Chesapeake Bay at Tolchester Beach (IN MLLW)
Maryland — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Kent County, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay. Live water level data from USGS, updated every 15 minutes.
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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This is an NWS forecast point (LID: TCBM2). Live data may be limited. View on NWS AHPS →
Flood Stages
Major Flood
5.5 ft
Moderate Flood
4.5 ft
Minor Flood
3.5 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
7.91 ft
(Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW)) The level reached on September 19, 2003 during Hurricane Isabel.
5.5 ft
(MLLW) MAJOR FLOODING. At this level, widespread roadway flooding begins near the bay and its tidal tributaries in Cecil County and Kent County. Vulnerable homes and businesses may be damaged as water levels rise further above this threshold. Numerous roads become impassable and some neighborhoods may be isolated. The flood waters become a danger to anyone who attempts to cross on foot or in a vehicle.
4.5 ft
(MLLW) MODERATE FLOODING. At this level, additional roadways near the bay and its tidal tributaries in Cecil County and Kent County begin to flood. Lives may be at risk when people put themselves in harm's way. Some damage to vulnerable structures may begin to occur. COASTAL FLOOD WARNING LEVEL.
3.9 ft
(MLLW) Flooding begins in Charlestown along the North East River. Flooding begins in Rock Hall, Skinners Neck, Piney Neck, McKinleyville and Cliffs City. Flooding begins along the Chester River in Chestertown and also south of Chestertown along Quaker Neck Road.
3.8 ft
(MLLW) COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY LEVEL.
3.5 ft
(MLLW) MINOR FLOODING.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 18, 2003 | 7.91 ft | — |
| Sep 18, 2003 | 7.91 ft | — |
| Jan 9, 2024 | 5.34 ft | — |
| Jan 9, 2024 | 5.34 ft | — |
| Oct 29, 2021 | 4.93 ft | — |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
TCBM2
River
Chesapeake Bay
County
Kent, MD
Coordinates
39.2133°N, 76.2450°W
Get Flood Alerts for Chesapeake Bay
StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Chesapeake Bay at Tolchester Beach (IN MLLW)?
The Chesapeake Bay at Tolchester Beach (IN MLLW) gauge is maintained by USGS and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Chesapeake Bay at Tolchester Beach (IN MLLW)?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Chesapeake Bay at Tolchester Beach (IN MLLW) is 3.5 feet. Action stage begins at N/A feet. Moderate flooding starts at 4.5 feet, and major flooding at 5.5 feet.
How do I get alerts when Chesapeake Bay rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Chesapeake Bay at Tolchester Beach (IN MLLW) to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category — even when your screen is off.
Where is the Chesapeake Bay at Tolchester Beach (IN MLLW) gauge located?
The gauge is located in Kent County, Maryland at coordinates 39.2133°N, 76.2450°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: NOAA National Ocean Service
- <head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <style type="text/css"> .style1 {background-color: #FFFF00;} </style> </head> Please refer to our <a href="http://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=PHI&product=CFW&format=CI&version=1&glossary=0"> <span class="style1">Coastal Hazard Message</span></a> for specific information regarding Coastal Flood Watches, Warnings and Advisories. Flood impacts are based on long-term averages. Actual impacts from any tidal flooding event may vary due to factors such as rainfall, wave action, and the number of tide cycles during which there is an onshore flow. During tropical cyclones, please refer <span class="style1"> <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=PHI&product=TCV&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1">here</a></span> for additional storm surge information.
- <style type="text/css">.style1 { background-color: #FFFF00;}</style> During a Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch or Warning, inundation mapping provided by the <a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/"><span class="style1">National Hurricane Center</span> </a>reflects a reasonable worst case scenario. The experimental forecast above is the total water forecast that is expected to occur.