December 17, 2012 Flood Slide Show

Residents and businesses in the low areas around Birch Bay experienced significant flooding on Monday December 17, 2012. Flood waters rose rapidly in the morning with the high tide. The flooding was caused by a combination of factors. High tide was VERY high (about 12.5 feet) due to the combined affect of low atmospheric pressure (sea level goes up when there is less pressure pushing down on it from the atmosphere) and strong gravitational pull between the earth, sun, and moon. In December, around the winter solstice, the earth is closest to the sun and the force of gravity between them is greatest. The tide tide was pushed ashore over Birch Bay Drive by strong winds causing damage and covering the road with debris. The neighborhood behind the C Shop around Alderson and Morrison was especially hard hit by the flood waters due to its low elevation and proximity to Terrell Creek.