Flash Flood — Ford, Illinois

2021-08-12 · near Garber, Ford, Illinois

Event narrative

Thunderstorms producing heavy rain continued to redevelop across southwest Ford County during the late morning and early afternoon producing widespread significant flash flooding in many areas, including in Gibson City. Numerous homes and businesses suffered significant flood damage. Local officials estimated about 800 properties were affected by flooding. Most roads were closed and impassable with several feet of water across some roads. Multiple cars were stalled in flood waters with multiple water rescues. A senior citizen center was inundated with flood waters and multiple water rescues were performed to remove the residents. To the southwest of Gibson City, vegetation was flattened in many low lying areas due to the fast flowing flood waters. Rainfall amounts in Gibson City and far southwest Ford County were in the 7 to 9 inch range from late morning through early afternoon. Measured rainfall amounts included 9.33 inches one mile northeast of Gibson City; 8.76 inches in Gibson City and 7.63 inches three miles west northwest of Gibson City. During the NWS storm survey, it was discovered that several private rain gauges in Gibson City ranged between 10 to 13 inches. The property damage amount was estimated in consultation with city and local officials. The crop damage amount was estimated in consultation with agriculture officials.

Wider weather episode

Multiple thunderstorms produced torrential rain across southern Ford County during the late morning and early afternoon of August 12th producing flash flooding and significant flood damage in Gibson City.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (40.5050, -88.4585)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 979680. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.