Flash Flooding and Flooding in Missouri, March 17 to 22, 2008

Name: Flash Flooding and Flooding in Missouri, March 17 to 22, 2008
Start: 2008-03-17T21:30
End: 2008-03-22T11:00
Location: Missouri

March 17 to 22, 2008 · NWS SGF · 68 events in 34 counties and zones

Excessive rainfall developed over southern Missouri during the evening of 17 March. A line of training convection assumed a position roughly along a line from Anderson to Ozark to Licking.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 2
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $34 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 68

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS SGF wrote it up.

Excessive rainfall developed over southern Missouri during the evening of 17 March. A line of training convection assumed a position roughly along a line from Anderson to Ozark to Licking. This convection expanded with time, eventually covering nearly all of extreme southeast Kansas and the Missouri Ozarks. Moderate to heavy rain continued into the overnight period and did not stop until the morning of 19 March.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Springfield, MO wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Mar 17, 5:40 PM CST, 3 hours 50 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 17, 5:40 PM CST, 3 hours 50 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SPRINGFIELD MO
640 PM CDT MON MAR 17 2008

...UPDATE TO AVIATION...

.DISCUSSION...

FORECAST CHALLENGES TODAY DEAL WITH RAIN AMOUNTS TONIGHT THROUGH
WEDNESDAY MORNING AND SEVERE WEATHER POTENTIAL THIS AFTERNOON AND
EVENING.

SHORT TERM (TODAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY)...

SURFACE ANALYSIS SHOWING BOUNDARY FROM NORTHEAST MISSOURI EXTENDING
SOUTHWEST INTO SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS. THIS WAS THE FOCUS OF THIS
MORNINGS CONVECTION AS SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOPED AND
MOVED NORTH THROUGH THE CWA. RADAR SHOWING SOME WEAK SHOWERS
MOVING INTO SOUTHEAST KANSAS AND WESTERN MISSOURI THIS AFTERNOON
ALONG THIS BOUNDARY. A LOT OF CLOUDS OVER THE CWA AND CONVECTION
FROM THIS MORNING HAS STABILIZED THE ATMOSPHERE SOME THIS MORNING.
UPPER LOW CONTINUES OVER DESERT SOUTHWEST AND LOTS OF GULF
MOISTURE HAS SURGED NORTH INTO EAST TEXAS AND OKLAHOMA. DEW POINTS
IN THE MID 60S ACROSS TEXAS AND MID 50S IN EASTERN OKLAHOMA.

LOOKING AT MODEL SOUNDINGS...IT LOOKS LIKE ALL CONVECTION IN THE
CWA WILL BE ELEVATED THIS AFTERNOON. LCLS GET PRETTY LOW DOWN NEAR
THE ARKANSAS LINE...BUT EVEN HERE CONVECTION SHOULD BE ELEVATED.
DID CONTINUE MENTION OF ISOLATED TORNADOES DOWN NEAR THE STATE
LINE FOR THIS AFTERNOON. LOOKS THOUGH THAT THE MAIN THREAT WITH
THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE HAIL. WILL NEED TO MONITOR THE SITUATION
THIS AFTERNOON AS TEMPERATURES CLIMB INTO THE LOW 60S ACROSS
SOUTHWEST MISSOURI. WE GET ANY SUN BREAKS TO ALLOW MORE
HEATING TO BREAK THE LOW LEVEL INVERSION...THE SITUATION MAY
RAPIDLY CHANGE.

HEAVY RAIN GETS GOING TONIGHT AS FRONTAL BOUNDARY MOVES INTO
CENTRAL PORTIONS OF THE CWA. MODEL SOUNDINGS FOR THIS TIME SHOW
PWATS AROUND 1.5 INCHES OVERNIGHT. UPPER WINDS LOOK TO BE PARALLEL
TO THE FRONT WHICH WOULD BE A GOOD SETUP FOR TRAINING
THUNDERSTORMS. FRONT SLOWLY MOVES SOUTHEAST THROUGH THE DAY
TUESDAY AS MORE GULF MOISTURE GETS PULLED UP ALONG THE FRONT. BOTH
GFS AND WRF SHOWING IMPRESSIVE 6 HOURLY QPF FORECASTS BASICALLY
ALONG AND SOUTH OF THE INTERSTATE 44 CORRIDOR FROM 12Z THROUGH THE
AFTERNOON. BELIEVE GOING 2 TO 4 INCHES OF RAINFALL WITH LOCALIZED
5 INCHES WE HAVE GOING IN THE WATCH STILL LOOKS GOOD. MAY NEED TO
START SHAVING OFF COUNTIES NORTH AND WEST OF INTERSTATE 44 FROM
THE WATCH AFTER TUESDAY MORNING AS THEY WILL MOST LIKELY GET THEIR
HEAVY RAINFALL EARLIER TONIGHT. BUT WILL WAIT AND SEE WHERE THE
AXIS OF THE HEAVY RAINFALL SETS UP BEFORE PULLING ANY COUNTIES.

DID GO AHEAD AND EXTEND THE WATCH THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING AS THE
FRONT SLOWLY MOVES SOUTHEAST. MAY NEED TO EXTEND EVEN FURTHER INTO
WEDNESDAY AS UPPER LOW IS SLOW TO MOVE THROUGH ARKANSAS AND WE GET
SOME WRAP AROUND MOISTURE.

CLAYCOMB

LONG TERM (THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY)...

WEATHER DURING THE LONG TERM PERIOD WILL BE CHARACTERIZED BY A
SERIES OF WEAK PULSES OF SHORT WAVE ENERGY MOVING THROUGH THE
REGION AS THE UPPER LEVEL PATTERN TRANSITIONS FROM RIDGING TO MORE
ZONAL FLOW AND BACK TO CENTRAL CONUS RIDGING. THE FIRST IMPULSE
WILL PUSH THROUGH EARLY ON FRIDAY BUT THE CWA WILL LIKELY REMAIN
DRY WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A FEW LIGHT SHOWERS ACROSS THE NORTH.
TEMPERATURES SHOULD WARM NICELY IN ADVANCE OF THIS SYSTEM BUT COOL
BACK DOWN IN THE WAKE OF A SURFACE COLD FRONT MOVING THROUGH
DURING THE LATE MORNING AND AFTERNOON FRIDAY.

THE AFOREMENTIONED COLD FRONT WILL CUT OFF THE GULF FLOW AND MOISTURE
WILL BE SLOW TO RETURN IN ADVANCE OF THE NEXT SYSTEM. THE 00Z GFS
INDICATED A WELL DEVELOPED SURFACE LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WOULD FORM
OVER THE CENTRAL PLAINS AS NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN STREAM JET ENERGY
BEGAN TO PHASE A BIT. THE 12Z GFS RUN CONTINUES TO USHER IN A
SHARP SHORT WAVE TROUGH COUPLED WITH A LEFT EXIT REGION OF THE
JET...BUT HESITATES TO DEVELOP SURFACE CYCLOGENESIS. WITH THE
ECMWF PLAYING A ROLE IN BETWEEN THE TWO GFS RUNS...OPTED TO DO THE
SAME WITH THE FORECAST...MENTIONING A CHANCE FOR SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS LATE SATURDAY INTO SUNDAY MORNING. TEMPERATURES WILL COOL
QUITE SHARPLY WITH COLD AIR ADVECTION...GOOD MIXING...AND 850
TEMPS APPROACHING -4C ON SUNDAY. SHOULD BEGIN TO WARM AGAIN BY
LATE MONDAY INTO TUESDAY AS ANOTHER...POTENTIALLY BETTER
DEVELOPED...STORM SYSTEM BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE OVER THE PLAINS.

BARJENBRUCH

&&

.AVIATION...

FOR THE 00Z TAF PACKAGE...RAINFALL BEGINNING TO EXPAND ACROSS THE
REGION AND THIS TREND WILL CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL HOURS.
PERIODS OF RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED THROUGHOUT THE
ENTIRE TAF CYCLE. VIS/CIG LEVELS REMAIN VFR FOR THE MOMENT...BUT
THIS WILL RAPIDLY CHANGE THIS EVENING. AS THUNDERSTORMS EXPAND AND
FILL IN ACROSS THE AREA...MVFR VIS/CIG WILL DEVELOP OVER THE NEXT
FEW HOURS. IFR CIGS ARE EXPECTED TO FILTER IN AS A COLD FRONT
APPROACHES JLN AROUND MIDNIGHT...SGF AFTER 09Z. LOW LEVEL WIND
SHEAR WILL CONTINUE THROUGH MOST OF TONIGHT AS A STRONG LOW LEVEL
JET PERSISTS ACROSS THE AREA. IFR CIGS AND MVFR VIS WILL BE THE
GENERAL RULE FOR MOST OF THE REGION TUESDAY. RAIN LOOKS TO EXIT
THE JLN AERODROME TUESDAY AFTERNOON...BUT WILL LINGER LONGER AT
THE SGF AERODROME. VIS/CIG RESTRICTIONS WILL LIKELY CONTINUE AFTER
THE END OF THE VALID TAF CYCLE.

GAGAN

&&

.SGF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MO...FLASH FLOOD WATCH THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING FOR MOZ055>058-
     066>071-077>083-088>098-101>106.

KS...FLASH FLOOD WATCH THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING FOR KSZ073-097-101.

&&

Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 17, 7:09 PM CST, 2 hours 21 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SPRINGFIELD MO
809 PM CDT MON MAR 17 2008

KSZ073-097-101-MOZ055>058-066>071-077>083-088>098-101>106-190115-
BOURBON-CRAWFORD-CHEROKEE-BENTON-MORGAN-MILLER-MARIES-VERNON-
ST. CLAIR-HICKORY-CAMDEN-PULASKI-PHELPS-BARTON-CEDAR-POLK-DALLAS-
LACLEDE-TEXAS-DENT-JASPER-DADE-GREENE-WEBSTER-WRIGHT-NEWTON-
LAWRENCE-CHRISTIAN-DOUGLAS-HOWELL-SHANNON-MCDONALD-BARRY-STONE-
TANEY-OZARK-OREGON-
809 PM CDT MON MAR 17 2008

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF THE MISSOURI
OZARKS AND EXTREME SOUTHEAST KANSAS.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

 THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE TO IMPACT AREAS OF THE MISSOURI OZARKS
 ALONG AND SOUTH OF THE INTERSTATE 44 CORRIDOR. SIGNIFICANT
 WIDESPREAD FLOODING WILL BECOME THE PRIMARY HAZARD WITH THIS
 EPISODE OF HEAVY RAIN.

 LARGE HAIL UP TO THE SIZE OF QUARTERS CAN NOT BE RULED OUT DURING
 THE OVERNIGHT PERIOD. INSTABILITY WILL HAVE A TENDENCY TO INCREASE
 THROUGH THE NIGHT AS LOW LEVEL MOISTURE SPREADS IN FROM THE GULF.
 THIS INSTABILITY MAY BECOME SUFFICIENT FOR MARGINALLY SEVERE
 STORMS.

 THERE IS A VERY LOW RISK FOR TORNADOES ACROSS FAR SOUTHERN MISSOURI.
 THIS RISK IS DEPENDENT UPON THE POSSIBILITY OF LOW LEVEL
 INSTABILITY DEVELOPING...WHICH WOULD ENABLE STORMS TO BECOME BASED
 WITHIN LOWER LEVELS OF THE ATMOSPHERE.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

  THUNDERSTORMS WITH TORRENTIAL RAINFALL WILL CONTINUE ACROSS
  MUCH OF THE MISSOURI OZARKS ON TUESDAY AND TUESDAY NIGHT AS
  THE FRONTAL BOUNDARY CONTINUES TO SLOWLY PUSH SOUTHEAST.
  WIDESPREAD FLOODING APPEARS LIKELY...ESPECIALLY ACROSS SOUTH
  CENTRAL MISSOURI. PLEASE REFER TO THE LATEST FLASH FLOOD WATCH
  FOR THE MOST RECENT DETAILS REGARDING THE INCREASING THREAT FOR
  SERIOUS FLOODING ACROSS PORTIONS OF THE OUTLOOK AREA.

  A FEW STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE
  ACROSS SOUTH CENTRAL MISSOURI ON TUESDAY...ESPECIALLY IF THE
  FRONT IS SLOWER TO MOVE OUT OF THE AREA.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

  SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL NOT BE NEEDED THROUGH TONIGHT.

&&

THIS PRODUCT IS NOW AVAILABLE IN GRAPHICAL FORMAT...ALONG WITH
OTHER WEATHER...HYDROLOGICAL AND CLIMATE INFORMATION...AT
HTTP://WWW.CRH.NOAA.GOV/SGF(ALL LOWERCASE)

CRAMER

In the hours before

Local storm report, Mar 17, 5:36 PM CST, 3 hours 54 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SPRINGFIELD MO
636 PM CDT MON MAR 17 2008

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0600 AM     LIGHTNING        4 N LEBANON             37.74N 92.66W
03/17/2008                   LACLEDE            MO   EMERGENCY MNGR

            LACLEDE EMERGENCY MANAGER WAS NOTIFIED BY A CATTLE
            RANCHER THAT THREE COWS HAD BEEN KILLED FROM A LIGHTNING
            STRIKE.

&&

DCRAMER

The radar

The Springfield radar (KSGF), 38 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 03:29 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

34 flash flood, 34 flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Flash Flood, Stone

When: March 17, 9:30 PM CST to March 19, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Stone County, 2.56 mi NNW of Crane to 2.38 mi S of Viola
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $7.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.932, -93.593

Record flooding occurred along the James River over Stone County. 60 homes were destroyed by flooding while approximately 30 of these homes were washed away into the James River. These homes were in the communities of Hooten Town, Bakers Hole, and Galena. The flooding was caused from rainfall amounts up to eight inches near the head waters of the James and Finley rivers. Nearly all low areas that typically experience flooding during excessive rainfall were flooded.

Flash Flood, Christian

When: March 17, 9:50 PM CST to March 19, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Christian County, 2.1 mi E of Linden to 4.07 mi ESE of Billings
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $5.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.044, -93.093

Major river flooding occurred along the James and Finley rivers. This flooding occurred in response to eight inches of rain the fell near the headwaters of these two rivers. Many homes and a few businesses experienced flood damage near the cities of Ozark and Nixa. All low areas that typically flood during periods of excessive rainfall were flooded.

Flash Flood, McDonald

When: March 17, 10:00 PM CST to March 19, 6:00 AM CST
Where: McDonald County, 2.21 mi SSE of Klondike to 2.68 mi SSW of South West City
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.689, -94.609

Six to six and a half inches of rain fell over McDonald County. Major flood damage occurred to county roads and bridges. All areas that typically experience flooding during periods of excessive rainfall were flooded.

Flash Flood, Newton

When: March 17, 11:00 PM CST to March 19, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Newton County, 3.89 mi NW of Hornet to 3.7 mi WSW of Dessa
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $2.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.007, -94.603

Four to six and a half inches of rain fell over Newton County. Record flooding occurred along Shoal Creek near Joplin. Five houses and one resturant were destroyed. All locations across the county that typically flood during periods of excessive rainfall were flooded.

Flash Flood, Webster

When: March 17, 11:55 PM CST to March 19, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Webster County, 2.13 mi WNW of Marshfield Bcknr Arp to 1.21 mi ENE of Niangua
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $4.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.396, -92.983

Widespread rainfall amounts ranged from six to eight inches across Webster County. Record flooding occurred along the headwaters of the Finley and James rivers. Several homes flooded while all low areas that typically flood during periods of excessive rainfall flooded. Widespread road and bridge damage also occurred. Sections of Highway 60 between Rogersville and Seymore had to be closed.

Flash Flood, Phelps

When: March 18, 12:00 AM CST to March 19, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Phelps County, 1.53 mi WSW of Doolittle to 2.44 mi NW of Yancy Mills
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.942, -91.906

Four to nine inches of rain fell over Phelps County. Major flooding occurred along rivers and creeks. Record flooding occurred along the Gasconade River near Jerome and Newburg. Damage to county roads and bridges was common. The southern portion of Phelps County recieved the greatest rainfall.

Flash Flood, Maries

When: March 18, 12:00 AM CST to March 19, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Maries County, 3.46 mi NNW of Van Cleve to 0.6 mi W of Brinktown
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.277, -92.192

Four to five inches of rain fell over Maries County. Major damage to county roads occurred, while all locations that typically experience flooding during periods of heavy rain were flooded. A few sections of Highway 63 became impassable to motorists.

Flash Flood, Miller

When: March 18, 12:00 AM CST to March 19, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Miller County, 1.26 mi NNW of Eldon Arpt to 4.06 mi E of Mt Pleasant
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.387, -92.579

Three to five inches of rain fell over Miller County. Areas that typically flood due to excessive rainfall were flooded. Several secondary roads experienced damage.

Flash Flood, Pulaski

When: March 18, 12:00 AM CST to March 22, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Pulaski County, 0.3 mi NE of Crocker to 0.65 mi N of Greenview
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.953, -92.266

Rainfall amounts ranged from five to nine inches over Pulaski County. Southern sections of the county experienced the greatest rainfall, though all areas that typically experiences flooding during periods of excessive rain. Damage was reported on county roads and bridges.

Flash Flood, Camden

When: March 18, 12:00 AM CST to March 19, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Camden County, 3.63 mi N of Macks Creek to 2.1 mi ESE of Macks Creek
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.022, -92.972

Four to six inches of rain fell over Camden County. All low areas that typically flood during periods of excessive rainfall were flooded. Damage to county roads and bridges was common.

Flash Flood, Laclede

When: March 18, 12:00 AM CST to March 19, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Laclede County, 3.08 mi S of Prosperine to 1.54 mi NW of Brush Creek
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.755, -92.777

Four to nine inches of rain fell over Laclede County. The southeast section of the county experienced the greatest rainfall totals as widespread flooding occurred over county roads.

Flash Flood, Dallas

When: March 18, 12:00 AM CST to March 19, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Dallas County, 2.94 mi SSE of Louisburg to 1.44 mi SE of Foose
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.709, -93.137

Four to five inches of rain fell over Dallas County. Flooding of numerous county and state roads occurred. All locations that typically flood during periods of excessive rainfall were flooded.

Flash Flood, Polk

When: March 18, 12:00 AM CST to March 19, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Polk County, 3 mi SSW of Humansville to 1.24 mi NW of Eudora
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.758, -93.593

Major flooding along the Pomme De Terre River caused several structures to be flooded in Pleasant Hope. All low areas that typically flood during periods of excessive rainfall were flooded, with damage reported to roads and some bridges.

Flash Flood, Greene

When: March 18, 12:00 AM CST to March 19, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Greene County, 3.09 mi WSW of Walnut Grove to 1.1 mi SSE of Plano
Cause: Heavy Rain
Deaths: 0 direct, 1 indirect
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.401, -93.601

Four to seven inches of rain fell over Greene County. Nearly all county roads experienced flooding. The Greene County Emergency Management Director stated that the county had insufficient barracades to block all flooded areas from motorists. An elderly couple was surveying flooded areas along the James River from a park in southeast Springfield when the river was rising so quickly that it eventually surrounded their vehicle and swept them into the river. The 67 year old husband died from a heart attack from the stress of being swept into the river. The wife was later rescued by the Rogersville Swift Water Rescue Team. The rescue attempt took two hours and the car was almost fully submerged by the time the rescue team had positioned themselves near the car.

Flash Flood, Barry

When: March 18, 12:00 AM CST to March 19, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Barry County, 1.91 mi WSW of Monett to 1.74 mi ESE of Mayflower
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $400,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.910, -93.952

Five to six inches of rain fell over Barry County. All locations that typically flood during periods of excessive rainfall were flooded. Areas near Table Rock Lake were flooded from excessive discharge from Beaver Lake. Damage to roads and bridges occurred while several structures near Monett were flooded from Kelly Creek.

Flash Flood, Lawrence

When: March 18, 12:00 AM CST to March 19, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Lawrence County, 2.38 mi ESE of Red Oak to 2.25 mi WNW of Friestatt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.217, -93.980

Four to six inches of rain fell over Lawrence County. All locations that typically experience flooding during periods of excessive rainfall were flooded. One fatality occurred in Kelly Creek near Monett. A 19 year old male died after walking into the swift current.

Flash Flood, Wright

When: March 18, 1:00 AM CST to March 19, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Wright County, 0.96 mi NNE of Loring to 2.17 mi SSE of Mansfield
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.342, -92.571

Widespread rainfall amounts ranged from seven to nine inches over Wright County. All low areas that flood during periods of excessive rainfall were flooded. Major road and bridge damage occurred on county roads.

Flash Flood, Texas

When: March 18, 1:00 AM CST to March 19, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Texas County, 0.3 mi ENE of Plato to 1.19 mi S of Dunn
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.501, -92.225

Six to nine inches of rain fell over Texas County. All areas that experience flooding during periods of excessive rain were flooded. Major damage occurred to county roads and bridges.

Flash Flood, Dent

When: March 18, 1:00 AM CST to March 19, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Dent County, 2.02 mi S of Hobson to 3.42 mi ENE of Salem Mem Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.721, -91.629

Seven to nine inches of rain fell over Dent County. Flooding caused major damage to county roads and bridges. All low areas that typically flood during periods of excessive rainfall were flooded.

Flash Flood, Douglas

When: March 18, 2:00 AM CST to March 19, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Douglas County, 2.51 mi SSE of Tigris to 2.04 mi S of Arno
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.987, -92.760

Rainfall amounts over Douglas County ranged from five to seven inches. Widespread flooding occurred on most of the county roads. All low areas that typically flood during periods of excessive rain flooded.

Flash Flood, Howell

When: March 18, 2:00 AM CST to March 19, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Howell County, 2.44 mi N of Burnham to 1.25 mi SE of Moody
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.965, -91.950

Six to nine inches of rain fell over Howell County. Widepsread flooding occurred along almost all county roads and several state highways. All low areas that typically flood during periods of excessive rainfall were flooded.

Flash Flood, Oregon

When: March 18, 2:00 AM CST to March 19, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Oregon County, 4.54 mi N of Rover to 3.72 mi W of Wilderness
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.785, -91.632

Eight to nine inches of rain fell over Oregon County. Widespread flooding occurred along all low areas that typically experience flooding during periods of excessive rainfall.

Flash Flood, Shannon

When: March 18, 2:00 AM CST to March 19, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Shannon County, 5.08 mi S of Akers to 1.35 mi NE of Montier
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.307, -91.579

Seven to nine inches of rain fell over Shannon County. Widespread flash flooding damaged county roads and bridges. The flooding became so dangerous that schools across the county closed for a couple of days.

Flash Flood, Taney

When: March 18, 2:00 AM CST to March 19, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Taney County, 2.16 mi SE of Ike to 0.74 mi ESE of Bradleyville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $4.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.728, -93.242

Five to six inches of rain fell across Taney County. All areas that typically flood during periods of excessive rain were flooded. Lake Taneycomo had flooded lowlands along the lake in response to a large water release from Table Rock Lake Dam. Areas along Turkey Creek in Hollister also experienced significant flooding as some structures sustained damage.

Flash Flood, Ozark

When: March 18, 3:00 AM CST to March 19, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Ozark County, 2.25 mi ESE of Longrun to 0.77 mi WNW of Lawndale
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.642, -92.681

Five to seven inches of rain fell over Ozark County. All areas that typically experience flooding during periods of excessive rain were flooded.

Flash Flood, Hickory

When: March 18, 3:00 AM CST to March 19, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Hickory County, 2.63 mi E of Weaubleau to 0.86 mi SSE of Quincy
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.898, -93.502

Three to four inches of rain fell over Hickory County. Widespread flooding occurred in low lying areas along streams and river systems. Numerous county roads also flooded.

Flash Flood, Barton

When: March 18, 3:00 AM CST to March 19, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Barton County, 1.16 mi SE of Burgess to 0.64 mi S of Mindenmines
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.560, -94.603

One to four and a half inches of rain fell over Barton County. The southeast section of the county experienced the greatest rainfall where multiple county roads were flooded. Minor flooding confined to flooded low water crossings occurred in the northwest section of the county.

Flash Flood, Jasper

When: March 18, 3:00 AM CST to March 19, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Jasper County, 4.69 mi N of Asbury to 6.75 mi NW of Central City
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $200,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.347, -94.609

Two to five inches of rain fell over Jasper County. All areas that typically flood during periods of excessive rain were flooded. Locations along the Spring River and Center Creek also experienced significant flooding.

Flash Flood, Dade

When: March 18, 5:00 AM CST to March 19, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Dade County, 0.69 mi WNW of Neola to 1.76 mi NW of Pennsboro
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.503, -93.892

Three to five inches of rain fell over Dade County. All locations that typically experience flooding during periods of excessive rainfall were flooded. County roads and bridges were damaged.

Flash Flood, Cedar

When: March 18, 5:00 AM CST to March 19, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Cedar County, 4.21 mi E of Filley to 2.3 mi NE of Omer
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.776, -93.893

Two to four inches of rain fell over Cedar County. All locations that typically experience flooding during periods of excessive rain were flooded.

Flash Flood, Benton

When: March 18, 6:15 AM CST to March 19, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Benton County, 0.53 mi SE of Tackner to 4.82 mi SE of Santiago
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.225, -93.422

One to four inches of rain fell over Benton County. The southeast corner of the county near Edwards and Knobby experienced the greatest rainfall totals. Numerous sections of county roads and all low water crossings were flooded. Within the northern section of Benton County, the flooding was minimal, and confined to only a few low water crossings.

Flash Flood, St. Clair

When: March 18, 6:15 AM CST to March 19, 6:00 AM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 1.19 mi ESE of Appleton City to 2.72 mi N of Taberville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.193, -94.010

One to three and a half inches of rain fell over St. Clair County. Minor flooding occurred on secondary roads county wide. The greatest precipitation fell over the southeastern portion of the county. This caused a couple of state routes to flood.

Flash Flood, Morgan

When: March 18, 8:00 AM CST to March 19, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Morgan County, 3.47 mi WNW of Florence to 5.69 mi SE of Glensted
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.604, -93.036

One to four inches of rain fell over Morgan County. Minor flash flooding occurred in numerous locations throughout the county. This flooding was mainly confined to low water crossings and sections of low lying roads.

Flash Flood, Vernon

When: March 18, 9:00 AM CST to March 19, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Vernon County, 2.69 mi NNW of Stotesbury to 2.09 mi SE of Reo
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.005, -94.592

One to three inches of rain fell over Vernon County. Minor flooding occurred along secondary roads and low water crossings. The greatest rainfall amounts occurred over the southeast portion of the county near Sheldon and Montevallo.

Flood, Miller

When: March 19, 6:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Miller County, 0.99 mi ESE of Eldon to 1.66 mi SSW of Etterville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.346, -92.563

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

Flood, Pulaski

When: March 19, 6:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Pulaski County, 0.5 mi N of Crocker to 0.74 mi E of Greenview
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.957, -92.269

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

Flood, Morgan

When: March 19, 6:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Morgan County, 1.11 mi WNW of Florence to 4.81 mi S of Glensted
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.586, -92.999

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

Flood, Camden

When: March 19, 6:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Camden County, 1.27 mi E of Climax Spgs to 0.63 mi ESE of Macks Creek
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.101, -93.027

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

Flood, Dallas

When: March 19, 6:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Dallas County, 0.69 mi SE of Urbana to 0.61 mi SE of Leadmine
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.823, -93.161

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

Flood, Benton

When: March 19, 6:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Benton County, 1.09 mi SW of Warsaw to 1.31 mi ESE of Santiago
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.238, -93.393

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Flooding continued for several days over poor drainage areas.

Flood, Hickory

When: March 19, 6:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Hickory County, 2.34 mi E of Weaubleau to 1.47 mi N of Wheatland
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.897, -93.507

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

Flood, Polk

When: March 19, 6:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Polk County, 2.53 mi ENE of Dunnegan to 0.82 mi W of Wishart
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.708, -93.535

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

Flood, Greene

When: March 19, 6:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Greene County, 2.99 mi W of Phenix to 0.77 mi SSE of Plano
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.388, -93.603

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

Flood, Lawrence

When: March 19, 6:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Lawrence County, 2.16 mi NNW of Phelps to 1.31 mi SW of Friestatt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.206, -93.941

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

Flood, Dade

When: March 19, 6:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Dade County, 0.69 mi S of Neola to 1 mi NNW of Pennsboro
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.490, -93.882

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

Flood, Cedar

When: March 19, 6:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Cedar County, 3.97 mi SSW of Caplinger Mills to 1.1 mi WSW of Stockton Muni Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.752, -93.860

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

Flood, St. Clair

When: March 19, 6:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 1.88 mi SE of Appleton City to 2.62 mi N of Taberville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.184, -94.002

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

Flood, Vernon

When: March 19, 6:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Vernon County, 1.95 mi NW of Richards to 3.25 mi N of Arcadia
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.938, -94.598

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

Flood, Barton

When: March 19, 6:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Barton County, 1.57 mi SE of Burgess to 1.86 mi S of Mindenmines
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.553, -94.600

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

Flood, Jasper

When: March 19, 6:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Jasper County, 2.95 mi WNW of Medoc to 3.22 mi S of Belle Center
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.322, -94.576

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

Flood, Newton

When: March 19, 6:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Newton County, 4.04 mi SW of Hornet to 2.21 mi SSW of Seneca
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.932, -94.606

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

Flood, McDonald

When: March 19, 6:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: McDonald County, 3.63 mi W of Coy to 2.42 mi SSW of South West City
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.664, -94.595

This is a continuation of the flash flooding. Flooding continued in poor drainage areas for several days.

Flood, Stone

When: March 19, 11:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Stone County, 1.94 mi N of Crane to 2.62 mi SSE of Viola
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.928, -93.573

This flooding is a continution of the flash flooding. Widespread flooding continued for several days after the rain ended.

Flood, Christian

When: March 19, 11:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Christian County, 4.59 mi WNW of Abadyl to 3.48 mi ENE of Billings
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.072, -93.049

This flooding is a continution of the flash flooding. Widespread flooding continued for several days after the rain ended.

Flood, Webster

When: March 19, 11:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Webster County, 2.32 mi WSW of Marshfield Bcknr Arp to 1.39 mi E of Rogersville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.366, -92.988

This flooding is a continution of the flash flooding. Widespread flooding continued for several days after the rain ended.

Flood, Wright

When: March 19, 11:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Wright County, 1.38 mi S of Boyer to 1.1 mi S of Green Mtn
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.300, -92.554

This flooding is a continution of the flash flooding. Widespread flooding continued for several days after the rain ended.

Flood, Douglas

When: March 19, 11:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Douglas County, 1.3 mi SE of Tigris to 2.36 mi S of Goodville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.007, -92.763

This flooding is a continution of the flash flooding. Widespread flooding continued for several days after the rain ended.

Flood, Ozark

When: March 19, 11:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Ozark County, 2.13 mi SSE of Hammond to 2.04 mi WNW of Lawndale
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.640, -92.642

This flooding is a continution of the flash flooding. Widespread flooding continued for several days after the rain ended.

Flood, Howell

When: March 19, 11:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Howell County, 2.47 mi SSW of Willow Spgs to 1.41 mi S of Moody
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.968, -91.989

This flooding is a continution of the flash flooding. Widespread flooding continued for several days after the rain ended.

Flood, Texas

When: March 19, 11:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Texas County, 0.58 mi NE of Plato to 2.57 mi W of Dunn
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.505, -92.222

This flooding is a continution of the flash flooding. Widespread flooding continued for several days after the rain ended.

Flood, Oregon

When: March 19, 11:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Oregon County, 6.72 mi WNW of Thomasville to 2.11 mi WSW of Thayer Mem Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.834, -91.632

This flooding is a continution of the flash flooding. Widespread flooding continued for several days after the rain ended.

Flood, Shannon

When: March 19, 11:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Shannon County, 6.25 mi SSE of Akers to 1.21 mi NNE of Birch Tree
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.291, -91.546

This flooding is a continution of the flash flooding. Widespread flooding continued for several days after the rain ended.

Flood, Dent

When: March 19, 11:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Dent County, 0.84 mi N of Hobson to 2.17 mi S of Salem Mem Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.762, -91.632

This flooding is a continution of the flash flooding. Widespread flooding continued for several days after the rain ended.

Flood, Phelps

When: March 19, 11:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Phelps County, 2.62 mi NNW of Doolittle to 1.12 mi SE of Newburg
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.983, -91.903

This flooding is a continution of the flash flooding. Widespread flooding continued for several days after the rain ended.

Flood, Maries

When: March 19, 11:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Maries County, 0.13 mi WSW of Belle to 3.74 mi SW of Vichy
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.279, -91.722

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

Flood, Laclede

When: March 19, 11:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Laclede County, 3.84 mi SW of Dove to 1.61 mi NNE of Brush Creek
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.740, -92.749

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

Flood, Taney

When: March 19, 11:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Taney County, 2.02 mi SSE of Ike to 1.04 mi NW of Hercules
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.724, -93.255

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

Flood, Barry

When: March 19, 11:00 AM CST to March 22, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Barry County, 0.86 mi SSW of Monett to 1.21 mi ESE of Mayflower
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.908, -93.925

This flooding is a continuation of the flash flooding. Poor drainage areas continued to flood roadways and lowlands near rivers and creeks.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Flash Flood, Greene	2008-03-18	67	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Indirect
Flash Flood, Lawrence	2008-03-18	19	Male	In Water	Direct

What these are

Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Missouri in 2008 Every state in 2008 This day in weather history Warnings in Missouri, March 2008

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 86372, 88966, 89385, 89382, 88977, 89040, 89049, 89069, 89073, 89091, 89098, 89103, 89191, 89210, 89241, 89260, 89002, 89021, 89035, 89011, 89017, 89026, 89029, 89215, 89015, 89185, 89370, 89380, 89288, 89290, 89178, 89348, 89077, 89354, 89070, 89074, 89079, 89093, 89105, 89179, and more.