May 1, 2011
Heavy rainfall in March set the stage for major flooding when record-setting rains fell in April and May. At Cape Girardeau, 31.85 inches of rain fell between March and May. This set the record for the wettest meteorological spring (March through May) and was 68 percent of the normal rainfall for the entire year. The result of all this rain was rapid and dramatic rises on rivers. Record flood crests occurred on some rivers, inundating numerous homes and businesses. There were major impacts to tr
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 307774). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in New Madrid County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.