Flash Flood in Coles County, Illinois

Slow moving thunderstorms produced heavy rainfall across the area during the late evening hours on June 1st and early morning hours of June 2nd. Rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches were common within a three hour period in eastern Shelby County and central Coles County. In Coles County, Mattoon sustained most of the damage. Dozens of residents became stranded by flood waters as it surrounded a housing development. Thirty to 42 apartments were inundated in the complex. An estimated additional 100 homes and businesses were affected by the flood waters as well. In Shelby County, 70 families were forced from their homes due to flooding, although only minor structural damage was reported there. Damage in Coles County was estimated around $3 million. No injuries were reported.