Flood — Gallatin, Illinois

2008-03-18 to 2008-03-21 · near Ridgway, Gallatin, Illinois

Event narrative

Much of the flooding was due to a combination of backwater from the Ohio River and tremendous runoff from inland areas. The emergency management director reported that flooding in Old Shawneetown was the worst since 1964. All but the eastern part of town was flooded. About 20 families evacuated flooded parts of the county. Near Ridgway, firefighters rescued three children who were boating in floodwaters. The boat was taking on water, and the children were bailing water. Sandbagging was done to protect property in Equality and Junction. The Saline River was the primary cause of flooding there. A State of Emergency was declared for the county. Old Shaweetown was closed to all traffic except emergency local traffic.

Wider weather episode

Torrential rainfall amounts from 6 to 12 inches occurred over a two-day period, causing an historic flood event. A very slow-moving cold front over southwest Illinois and southeast Missouri provided the focus for prolonged heavy rainfall. A deep southwest wind flow brought subtropical moisture across the frontal zone. Two-day rainfall amounts included 11.64 inches at Anna (Union County) and 11.50 inches at Galatia (Saline County). At the Carbondale airport, the two-day total was 6.61 inches. Other two-day totals included: 7.66 at Harrisburg, 7.53 at Mt. Carmel, and 10.50 at Du Quoin.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (37.7800, -88.2700)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 84921. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.