Recent Storms Show Variability of Rainfall in Watersheds
The storms on July 23/24 and 24/25 demonstrate the impact of localized rainfall in an area as small as the Brandywine and Red Clay Watersheds. With the benefit of a stream gage network in place for years in both watersheds, the flow variability due to storms is easily measured and interpreted. What these gages showed is a larger streamflow impact from the July 23/24 storms in the Honey Brook and Chadds Ford areas of the Brandywine and in the lower section of the Red Clay. The midsection of the Brandywine – Coatesville, Modena, and Downingtown – however had lower flows in that same storm. For the July 24/25 storm, streamflows were higher in the upper section of the Brandywine while the same or lower in the Red Clay and Chadds Ford compared to the July 23/24 event. The gages also showed the intensity of the storms by recording the speed at which the streams rose. The July 24/25 was most intense in the middle Red Clay as witnessed by rainfall volumes, as much as 7” reported, and the damage to roadways from the stormwater runoff. The localized nature of storms has become more common and the intensity more damaging. For more information about our watersheds and what you can do to help, please visit our watershed conservation page.
Sounds Under the Stars Summer Music Series
All concerts are free. Gates open at 6 and music begins at 7:30. Picnicking and well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome. Bring a blanket or lawnchair and enjoy these Sounds Under the Stars! For more information please visit our events calendar.
