Flash Flood in Clarke County, Mississippi

Significant and widespread heavy rainfall occurred across nearly all of Clarke County. Rainfall totals ranged from 6 to 8 inches. Dozens of roads were flooded with many washed out. Extensive flooding occurred around Quitman with 15 homes and businesses flooded. Water rescues occurred at nearly a dozen homes with people trapped by the flood waters. Across the county, 10 additional homes were flooded.

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.