Apr 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
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 5543414). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Franklin County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.