Flash Flood — Jasper, Mississippi

2011-03-09 · near Stafford Spgs, Jasper, Mississippi

Event narrative

Significant flooding occurred across portions of Jasper County as 6 to 8 inches of rain fell. Dozens of roads (40-50) were under water, including Highway 528. Several roads were washed out along with one bridge. Three businesses and a mobile home were flooded in Heidelburg.

Wider weather episode

A potent storm system combined with abundant moisture over the ArkLaMiss region to bring nearly 24 hours of showers and thunderstorms, beginning during the day March 8th and continuing through the early morning hours of March 9th. With rich moisture flowing north from the Gulf of Mexico, many of the storms were efficient rain producers, which brought the risk of flash flooding and river flooding to the area. Many locations along and southeast of the Natchez Trace Parkway corridor had already seen as much as 3 to 4 inches of rain just 3 to 4 days prior to this event. Along with the flooding, ample wind shear and strong forcing from an upper disturbance and approaching cold front brought a risk for severe thunderstorms. The best combination of wind shear and instability was located south of Interstate 20. As the upper disturbance moved closer to the region, some storms became severe with a few storms exhibiting small, tight rotation on radar. Two tornadoes occurred during this event and they were both in Hinds County.

Showers began to affect the ArkLaMiss region during the morning of the 8th. These showers increased in coverage and intensity during the afternoon and evening hours. Thunderstorms moved repeatedly over the same locations, which allowed rainfall amounts to add up quickly. Storm total rainfall ranged from 4 to 7 inches of rain, especially across southeast and eastern portions of the forecast area. Numerous flash flood warnings were issued and reports of water covering roadways, along with water rescues were received. This additional rainfall rose water levels on area rivers, causing several to go above flood stage.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (31.8732, -88.9433)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 291678. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.