Flash Flood — Wright, Missouri

2002-05-08 · near Grovespring, Wright, Missouri

Wider weather episode

This extraordinary event consisted of three primary waves of severe weather and flooding. The first occurred during the early morning of May 7th. The second consisted of four separate severe and flooding events which overlapped and lasted from the mid-morning of May 7th, to near sunrise on May 8th. The last wave of severe weather and flooding swept through the area during the evening of May 8th, into the early morning hours of May 9th. Rainfall amounts of four to eight inches fell across the area during this 36 to 48 hour period. Excessive rainfall amounts greater than 10 inches were shown over Bourbon, Crawford, Vernon, Cedar, and Morgan counties, with several observers reporting amounts in excess of 11 inches. The widespread heavy rain amounts and periods of torrential rainfall rates resulted in extensive flooding of small streams and creeks, county roads, low water crossings and other low lying areas. Major highways were also affected. The widespread flooding forced evacuations in several communities and the closing of some schools. A 17 year old female died after being swept off a low water crossing on Beaver Creek six miles north of Mountain Grove, or along the Wright/Texas County border. More specific county information along with all monetary damages, will be included in the flood narrative listed on May 9th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5299145. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.