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Significant Flooding in Central Portions of the U.S. |
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Flooding continues in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. More than 90 NWS river forecast locations remain in flood, with major flooding in Arkansas, Illinois and Indiana. Flooding at a number of locations will continue through next week. While most rivers are falling, rises are still expected on the lower portions of the White River in northeastern Arkansas. The Mississippi River below Caruthersville, MO, will continue to rise, with the crest expected at Baton Rouge on Monday, April 7. Additional rain in the upcoming week could slow the rate of recession or cause renewed rises. What Caused the Flooding? Much of the area affected was already wet before torrential rains fell over an approximately 48-hour period, from March 17 to March 19. Soils were wet from previous rain and, in some cases snow melt. As a result, the ground could not absorb much of the rain that fell. In fact, the antecedent rain and snow melt caused flooding and many rivers were still running high, with considerable flooding in progress as the new round of rain occurred. As shown in the map at the right (click on maps for larger image), a large area received more than half a foot of rain. Some individual locations received remarkable amounts -- over a foot. Flooding Areas affected by flooding included Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. During and shortly after the rain fell, it inundated low areas. This water ran off into streams and rivers, pushing them above flood levels. At one time, more than 250 NWS river forecast locations flooded. Some of the worst flooding occurred in southeastern Missouri, northeastern Arkansas and southern Illinois. Many locations experienced major flooding. Some locations saw river levels higher than any previously observed, setting new records. For current information on flooding, see |
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Observed River Stage (in feet) - Major Flooding
Observed River Stage (in feet) - Moderate Flooding
Maximum forecast stage (in feet) over the next two days - Major Flooding
Maximum forecast stage (in feet) over the next two days - Moderate Flooding
Major Flooding - March 2008 |
