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Flash Flood — Rock Island, IL

Feb 20, 1997

Heavy rains fell over the area while soils were still partially frozen. These widespread two-to-four inch rains came as area rivers and streams were running high from snowmelt from the previous week. Nearly every stream and river went out of its banks, leaving standing water for several days afterward. The single largest impact was felt along the Rock River where record flooding occurred. At Joslin the river reached a record crest of 18.77 feet. This flooding came with large ice jams and, d

Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 5589278). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.

Flood Risk Context for Rock Island, IL

This event is one of many recorded floods in Rock Island County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.

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