Flash Flood in Illinois, April 28, 1996

Extremely heavy rainfall amounts of about 8 inches in less than 24 hours caused severe flash flooding. Franklin County was declared a federal disaster area. Close to 100 people were evacuated from their homes by boat. A railroad berm near the West Frankfort sewage treatment plant gave way to rising water, resulting in catastrophic flooding in the city. Very few if any victims of the flash flooding had flood insurance. All flood victims and volunteers were encouraged to receive free tetanus shots. Water was 4 to 6 feet deep in some areas of the city, closing schools and halting most traffic. At one point, the only access into the city of West Frankfort was from Interstate 57. Preliminary damage estimates to public property were between 1 and 2 million dollars. Damage to homes and private property will be in the millions.