Flood — Jefferson, Illinois

2008-03-18 to 2008-03-21 · near Dix, Jefferson, Illinois

Event narrative

Two persons died after their truck stalled in floodwater on a secondary road near Waltonville. The three occupants of the truck climbed on top of it. One of the victims dropped her purse in the water and dove after it. Two other occupants of the truck dove in to rescue her. One of the rescuers swam to safety, but the other two persons were found submerged in debris about 1,000 yards from the truck. Numerous roads were closed around the county. Schools were closed. Illinois Route 148 was closed at the Big Muddy River bridge as water rose several feet over the bridge. Route 37 was closed south of Mount Vernon. One family in Mount Vernon was displaced when the basement walls caved in. At least fifty basements were flooded in the city.

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 → (38.4300, -88.9300)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 84929. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.