2012 Flood Stage Report January 2012 Flood Above Flood Stage Crest Crest Stream and Location Stage From Time To Stage Date Time Brush Creek... Nebraska, IN / East Fork White River... Columbus, IN / Columbus, IN / Rockford, IN / / / Rockford, IN / /30* / Rivervale, IN / / / Rivervale, IN / / / Bedford Boat Club, IN / / / Williams, IN / / / Shoals, IN / Elliott Ditch... Lafayette, IN / Elston (LAF area), IN / Embarras River... Carmargo, IL / Ste Marie, IL / Lawrenceville, IL / Flatrock River... Raleigh, IN / Raleigh, IN / Raleigh, IN / St. Paul, IN / St. Paul, IN / Columbus, IN / Columbus, IN / Haw Creek... Hope, IN / Clifford 1.2 SE, IN / Little Buck Creek... Indianapolis, IN / Little Pine Creek... Montmorenci 1.5 SW, IN / Middle Fork Vermilion River... Oakwood, IL / Mill Creek... Cataract, IN / Muscatatuck River... Vernon 1SW, IN / / / Wheeler Hollow, IN /

6 NWS Form E-3 U.S. Department of Commerce Hydrologic Service Area NOAA, National Weather Service Indianapolis, Indiana 2/02/2012 Flood Stage Report January 2012 Flood Above Flood Stage Crest Crest Stream and Location Stage From Time To Stage Date Time North Fork Embarras River... Oblong, IL / North Fork Vermilion River... Bismarck, IL / Salt Creek... Harrodsburg, IN / Salt Fork... St. Joseph, IL / Vermilion River... Danville, IL / Wabash River... Lafayette, IN / /01* / Covington, IN / /02* / Montezuma, IN / / / Terre Haute, IN / / / Hutsonville, IL / / / Riverton, IN / / / Vincennes, IN / / / Mount Carmel, IL / / / New Harmony, IN / White River... Centerton 1S, IN / Spencer, IN / / / Worthington, IN / Elliston, IN / /31* / Newberry, IN / /31* / Edwardsport, IN / /02* / Petersburg Power Plt / Petersburg, IN / / / Hazleton, IN / / / Please note that crests for small streams are listed only if January s high water was greater than what occurred in December. All crests for the Flatrock River are listed because of the new Raleigh site. The river was not above flood stage continuously during this period.

7 NWS FORM E-5 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA, NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MONTHLY REPORT OF RIVER AND FLOOD CONDITIONS TO: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL INFO CENTER, W/OS31 SSMC 2 Room EAST-WEST HIGHWAY SILVER SPRING, MD HSA OFFICE: Indianapolis (IND), Indiana REPORT FOR (MONTH / YEAR): February 2012 DATE: March 5, 2012 SIGNATURE: Albert P. Shipe, Jr. When no flooding occurs, include miscellaneous river conditions, such as significant rises, record low stages, ice conditions, snow cover, droughts, and hydrologic products issued (WSOM E-41). An X inside this box indicates that no flooding occurred within this hydrologic service area. February 2012 was a warm and dry month. Flooding from January ended by the 10 th as dry conditions persisted during the month. The only active weather occurred on the last day of the month when severe storms struck in far southern Indiana. Mild conditions generally prevailed in February. February began sunny and mild and ended sunny and even milder as temperatures soared into the upper 60s and lower 70s. The only real winter weather during the month occurred from the 9 th -14 th. Temperatures remained near or below freezing during this period. Monthly temperatures averaged 3 to 5 degrees above normal. The warmest day was on the 29 th and the coldest was on the 11 th and 12 th when morning readings fell into the low to middle teens. Temperatures fell below freezing on 20 to 25 days and remained near or below freezing 2 to 4 days. Precipitation during February was below normal in central and southern Indiana for the first time since August. Precipitation in northern Indiana was normal to above normal. Melted precipitation ranged from less than an inch to slightly over three inches. Many locations received only one to two inches for the month. Much of the rainfall during February occurred on the last day. A few locations in northern and southern Indiana received an inch or more on the 29 th. The most precipitation fell in south central Indiana near the Ohio River and the least in central Indiana just south and southeast of Indianapolis. Measurable precipitation fell on 10 to 12 days. Precipitation fell in the form of rain or snow. Snowfall totals in February were also below normal and ranged from less than an inch in much of southern Indiana to nearly a foot near Lake Michigan in northern Indiana. Snowfall in central Indiana measured from less than an inch to nearly 4 inches in the Lafayette area. Much of the winter precipitation fell on the 4 th, 10 th -11 th, and

8 14 th in northern Indiana and on the 14 th in central Indiana. Snowfall remained on the ground in central Indiana for less than a day and up to three days in northern Indiana. The only active weather during February occurred during the morning of the 29 th. A tornado occurred in the Newburgh area of southwest Indiana. Stronger tornadoes formed south and west of Indiana in Missouri and Kentucky. The warm and dry conditions allowed flooding from January to end on the 9 th of February. Rivers during the second half of February remained at normal levels. At month s end, streams in central and southern Indiana were below normal for the season and at their lowest levels since the middle of November. Soils in portions of central Indiana had dried enough by the 28th to allow some very early spring cultivation. Pictured below is the hydrograph of Sugar Creek near Edinburgh located in southern Johnson County in Central Indiana. Note the stream s gradually declining flow because of the dry weather in February.

9 February 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation February 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation Departure from Normal.

10 Pictured below is the Valentine s Day Snowfall at WFO Indianapolis. Pictured below is the sunny, windy, 68 degree weather that occurred on February 29 th at WFO Indianapolis.

11 NWS FORM E-5 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA, NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MONTHLY REPORT OF RIVER AND FLOOD CONDITIONS TO: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL INFO CENTER, W/OS31 SSMC 2 Room EAST-WEST HIGHWAY SILVER SPRING, MD HSA OFFICE: Indianapolis (IND), Indiana REPORT FOR (MONTH / YEAR): March 2012 DATE: April 5, 2012 SIGNATURE: Albert P. Shipe, Jr. When no flooding occurs, include miscellaneous river conditions, such as significant rises, record low stages, ice conditions, snow cover, droughts, and hydrologic products issued (WSOM E-41). An X inside this box indicates that no flooding occurred within this hydrologic service area. March 2012 will be remembered for the devastating storms that struck southern Indiana, central Kentucky, and southwest Ohio and the record setting warmth in much of the Midwest and eastern United States. The tornadoes killed at least 27 people, while the record warmth caused an instantaneous transition of the landscape from winter to spring. March 2012 was the warmest March of record for the state of Indiana. Monthly temperatures averaged an astounding 12 to 15 degrees above normal. For the Indianapolis area, the last time a record warm average temperature for a month was tied occurred when March 1946 equaled the record warmth of March The last time a record warm monthly average temperature was set happened at the close of August 1936 during the Heat Wave of Even more impressive, the average temperature for March 2012 shattered the previous record from March 1910 and 1946 by nearly 5 degrees. The record warmth of March resulted from an upper level ridge that remained over the Indianapolis area from March 14 th 22 nd. June like weather prevailed for more than a week. Daily temperatures averaged more than 20 degrees above normal during this period. The 11-day period from March 12 th -22 nd was the warmest of any 11-day period so early in the year prior to April 20 th. For the month, the daily temperature exceeded 70 degrees on 14 days and was 80 degrees or warmer on 7 days. Both of these occurrences are records for March. Record high temperatures were set on 7 days. The 84 degree reading on the afternoon of the 21 st was only the 4 th such occurrence for March since weather records began in 1871 at Indianapolis. Because of the warm winter and with the onset of an extended period of early summer weather, vegetation sprang to life overnight. Early spring flowers bloomed very quickly and faded in a few days. Tulips, lilacs, flowering bushes, and trees were in full bloom during the last week of March. Many trees were budding including oaks. The outdoors resembled early May rather than late March.

12 The warm temperatures of March were not confined to the Indianapolis area. Much of the Midwest and east coast shared in the summer like weather. To quote what Weather Bureau officials stated in March 1910, "Never since the Weather Bureau was established has there been such an early opening of spring." The U.S. Weather Bureau became the National Weather Service in Not all of March was warm and relatively quiet. A powerful storm system on the 2 nd brought huge hail and devastating tornadoes to portions of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. At least twelve tornadoes touched down that afternoon. The most devastating tornado was an EF4 that ripped along a 49-mile long path destroying the towns of Henryville and Marysville in southern Indiana. This was the area's strongest tornado in 16 years and the area s deadliest single tornado since the infamous Super Outbreak of April 3, In central Indiana, storms during the late morning dropped large hail ranging 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Some central Indiana areas received two bouts of hail on the 2 nd. Shortly after the storms of the 2 nd, an Alberta Clipper swept through the Ohio Valley late on the 4 th and early on the 5 th. This system dropped the winter season s biggest snow on the tornado ravaged areas and much of southern Indiana. Snowfall totals ranged from 3 to 7 inches. The snow quickly melted on the 6 th. Severe storms also impacted central Indiana on the 17 th, 23 rd, and 30 th with large hail and damaging winds. On the 23 rd a super cell tracked northeast from Martin County through Muncie in Delaware County. The storm dropped persistent hail that ranged in size from pea to golf ball. Small hail 3 to 4 inches deep in northwest Shelby County made local travel nearly impossible. Interstate 74 was closed during the early morning of the 24 th as snow plows removed the hail. A wall and funnel cloud developed in the Bloomington area during this storm. Several wildfires broke out during March as a result of warm temperatures, strong winds, and low relative humidity. Fires were noted on the 6 th and 22 nd in central Indiana and on the 10 th in northern Indiana. The only flooding of the month occurred as the 80 degree weather was ending on the 22 nd. Storms dropped 2 to nearly 4 inches of rain late on the 22 nd and early on the 23 rd in portions of central and southern Indiana. Localized flooding immediately followed in portions of Shelby, Johnson, and Jennings counties. Lowland flooding developed along the East Fork White and Muscatatuck Rivers in Jackson, Washington, and Lawrence counties. The White River approached bankfull levels in central and southern Indiana. The highest levels along the Wabash River occurred earlier in the month. Rainfall of ½ to 1½ inches occurred in northern Indiana from February 29 th through March 3 rd. This rain caused the river to approach bankfull levels from Lafayette to Terre Haute.

13 Monthly melted precipitation totals for March ranged from around an inch in west central Indiana to more than 7 inches in extreme south central Indiana. The wettest areas were along the I-65 corridor from Indianapolis south to Louisville. Much of western and northern Indiana was on the dry side, while eastern Indiana was near normal. Precipitation fell in the form of rain, snow, and hail. Measurable precipitation occurred on 6 to 12 days with several areas receiving an inch or more of rainfall on 1 or 2 days. Monthly snowfall totals ranged from a trace to nearly 7 inches. The highest snowfall totals occurred near Shoals in Martin County. Portions of northwest Indiana received up to 4 inches. Any remaining snow cover in Indiana melted on the 6 th. There were not any snow events after the 5 th. March 2012 was historically warm for all of Indiana. The warmest weather occurred on the 21 st when temperatures soared into the middle 80s across the state. The coldest weather was prior to the 11 th when temperatures dropped into the low and middle 20s. After the record heat from 14 th through the 22 nd, temperatures fell into the upper 20s and low 30s in northeast and east central Indiana on the morning of the 27 th. Temperatures fell to or below freezing on 6 to 11 days. Temperatures remained above freezing in much of Indiana after the 10 th. March ended on a cool note. Soil conditions ranged from rather dry in western and northern Indiana to wet in portions of central and southern Indiana. Vegetation was advanced by at least 4 weeks compared to normal late March conditions. Rivers levels were below normal in many areas of northern Indiana and near normal in central and southern Indiana. A few farmers planted corn in central and southern Indiana during the record warm spell. Pictured below are fully bloomed small trees on March 28 th at WFO Indianapolis.

14 March 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation March 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation Departure from Normal.

15 Pictured below is WFO Indianapolis during the late morning on March 2 nd. Pictured below is one of the larger hail stones that fell at WFO Indianapolis.

16 The Henryville tornado just minutes after forming in southern Washington County on March 2. Photo is courtesy of The Weather Channel's Simon Brewer. Pictured below is the Front Page of Indy Star on March 3 rd. Devastating tornadoes struck southern Indiana on March 2 nd.

17 Pictured below is March 28 th at WFO Indianapolis. The outdoors look more like late April as a result of the record warmth. Midwest Temperature Departure from Average

18 NWS Form E-3 U.S. Department of Commerce Hydrologic Service Area NOAA, National Weather Service Indianapolis, Indiana 4/03/2012 Flood Stage Report March 2012 Flood Above Flood Stage Crest Crest Stream and Location Stage From Time To Stage Date Time Big Blue River... Carthage, IN / Shelbyville, IN / Brush Creek... Nebraska, IN / Buck Creek... Acton, IN / Clifty Creek... Hartsville, IN / Columbus, IN / Driftwood River... Edinburgh 1.5 SW, IN / East Fork White River... Columbus, IN / Rockford, IN / / / Rivervale, IN / Bedford Boat Club, IN / Williams, IN / Shoals, IN / Flatrock River... Raleigh 1 S, IN / St. Paul, IN / Columbus, IN / Leary-Weber Ditch... Mohawk, IN / Little Blue River... Walkerville, IN / Muscatatuck River... Deputy, IN / Vernon 1SW, IN / Wheeler Hollow, IN / Sugar Cr... New Palestine, IN / Edinburgh, IN / Wabash River... Lafayette, IN / Covington, IN / Montezuma, IN / Terre Haute, IN / Riverton, IN / Vincennes, IN / Mount Carmel, IL /

19 NWS Form E-3 U.S. Department of Commerce Hydrologic Service Area NOAA, National Weather Service Indianapolis, Indiana 4/03/2012 Flood Stage Report March 2012 Flood Above Flood Stage Crest Crest Stream and Location Stage From Time To Stage Date Time Wabash River continued... New Harmony, IN / White River... Newberry, IN / Edwardsport, IN / Petersburg Power Plt, IN / Petersburg, IN / U.S.Highway 41, IN / Youngs Creek... Amity, IN /

20 NWS FORM E-5 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA, NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MONTHLY REPORT OF RIVER AND FLOOD CONDITIONS TO: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL INFO CENTER, W/OS31 SSMC 2 Room EAST-WEST HIGHWAY SILVER SPRING, MD HSA OFFICE: Indianapolis (IND), Indiana REPORT FOR (MONTH / YEAR): April 2012 DATE: May 8, 2012 SIGNATURE: Albert P. Shipe, Jr. When no flooding occurs, include miscellaneous river conditions, such as significant rises, record low stages, ice conditions, snow cover, droughts, and hydrologic products issued (WSOM E-41). x An X inside this box indicates that no flooding occurred within this hydrologic service area. April 2012 was a dry and seasonably warm month. Marginal drought conditions developed in northern and southwest portions of the state. River flooding was absent during the month for the first time since October. The Indianapolis area and the state of Indiana marked another rare occurrence for the spring of After a record breaking warm March, the average temperature for April was cooler than March. Typically at Indianapolis the average monthly temperature increases nearly 11 degrees from March to April. This year the average temperature decreased 2 degrees. This was only the second time since 1872 when March was warmer than April. The only other occurrence was in The persistent March warmth lingered in Indiana the first few days of April. After the 3 rd, an upper level trough remained over the Great Lakes for much of the month bringing surges of near freezing to freezing weather. The coldest air settled over the state from the 10 th through the 13 th when morning temperatures dropped into the middle and upper 20s. Because of the early development of the fruit and winter crops, significant freeze damage occurred in northern Indiana. Temperatures in central and southern Indiana were not as cold and only minor damage occurred to vegetation. Near freezing temperatures ended after the 27 th. Dry weather prevailed during April in many areas. The northern half of Indiana received little or no rainfall from the 1 st through the 13 th. Rainfall was absent from nearly the entire state from the 5 th through the 13 th. Windy and dry conditions raised wildfire concerns during this time. By May 1 st, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicated that 40% of Indiana was abnormally dry. Indiana farmers took advantage of the dry weather and planted corn and soybeans at a record pace during April according to the

21 Agricultural Department. Some farmers stopped planting when soils became too dry for seed germination. There were two days with severe weather. During the evening of the 1 st, storms dropped large hail up to ping pong ball size in portions of Marion, Hancock, Decatur, Rush, and Shelby counties in central Indiana. On the afternoon of the 28 th, storms accompanied with large hail and wind gusts up to 90 mph tracked across Knox, Daviess, Martin, and Lawrence counties in southern Indiana. Significant rainfall was limited during April and generally fell south of Interstate 70. Rainfall of 1 to possibly over 2 inches fell on the 4 th -5 th, 14 th -15, and 25 th -26 th. Widespread showers and thunderstorms on the 30th provided some relief to dry conditions as most areas received one quarter to one inch of rainfall. Monthly rainfall totals for April ranged from one-half of an inch in portions of north central Indiana to nearly 6 inches in a few southern Indiana locations. Most areas received between 1 and 3 inches of rainfall. Measurable rainfall occurred on 6 to 10 days. Some areas had one day when more than an inch of rain occurred. Monthly temperatures during April ranged from near normal to 3 degrees above normal. The warmest temperatures occurred on the 3 rd as readings soared into the low to middle 80s. The coldest temperatures occurred on the morning of the 11 th when readings dropped into the middle to upper 20s. Temperatures fell to or below freezing on 1 to 7 days. April ended on a warm note as summer like weather returned. Rivers remained at low levels for the entire month. An unsettled weather pattern developed near the end of April and continued into early May. Pictured below is a dry field at WFO Indianapolis on April 30 th.

22 April 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation April 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation Departure from Normal.

23 NWS FORM E-5 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA, NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MONTHLY REPORT OF RIVER AND FLOOD CONDITIONS TO: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL INFO CENTER, W/OS31 SSMC 2 Room EAST-WEST HIGHWAY SILVER SPRING, MD HSA OFFICE: Indianapolis (IND), Indiana REPORT FOR (MONTH / YEAR): May 2012 DATE: June 6, 2012 SIGNATURE: Albert P. Shipe, Jr. When no flooding occurs, include miscellaneous river conditions, such as significant rises, record low stages, ice conditions, snow cover, droughts, and hydrologic products issued (WSOM E-41). An X inside this box indicates that no flooding occurred within this hydrologic service area. May 2012 was one of the warmest on record for May. Dry conditions remained prevalent for much of the month. Drought conditions expanded and covered 50% of the state at the end of the month. Brief river flooding occurred in portions of south central Indiana during the first week of May. May 2012 was the warmest May for much of central and southern Indiana in 35 years. Warm and pleasant conditions prevailed for much of the month. The Memorial Day weekend was the warmest period during the month with temperatures in the 90s. The coolest weather was on the 10 th and 11 th when temperatures dipped into the upper 30s and lower 40s. The monthly temperature averaged 5 to 7 degrees above normal. The Memorial Day Weekend from the 26 th -28 th was unusually hot. Record temperatures for May were set in northern Indiana as temperatures soared into the middle and upper 90s. High temperatures reached 90 degrees on three consecutive days during this period at Indianapolis. This is a relatively rare phenomenon in May and has occurred only 9 times since weather records began at Indianapolis in The last occurrence was May 19 th -21 st, The May 26 th -28 th weather was the longest and hottest heat wave for Indiana since early September Dry weather dominated much of the month of May. Rainfall during May was not evenly distributed. Many areas went from 20 to 26 days with very little rainfall. Rainfall was nearly absent from the state from the 10 th through the 28 th. Rainfall during May was concentrated at the beginning and at the end of May. Locally heavy rains of 2 or more inches fell on the 1 st, 4 th, 7 th, 29 th, and 31 st. Rainfall on the 1 st was widespread enough to cause bankfull conditions along the Eel, White, and East Fork White Rivers. Lowland flooding developed along the Muscatatuck River in southwest Jackson County from rainfall on the 4 th. After the 10 th, rivers and streams gradually declined for the remainder of May.

24 Agricultural drought conditions gradually expanded during the month. The U.S. Drought Monitor on May 29 th indicated 50% of the state was in drought. Dry conditions in Vigo and Sullivan counties prompted county wide burning bans during the latter part of May. Replanting of crops was necessary in some areas because of drought stress. Significant rainfall on the 29 th and 31 st brought some relief to the prevailing dry conditions. The heaviest rainfall of 2 to 6 inches fell in portions of south central and southeast Indiana. Rainfall during both of these events was not uniform and many areas remained dry. Monthly rainfall totals for May ranged from around one-half of an inch in portions of southwest and northeast Indiana to more than 9 inches in Harrison County in extreme south central Indiana. Much of the state received less that 50% of the normal monthly rainfall. Most areas received between 1 and 4 inches of rainfall during May. Measurable rainfall occurred on 5 to 10 days during the month. Only a few locations had one day with more than an inch of rainfall.. Almost all of the severe weather during May occurred on the 1 st. Thunderstorms during the afternoon south and east of Indianapolis produced damaging winds and large hail. A weak EF0 tornado developed near Cory in Clay County. During the evening an EF0 tornado occurred near Yeddo in Fountain County and an EF1 tornado near New Ross in Montgomery County. May ended on the mild side. Rivers and streams were at unseasonably low levels. Local reservoirs remained at normal levels. Pictured below is a pleasant morning at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 17 th.

25 May 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation May 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation Departure from Normal.

26 NWS Form E-3 U.S. Department of Commerce Hydrologic Service Area NOAA, National Weather Service Indianapolis, Indiana 5/30/2012 Flood Stage Report May 2012 Flood Above Flood Stage Crest Crest Stream and Location Stage From Time To Stage Date Time Beaver Creek... Shoals 2.5 E, IN / Big Blue River... Carthage, IN / Shelbyville, IN / Big Raccoon Creek... Coxville, IN / Big Walnut Creek... Roachdale, IN / Reelsville, IN / Brush Creek... Nebraska, IN / Buck Creek... Acton, IN / Clifty Creek... Hartsville, IN / Columbus, IN / Driftwood River... Edinburgh 1.5 SW, IN / Eagle Creek... Zionsville, IN / East Fork White Lick Creek... Bridgeport, IN / Camby 2 NNW, IN / Mooresville, IN / East Fork White River... Columbus, IN / Rockford, IN / / / Rivervale, IN / Bedford Boat Club, IN / Williams, IN / Shoals, IN / Eel River... Bowling Green, IN / Fall Creek... Fortville, IN / Millersville, IN / Flatrock River... Raleigh 1 S, IN / St. Paul, IN /

27 NWS Form E-3 U.S. Department of Commerce Hydrologic Service Area NOAA, National Weather Service Indianapolis, Indiana 5/30/2012 Flood Stage Report May 2012 Flood Above Flood Stage Crest Crest Stream and Location Stage From Time To Stage Date Time Flatrock River... Columbus, IN / French Lick Creek... West Baden Springs, IN / Haw Creek... Hope, IN / Clifford 1.2 SE, IN / Leary-Weber Ditch... Mohawk, IN / Lick Creek... Beech Grove, IN / Little Blue River... Walkerville, IN / Little Buck Creek... Indianapolis, IN / Little Eagle Creek... Speedway, IN / Little Pine Creek... Montmorenci 1.5 SW, IN / Lost River... Proscept, IN / Mill Creek... Cataract, IN / Muscatatuck River... Deputy, IN / Vernon 1SW, IN / Wheeler Hollow, IN / Plum Creek... Bainbridge, IN / Prairie Creek... Lebanon, IN / Sugar Cr... New Palestine, IN / Edinburgh, IN / Sugar Creek... Crawfordsville, IN /

28 NWS Form E-3 U.S. Department of Commerce Hydrologic Service Area NOAA, National Weather Service Indianapolis, Indiana 5/30/2012 Flood Stage Report May 2012 Flood Above Flood Stage Crest Crest Stream and Location Stage From Time To Stage Date Time White Lick Creek... Mooresville, IN / White River... Stout Power Plant, IN / Centerton 1S, IN / Spencer, IN / Worthington, IN / Elliston, IN / Newberry, IN / Edwardsport, IN / Petersburg, IN / U.S.Highway 41, IN / Youngs Creek... Amity, IN /

29 NWS FORM E-5 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA, NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MONTHLY REPORT OF RIVER AND FLOOD CONDITIONS TO: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL INFO CENTER, W/OS31 SSMC 2 Room EAST-WEST HIGHWAY SILVER SPRING, MD HSA OFFICE: Indianapolis (IND), Indiana REPORT FOR (MONTH / YEAR): June 2012 DATE: July 5, 2012 SIGNATURE: Albert P. Shipe, Jr. When no flooding occurs, include miscellaneous river conditions, such as significant rises, record low stages, ice conditions, snow cover, droughts, and hydrologic products issued (WSOM E-41). x An X inside this box indicates that no flooding occurred within this hydrologic service area. June 2012 will be remembered for both an historic heat wave and a prolonged dry spell. Maximum temperatures soared to readings never seen before in central and southern Indiana for June. Monthly rainfall totals for June were the lowest ever for portions of central Indiana. By the end of June, drought conditions in many areas were worse than 1988 and rivaled the Dust Bowl Era of the 1930s. June began exceptionally cool and remained pleasant through the 7 th. Afternoon temperatures began to rise after the 8 th and reached into the middle 80s and low 90s through the 27 th. Because of the prevailing dry conditions, early mornings remained pleasant with temperatures generally in the 50s and 60s. The hottest temperatures ever experienced in much of Indiana for June were quickly ushered in on the 28 th. High temperatures rose 10 to 15 degrees from the low 90s on the 27 th and soared into the low to upper 100s across much of Indiana on the 28 th. Storms developed along a boundary during the evening of the 28 th and ended the 100 degree weather in northern Indiana. Much of central Indiana and all of southern Indiana experienced another 100 day on the 29 th as the boundary continued to slowly move south. Another day of record temperatures followed for central and southern on the 30 th, but the 100 degree weather was confined to southern Indiana. During this historic heat wave, the Indianapolis area broke the previous monthly record of 102 degrees on both the 28 th and 29 th with temperatures of 104 and 103 degrees respectively. This was only the second time in weather records dating back to 1871 that June had at least 2 consecutive days of high temperatures in the triple digits. The only other time this happened in June was on 3 consecutive days from June 27 th -29 th, The last occurrence of back to back 100 degree days was July 8 th -9 th, June was among the driest months of record for portions of central and southern Indiana. Monthly rainfall totaled from virtually nothing

30 in portions of central Indiana to nearly 6 inches in northwest Indiana. Much of central and southern Indiana received less than an inch of rainfall for the entire month of June. Normal rainfall for June is 4 to 5 inches. Rainfall at the Indianapolis airport totaled only 0.09 inches for the month of June. This was the driest month for the Indianapolis area in over 100 years and the second driest of record. The driest month of record is March 1910 with only 0.07 inches. The previous driest June of record was 0.36 inches during the Great Drought of Very little rainfall occurred in much of central and southern Indiana during the first 4 weeks of June. The Indianapolis airport set a record for June with 24 consecutive days without measurable precipitation from the 5 th through the 28 th. This was the longest period without measurable precipitation since February 8 th -March 4 th, The most significant rainfall of the month occurred during the evening of the 16 th. Portions of west central and northwest Indiana received as much as 3 to 5 inches of rainfall. After the 28th, storms brought much needed rainfall to areas of central Indiana located primarily north of I-74. A complex of severe thunderstorms that cause significant damaging winds known as a derecho, developed during the morning of the 29th over northern Illinois. This complex of storms quickly intensified and sped southeast through the northern half of Indiana during the afternoon. Wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph, blinding rainfall, large hail and constant lightning accompanied the derecho in central Indiana immediately north of Indianapolis. The wind gusted from 55 to 60 mph in the Indianapolis metro area as a result of the outflow boundary from these storms. Drought conditions expanded during June. The U.S. Drought Monitor on June 26th indicated nearly 70% of the state in severe to extreme drought. Burning bans were noted for nearly all Indiana counties. At the very end of June, drought conditions were improving slowly in some of the driest areas of northeast Indiana as the result of recent rains. Conditions in southwest Indiana continued to worsen because of the historic heat wave at the end of June that continued into early July. Stream levels in much of central and southern Indiana had fallen to record or near record low levels for late June. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources issued warnings to local boaters because local reservoirs were so low during the height of boating season. Crop yields in much of the state will be reduced because of the drought according to the weekly Indiana Crop & Weather Report of July 1 st. The report states that for Indiana as a whole, this was the 3 rd

31 driest June since 1930, falling behind only 1933 and Crop conditions were not far from those in the Drought of Numerous wildfires broke out in the later portion of the month. The larger fires were in southwest Indiana. This is very unusual for June in Indiana. At month s end many communities requested voluntary water conservation. At least one local water company fined violators for ignoring its mandatory restriction on outdoor watering. Pictured above is the high temperature at the Indianapolis NWS Forecast Office on June 28 th. The official high temperature of 104 degrees was recorded at the Indianapolis International Airport. Pictured above is a 400 acre wildfire near midnight on June 22 nd in Pike County in southwest Indiana.

32 Pictured above is the weather office on June 28 th at a monthly record of 104 degrees. There wasn t a cloud in the sky. Pictured above is the weather office on June 29 th at a daily record of 103 degrees. A derecho was approaching central Indiana north of Indianapolis at this time.

33 Pictured above is the White River at Raymond Street in downtown Indianapolis with a river reading of 2.25 feet on the morning of the 29 th. Pictured above is a drought stressed cornfield in Knox County on the 24 th.

34 Depicted above is an hourly temperature plot of the arrival of the 2012 historic heat wave at Indianapolis.

35 June 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation June 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation Departure from Normal.

36 NWS FORM E-5 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA, NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MONTHLY REPORT OF RIVER AND FLOOD CONDITIONS TO: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL INFO CENTER, W/OS31 SSMC 2 Room EAST-WEST HIGHWAY SILVER SPRING, MD HSA OFFICE: Indianapolis (IND), Indiana REPORT FOR (MONTH / YEAR): July 2012 DATE: August 3, 2012 SIGNATURE: Albert P. Shipe, Jr. When no flooding occurs, include miscellaneous river conditions, such as significant rises, record low stages, ice conditions, snow cover, droughts, and hydrologic products issued (WSOM E-41). x An X inside this box indicates that no flooding occurred within this hydrologic service area. July was one of the hottest and driest months of record for central and southern Indiana. Drought conditions gradually deteriorated during the month because widespread rainfall was absent. By month s end, drought conditions in portions of west central, central, and southwest were the worst in recorded history. The historic heat wave of 2012 intensified at the beginning of July and climaxed by the 8 th. During this 11-day period from June 28 th - July 8 th central and southern Indiana experienced 5 to 10 days of triple digit weather, the most since the Dust Bowl Days of the 1930s. Maximum temperatures peaked into the degree range on the 6 th and 7 th. The average high temperature during this period was degrees at Indianapolis, second only to the record heat wave of July The extreme high temperatures relented slightly after the 9 th, but the 90-degree weather continued nearly unabated throughout the remainder of July. As a result, July 2012 was the 3 rd warmest month for the state as a whole and the warmest month of record for many areas in central and southern Indiana. For the Indianapolis area the average temperature for July was 84.0, besting the previous record of 82.8 degrees set in July 1936 by slightly more than a degree. July was among the driest months of record in portions of central and southwest Indiana and one of the wettest in isolated areas of south central Indiana. Monthly rainfall totaled from around one-quarter of an inch in portions of Boone, Putnam, and Hendricks Counties in central Indiana to nearly 10 inches in portions of Crawford County in extreme south central Indiana. The wetter areas of the state included northern and central Indiana, north of a line from Chicago to Cincinnati, and south central Indiana. Locations in this area received mainly 2 to 5 inches of rainfall during July. The remainder of Indiana measured generally 1 to 2 inches. Normal rainfall for July is 3 to 5 inches. Rainfall

37 during the first half of July was more scattered than during the second half of July. Measurable rainfall did not occur at the Indianapolis airport until the 18 th. This marked the driest start ever to the month of July for the Indianapolis area and the driest 47-day period of record with only 0.09 inches of rainfall. The month of July finished as one of the eight driest Julys of record with only 0.83 inches of rainfall. Localized strong to severe thunderstorms occurred on several days throughout the month. Much of central Indiana was affected by these storms during the afternoon of the 8 th, the afternoon and evening of the 19 th, the morning of the 24 th, and the afternoon and evening of the 27 th. These storms brought damaging wind gusts, large hail, and generous localized rainfall. As a result of the historic heat wave and prolonged dry conditions, exceptional drought conditions prevailed across nearly one quarter of Indiana as of July 31 according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. This area was located in the southwest quadrangle of the state roughly bounded by Interstate 74 on the north, Interstate 65 on east, the Ohio River on the south, and the Indiana-Illinois state line on the west. The area designated as "Exceptional Drought" likely experienced the worst drought ever in recorded history. The southeast portion of this area was not included in the exceptional drought conditions because portions of south central Indiana received 6 to 10 inches of rainfall during July. The effects of the drought had a huge impact on Indiana agriculture. Nearly all the pasture land in the state became barren during July. Late season crops, such as corn and soybeans, may see their worst yields since the Great Drought of 1988 or even lower. Wildfires, a rarity in Indiana during July, were a daily threat. Hundreds of wildfires broke out in the month. Lightning started at least 50 of these fires, unheard of in Indiana during July. Mandatory outdoor water restrictions remained in place for much of the Indianapolis area. The State of Indiana continued its first ever water shortage warning with a request of a 10-15% voluntary reduction in water use. The Indiana Department of National Resource reported homeowner wells going dry in various areas of the state. Record low water levels for late July along much of the Wabash and White Rivers in western Indiana impacted power generation.

38 Pictured above is a tree on the IU-Bloomington campus going dormant on July 6 th. The temperature reached 102 degrees that day at the IU Power Plant. Pictured above is a drought stressed milo field immediately south of the weather office on July 6 th as the temperature was going to a record of 105 degrees for the date.

39 Pictured above is East Fork Whitelick Creek at Mooresville on July 23 rd. The river reading was unavailable because the water level was below all established river gages at this location. Pictured above is Fall Creek near Millersville on the east side of Indianapolis with a river reading of 1.92 feet on the morning of the 23 rd.

40 Pictured above is a tree near WFO Indianapolis going dormant on July 24 th. Pictured above is drought stressed corn field in southern Knox County on July 29 th.

41 Depicted above is an hourly temperature plot of the longest stretch of 100-degree weather at Indianapolis since July 1936.

42 Depicted above is an hourly temperature plot of the 10-day historic heat wave at Indianapolis. The maximum temperature averaged 101 degrees for the 10-day period...second only to the record heat wave of July 1936.

43 July 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation July 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation Departure from Normal.

44 NWS FORM E-5 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA, NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MONTHLY REPORT OF RIVER AND FLOOD CONDITIONS TO: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL INFO CENTER, W/OS31 SSMC 2 Room EAST-WEST HIGHWAY SILVER SPRING, MD HSA OFFICE: Indianapolis (IND), Indiana REPORT FOR (MONTH / YEAR): August 2012 DATE: September 6, 2012 SIGNATURE: Albert P. Shipe, Jr. When no flooding occurs, include miscellaneous river conditions, such as significant rises, record low stages, ice conditions, snow cover, droughts, and hydrologic products issued (WSOM E-41). x An X inside this box indicates that no flooding occurred within this hydrologic service area. Drought conditions began to relent during August following beneficial rains and cooler temperatures. Temperatures during August averaged near normal and rainfall was above normal in many of the very dry areas of June and July. Except for low reservoir levels, drought conditions were not evident in the Indianapolis area at the end of August. The historic heat wave of 2012 finally broke in central and southern Indiana on the 8 th. A strong cold front ushered in much cooler weather. The cool weather persisted through the 22 nd. This was the longest stretch of normal to below normal temperatures for central Indiana since February Temperatures dropped into the upper 40s and lower 50s on the 18 th and 20 th. This was the coolest weather since early June. Seasonal temperatures returned after the 22 nd. Monthly temperatures during August averaged near normal for the first time since October. Average monthly temperatures ranged from 1½ degrees below normal to nearly 2 degrees above normal. Maximum temperatures during early August reached the triple digits in west central sections and 90s elsewhere. The minimum temperatures during the middle of the month dropped into the upper 40s and lower 50s. The rainfall pattern changed dramatically from July to August. Some very dry areas of west central received over 10 inches of rain, while some wet areas of south central and southeast Indiana measured less than 2 inches during the month. The big winner on rainfall during August was much of west central and southwest Indiana where extreme to exceptional drought conditions prevailed. The wetter areas during August included much of central, northern, and southwest Indiana. Many locations in these areas received 3 to 8 inches of rainfall. Extreme northern Indiana and most locations in south central and southeast Indiana missed out on this beneficial rainfall. These areas received only 1 to 3 inches of rainfall for

45 the month. Normal precipitation totals for August are between 3 and 5 inches. Rain occurred numerous times during August, but areal coverage was never widespread. There were four significant rain events in central Indiana. Rain of 1 to 4 inches fell on the 4 th -5 th, 8 th -9 th, 16 th -17 th, and the 27 th. The driest period was from 18 th through 26 th. Little or no rain occurred in much of the state except during the evening of the 20 th. Isolated rains of up to an inch fell at that time generally north of I-70. There was a complete reversal of the rainfall pattern during August at the Indianapolis airport. Precipitation went from record dry to near record wet. The airport received almost as much rain during August (6.51 inches) as it did during the months of April, May, June, and July combined (6.98 inches). This was the 8 th wettest August of record and the wettest since Severe weather in the form of damaging winds and large hail occurred on the 9 th and 16 th in central Indiana. The most notable event was the report of billiard ball sized hail near Flora in Carroll County on the 9 th. Drought conditions during the month improved in most sections of central and northern Indiana, but remained nearly the same or deteriorated in southern Indiana. Severe drought conditions prevailed in much of the state along or south of I-70 at the end of August. Although local area reservoirs remained below capacity, stream flow returned to normal in the Indianapolis area and a few other sites in central Indiana. Stream flow in the East Fork White River Basin of east central and southern Indiana remained at near to record low seasonal levels. Pictured above is Little Cicero Creek in northern Hamiliton County on the 25 th. Temperatures reached the 90s for the first time since the 8 th in much of central Indiana including the Indianapolis area. The pictured area had received nearly 8 inches of rainfall since the middle of July, which greatly improved previous drought conditions.

46 Pictured above are the grounds of the Indianapolis weather office around solar noon on the 2 nd. Extreme drought conditions still prevailed as the maximum temperature reached 97 degrees. A few days later the rains of August began and drought conditions began to improve. Pictured above is a sorghum field on the 20 th following early morning temperatures in the middle 50s immediately south of the Indianapolis Weather Office. This was a noticeable improvement over drought conditions in July.

47 August 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation August 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation Departure from Normal.

48 NWS FORM E-5 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA, NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MONTHLY REPORT OF RIVER AND FLOOD CONDITIONS TO: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL INFO CENTER, W/OS31 SSMC 2 Room EAST-WEST HIGHWAY SILVER SPRING, MD HSA OFFICE: Indianapolis (IND), Indiana REPORT FOR (MONTH / YEAR): September 2012 DATE: October 2, 2012 SIGNATURE: Albert P. Shipe, Jr. When no flooding occurs, include miscellaneous river conditions, such as significant rises, record low stages, ice conditions, snow cover, droughts, and hydrologic products issued (WSOM E-41). x An X inside this box indicates that no flooding occurred within this hydrologic service area. The wet and relatively cool weather pattern of the second half of August continued through September. Drought conditions were nearly erased in much of central and southwest Indiana but lingered in the remainder of the state. Monthly temperatures averaged below normal for much of the area for the first time since January The remains of Hurricane Isaac brought tropical-like conditions to the state for the first 7 days of September. Warm and very humid conditions prevailed with maximum temperatures in the upper 80s to lower 90s accompanied by dew points in the middle to low 70s. Early morning temperatures dropped only to the low and middle 70s from the 1 st through the 4 th and gradually retreated into the middle 60s from the 5 th through the 7 th. A strong cold front ushered in fall-like weather on the 8 th. This brought the end to summer weather as cool fall weather continued nearly uninterrupted for the remainder of the month. Except for the 13 th and 14 th, high temperatures reached typically into the upper 60s to low 70s while morning readings dipped into the upper 40s and low 50s. Temperatures in central Indiana remained below 70 degrees for an 8-day period from the 18 th through the 25 th. Morning temperature readings below 40 degrees on the 23 rd and 24 th were the coolest for so early in September since Low temperatures at many rural central Indiana locations were within a few degrees of freezing. This was the first frost of the season for central Indiana. Monthly temperatures during September averaged below normal for the first time since January Average monthly temperatures ranged from slightly below normal to more than 3 degrees above normal. This was the coolest September for the Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Lafayette areas since The wet weather pattern of August continued in much of Indiana during September. The southwest, central and east central portions of the state were the wettest. Many locations received 5 to more than 8

49 inches of rainfall. Overall, monthly precipitation totals ranged from 4 to more than 12 inches in central and southern Indiana, while totals in northern Indiana measured only 1 to 3 inches. Monthly rainfall in central and southern Indiana was 2 to 3 times the normal in many locations. As during August, much of northern Indiana missed the significant rainfall events. Normal rainfall for September is between 2 and 4 inches. There were five significant rainfall events during September. Two of these events were widespread while the other three were limited in areal coverage. Widespread rainfall from the remains and moisture of Hurricane Isaac occurred from the 1 st through the 8 th. Rainfall totals ranged from to 1 to more than 4 inches in much of central and southern Indiana. Northern Indiana received little rainfall during this period. The next three events were limited in coverage, but locally significant. Rainfall of 1 to 4 inches occurred on the 14 th, the 17 th - 18 th, and the 21 st. The storms during the evening of the 21 st produced significant hail in parts of central Indiana. Several locations in Hendricks, Marion and Hancock Counties measured hailstones with a diameter of one-half to slightly more than an inch. In a few areas the hail storm lasted for at least 10 minutes and deposited 1 to 2 inches of hail. The last rainfall event of the month was widespread. A series of low pressure areas moved along a stationary front located in central Indiana. These systems dumped 1 to more than 6 inches from the 25th through the 27 th in central and southern Indiana. Once again northern Indiana received little rainfall. During the months of August and September, the Indianapolis airport experienced a complete reversal of the rainfall patterns seen during the months of April through July. After a record low rainfall total of 6.98 inches for the four month period from April 1 st July 31 st, more than twice this amount(14.24 inches)fell in less than one-half of the time(august 4 th September 27). September s monthly rainfall of 7.73 inches and the August and September total of inches were the 5 th highest of record for September and August-September. This was the wettest August and September period at the airport since Drought conditions were all but eliminated in much of central and southwest Indiana by the end of September. Drought conditions continued to improve in south central and southeast Indiana, but remained largely unchanged in northern Indiana. At the end of the month, stream flow was above seasonal levels in much of central and southern Indiana, while below normal in northern Indiana and along the Wabash River from Terre Haute to near Vincennes. Except for Cecil Hardin Reservoir in west central Indiana, local area reservoirs ranged from normal to less than 3 feet below capacity.

50 Pictured above is an area immediately west of the Indianapolis weather office during the late afternoon on the 24 th. Clear skies were relatively rare during the month. The Canadian air mass responsible for the coldest weather for so early in September since 1999 was retreating. Pictured above is a ripe sorghum field during the late afternoon on the 24 th. The clear skies gave way to clouds and rain on the 25 th. There are not any indications of the extreme drought conditions of July.

51 Pictured above is the backyard of weather office on the 28 th. Signs of autumn appeared after the rain ended on the 27 th. Additional rainfall through the 27 th made September and August-September the 5 th wettest of record at Indianapolis and the wettest since Pictured above are the change of season indcations at the Avon YMCA on the 28 th.

52 September 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation September 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation Departure from Normal.

53 NWS FORM E-5 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA, NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MONTHLY REPORT OF RIVER AND FLOOD CONDITIONS TO: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL INFO CENTER, W/OS31 SSMC 2 Room EAST-WEST HIGHWAY SILVER SPRING, MD HSA OFFICE: Indianapolis (IND), Indiana REPORT FOR (MONTH / YEAR): October 2012 DATE: November 1, 2012 SIGNATURE: Albert P. Shipe, Jr. When no flooding occurs, include miscellaneous river conditions, such as significant rises, record low stages, ice conditions, snow cover, droughts, and hydrologic products issued (WSOM E-41). x An X inside this box indicates that no flooding occurred within this hydrologic service area. October was a wet, cool, and windy month that also included numerous sunny days for viewing the spectacular autumn foliage in Indiana. Ample rainfall in the Indianapolis area erased any lingering drought conditions. This was the third consecutive month where rainfall was above normal for much of the state and the second straight month where temperatures averaged below normal. Daily temperatures during the first three weeks of the month were on the cool side and typically reached into 50s or 60s following morning lows in the 30s or 40s. Morning lows in the upper 20s and lower 30s from the 8 th -11 th were the coolest readings of the month. Brief intrusions of warmer weather occurred on the 4 th, 14 th, and 17 th when afternoon temperatures exceeded 70 degrees. Summer-like weather returned on the 22 nd and continued through the 25 th as temperatures remained above 50 degrees. Following cloudy and wet conditions on the 22 nd and 23 rd, a glorious Indian summer followed on the 24 th and 25 th. Afternoon readings in the upper 70s and lower 80s were the warmest of the month for much of the state. A polar cold front passage early on the 26 th ushered in November-like conditions that remained through Halloween. This was the coldest Halloween for much of central Indiana since Overall monthly temperatures during October averaged slightly below normal to nearly 4 degrees below normal. This was the coolest October for much of central Indiana since The freezing weather on the 8 th was the earliest for the Indianapolis airport since Ample precipitation fell during October in much of Indiana. Monthly precipitation totals ranged from 2 to nearly 8 inches with many areas receiving between 3 and 6 inches. The greatest rainfall totals were confined to central and northern Indiana north of Interstate 70 and south of U.S. Highway 30. South central and southeast Indiana near the Ohio River were the driest areas.

54 There were two widespread rain events during October. Much of the state received one-half to 3 inches of rain in early October. Prior to the passage of a strong cold front, significant rain occurred on the 2 nd -3 rd and the 5 th. From the 17 th -23 rd, rainfall of one-half to 4 inches occurred from significant precipitation on the 17 th -20 th and the 22 nd -23 rd. Precipitation on the 14 th, 26 th, and 30 th was not as significant. The longest dry spell during the month was an 8-day period from the 6 th -13 th. On the 30 th, the interaction of an upper air trough with Super Storm Sandy brought the season s first wintry precipitation to the area. Snow accumulated to one-tenth of an inch in portions of northeast and eastern Indiana. Snow flurries and trace amounts of sleet fell in portions of central Indiana during the day of the 30 th. The Indianapolis airport received 3.87 inches of rainfall during October. Total precipitation measured for the August 1 st -October 31 st period was inches; second only to the record inches set in This follows a record low rainfall of 6.98 inches for the April 1st-July 31st period. Remaining drought conditions in northern and southern Indiana showed a slight improvement by the end of October. Less than 10% of Indiana was in moderate drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. At the end of the month, stream flow was at or above seasonal levels in all of central and southern Indiana. Local area reservoirs were near or at capacity. October will be long remembered for Hurricane Sandy s wrath to the East Coast on the 29 th and 30 th. Coastal and river flooding, heavy rains, blizzards, fires, massive power outages, and downed trees were all a part of this monster super storm. Sandy s impacts extended as far west as Lake Michigan with her cloud bands extending west of the Mississippi River. Indiana was on Sandy s western edge and received high winds, light to moderate rainfall, and slight amounts of snow and sleet. Also during October the Indianapolis office lost our longest serving cooperative weather observer at Seymour. Mrs. Ruth Everhart passed away early on the 13 th and was laid to rest on the 17 th. Seven NWS employees honored her as pallbearers. Pictured above are the sunny, warm, and breezy conditions on the 17 th at Riverside Cemetery in Seymour, Indiana.

55 Pictured above is Bradford Woods located near Martinsville, Indiana on the 10 th on a cool afternoon. Pictured above is a small pond at Anderson Orchards near Mooresville, Indiana on the 11 th following a cool morning.

56 Pictured above is the Overlook at Shades State Park near Crawfordsville, Indiana on the 16 th. The stream level for Sugar Creek was 1.2 feet a typical level for the middle of October. Pictured above is Sugar Creek at Shades State Park near Crawfordsville on the 16 th. The stream level of 1.2 feet and weather conditions are typical for the middle of October.

57 October 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation October 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation Departure from Normal.

58 NWS FORM E-5 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA, NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MONTHLY REPORT OF RIVER AND FLOOD CONDITIONS TO: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL INFO CENTER, W/OS31 SSMC 2 Room EAST-WEST HIGHWAY SILVER SPRING, MD HSA OFFICE: Indianapolis (IND), Indiana REPORT FOR (MONTH / YEAR): November 2012 DATE: December 3, 2012 SIGNATURE: Albert P. Shipe, Jr. When no flooding occurs, include miscellaneous river conditions, such as significant rises, record low stages, ice conditions, snow cover, droughts, and hydrologic products issued (WSOM E-41). x An X inside this box indicates that no flooding occurred within this hydrologic service area. November was a sunny and dry month for Indiana. The weather remained quiet throughout the month. As a result, precipitation was below normal in central Indiana for the first time since July. Monthly temperatures averaged below normal for the third consecutive month. Daily temperatures during the first half of November were generally below normal with afternoon temperatures in the 40s and low 50s which followed morning lows in the 20s and 30s. Indian summer returned briefly from the 9 th -11 th and provided the warmest weather during the month. Temperatures peaked in the upper 60s and lower 70s ahead of a sharp cold front on the 10 th. The frontal passage on the 12 th ended Indian summer. November temperatures moderated after the 17 th when temperatures remained above freezing from the 18 th -22 nd and afternoon readings reached into the upper 50s and lower 60s. A sharp cold frontal passage on the 23 rd ushered in the coldest weather of the season. Temperatures remained at or below freezing on the 24 th in most areas along and north of I-70. The coldest air retreated on the 25 th but unseasonably cool weather remained through the 29 th. November ended on a relatively warm note as a warming trend began. Overall monthly temperatures during November averaged 1 to 4 degrees below normal. This was the coldest November since 2002 for the Indianapolis area. The coldest weather of the month followed the two cold frontal passages. Morning readings ranged from the upper teens to the low 20s on the 14 th, 15 th, 24 th, and 28 th. Temperatures dropped below freezing on 18 to 23 days during the month. November was a very dry month across Indiana. Monthly precipitation totals ranged from a record low amount of one-quarter of an inch in portions of northern Indiana to nearly 3 inches in southeast Owen County in southwest Indiana. Almost all locations received less than one-half of the expected November precipitation.

59 The only widespread precipitation event during November occurred late on the 11th and into the morning hours of the 12th. Much of the central Indiana received one-half to one and one-half inches of precipitation while northern Indiana received less than one-half of an inch. Rain changed to snow in central Indiana during the late morning hours on the 12th. This resulted in the first measurable snowfall of the season for much of central Indiana. Snowfall accumulated to less than one-half of an inch and quickly melted by early afternoon. Wintry precipitation fell on two other occasions during November. Sleet occurred in portions of central Indiana on the 3 rd and snow fell during the night of the 26 th. Light snow accumulated up to an inch in a 20-mile wide area from Lafayette to Winchester north of Indianapolis by the morning of the 27 th. All wintry precipitation melted within a few hours of occurrence. Snowfall totals for the month ranged from a trace to one and one-half inches. Drought conditions did not improve in northern Indiana during November. The U.S. Drought Monitor indicated about 15% of Indiana remained in a moderate drought at the end of November. Stream flow slowly declined in central and southern Indiana during the month. Streams levels ranged from seasonal in much of central Indiana to below normal in northern and southern Indiana at the close of the month. Local area reservoirs remained near or at capacity throughout November. Pictured above is Eagle Creek Reservoir looking north from the crest of the dam around 4 pm EST on the 16 th. The pool elevation was feet. The normal pool elevation is feet.

60 Pictured above is a colorful sunrise at WFO Indianapolis on the 19 th. Pictured above is the Hazleton staff gage on the afternoon of the 28 th. Note riprap for the new levee prevents readings below 22.5 feet. The river level is 2.3 feet at the Old US Highway 41 site located a 1100 hunderd feet downstream. Picture is courtsey of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

61 November 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation November 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation Departure from Normal.

62 NWS FORM E-5 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA, NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MONTHLY REPORT OF RIVER AND FLOOD CONDITIONS TO: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL INFO CENTER, W/OS31 SSMC 2 Room EAST-WEST HIGHWAY SILVER SPRING, MD HSA OFFICE: Indianapolis (IND), Indiana REPORT FOR (MONTH / YEAR): December 2012 DATE: January 4, 2013 SIGNATURE: Albert P. Shipe, Jr. When no flooding occurs, include miscellaneous river conditions, such as significant rises, record low stages, ice conditions, snow cover, droughts, and hydrologic products issued (WSOM E-41). x An X inside this box indicates that no flooding occurred within this hydrologic service area. December was among the warmest and snowiest Decembers of record for much of central and southern Indiana. Near blizzard conditions the day after Christmas paralyzed much of central and southern Indiana for about one day. After a wet and mild start to the month, winter arrived on time and continued into the New Year. The cold and dry weather pattern of November quickly transitioned to a warm and wet pattern for nearly the first three weeks of December. While rainfall was not extremely heavy or widespread, the rains during the 2 nd -4 th, 7 th -9 th, 15 th, and 19 th -20 th provided more moisture than the entire month of November. The average temperature at Indianapolis was among the 5 th highest of record for the December 1 st - 20 th period. This warm and wet pattern changed abruptly during the evening of the 20 th. A sharp cold front changed the rain to snow and by the morning of the 21 st portions of central and southern Indiana received the season s first significant snowfall. Totals ranged from a trace to 5 inches. Much of this snow melted on the 23 rd. The big snow of the month occurred on 26th, when a strong winter storm approached blizzard conditions and dropped 4 to more than 12 inches of snow on much of central and southern Indiana. Wind gusts approached or exceeded 40 mph at the height of the snow. Snowfall totals were less in west central and northern Indiana. Snowfall totals were also less in portions of south central and southeast Indiana because of receiving a combination of rain, sleet and snow. Another snow storm quickly followed late on the 28th and early on the 29th. This system did not have strong winds, but portions of southern and central Indiana received 3 to 8 inches of snow. The last snow of the month fell on New Year s Eve when central and southern Indiana received a dusting to slightly over 2 inches.

63 For the month snowfall totals ranged from about 2 inches in normally snowy locations of northwest Indiana to more than 20 inches in south central Indiana. For portions of southern Indiana, this was the most snowfall for December since the historic snows of December Overall monthly melted precipitation totals ranged from 1.5 inches in northwest Indiana to over 6 inches near the Ohio River in south central and southeast Indiana. Areas north of I-70 received 1.5 to 3 inches while areas along and south of I-70 received 3 to 5 inches. Melted precipitation for December was near normal for much of the state with some areas in northern Indiana on the drier side while portions of east central and southern Indiana were on the wetter side. Despite the snow and cold weather during the last third of December, monthly temperatures averaged 6 to 7 degrees above normal. At Indianapolis December 2012 tied for the 16 th warmest December of record. The warmest weather occurred in early December when temperatures reached into the upper 60s and lower 70s. The coldest morning of the month and among the calendar year was on the 30 th as readings dropped into the single digits and low teens. Temperatures dropped to or below freezing on days and did not exceed freezing on 3-8 days. Drought conditions remained unchanged in northern Indiana during December. The U.S. Drought Monitor indicated about 15% of Indiana was in a moderate drought at the end of December. Stream flow ranged from seasonal levels in much of central Indiana to below normal in northern and southern Indiana. Local area reservoirs remained near or at capacity. At the end of December, Indiana was snow covered. Snow depths ranged from a trace to more than 8 inches. Sunrise on December 12, 2012.

64 Pictured above is first snow of the winter season at WFO Indianapolis. Snow depth was about 2 inches. Pictured above was the aftermath of the Blizzard of December Snow depth was about 8 inches. Only a trace of snow from the 21 st remained on the ground before this snow storm began. This blizzard did not compare to the Great Blizzard of January 1978.

65 Much of the state of Indiana was snow covered at the end of December. Snow depths ranged from a trace in northwest Indiana to 8 inches in southern Indiana. Satellite picture was for the late morning of December 30 th. Pictured above were the mild conditions on December 13 th at Indianapolis.

66 December 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation December 2012 Estimated Monthly Precipitation Departure from Normal.