The 5 Greatest Floods in US History

Throughout the history of the United States, several devastating floods have occurred due to record-breaking 24-hour rainfall totals. These events have caused immense damage to infrastructure, homes, and tragically, human lives. In this article, we will explore the five most significant 24-hour rainfall events and the resulting floods in US history.

1.Alvin, Texas – July 25-26, 1979 On July 25 and 26, 1979, the small town of Alvin, Texas, experienced an astonishing 43 inches of rain within a 24-hour period, setting the record for the highest 24-hour rainfall total in US history. This unprecedented rainfall was caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Claudette, which stalled over the area, unleashing a relentless deluge. The resulting flood inundated the town, causing widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The Chocolate Bayou, a typically tranquil stream, transformed into a raging torrent, sweeping away everything in its path. Miraculously, no lives were lost during this event, but the economic impact was substantial, with damages estimated at over $100 million (adjusted for inflation).

2. Tropical Storm Claudette, Texas – July 1979 In addition to the record-breaking rainfall in Alvin, Tropical Storm Claudette also caused severe flooding in other parts of Texas in July 1979. An area near Alvin recorded 42 inches of rain within a 24-hour period, making it the second-highest 24-hour rainfall total in US history. The storm’s slow movement and abundant moisture supply contributed to the extreme rainfall, which led to extensive flooding and damage throughout the affected regions.

3. Thrall, Texas – September 9-10, 1921 On September 9 and 10, 1921, the small town of Thrall, Texas, experienced a staggering 38.2 inches of rain within a 24-hour period. The intense rainfall was the result of a slow-moving tropical disturbance that had formed in the Gulf of Mexico. As the system moved inland, it unleashed torrential rains, causing the San Gabriel River and its tributaries to swell rapidly. The ensuing flood destroyed homes, farms, and bridges, leaving the town in ruins. The loss of life was significant, with at least 215 people perishing in the floodwaters. The Thrall flood remains one of the deadliest in Texas history.

4. Yankeetown, Florida – September 5-6, 1950 In early September 1950, the small fishing village of Yankeetown, Florida, bore the brunt of a powerful hurricane that had formed in the Gulf of Mexico. As the storm made landfall, it unleashed a staggering 38.7 inches of rain within a 24-hour period. The resulting flood inundated the low-lying areas of the town, destroying homes and businesses. The storm surge, combined with the heavy rainfall, caused the Withlacoochee River to rise rapidly, submerging vast swaths of land. Fortunately, due to the small population of Yankeetown, the loss of life was minimal, but the economic impact was significant, with damages estimated at over $50 million (adjusted for inflation).

5. Smethport, Pennsylvania – July 17-18, 1942 Moving to the northeastern United States, the small borough of Smethport, Pennsylvania, holds the record for the fifth-highest 24-hour rainfall total in US history. On July 17 and 18, 1942, an astounding 34.5 inches of rain fell upon the area, causing catastrophic flooding along the Allegheny River and its tributaries. The deluge was the result of a stationary front that had become situated over the region, drawing moisture from the Atlantic Ocean and producing relentless rainfall. The flood claimed the lives of 30 people and caused extensive damage to the town and surrounding areas. The event also triggered numerous landslides, further compounding the destruction.

In recent years, the United States has experienced several significant rainfall events that have led to devastating floods. These events serve as reminders that extreme weather can strike at any time, and communities must remain vigilant and prepared. In this article, we will examine some of the most notable 24-hour rainfall floods that have occurred in the US within the last decade.

1.Hurricane Harvey, Texas – August 2017 In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas, bringing with it an unprecedented amount of rainfall. The storm stalled over the Houston metropolitan area, dumping a staggering 60.58 inches of rain in Nederland, Texas, over a five-day period. The maximum 24-hour rainfall total recorded during the event was 25.6 inches in Pearland, Texas. The resulting floods inundated hundreds of thousands of homes, displaced over 30,000 people, and caused an estimated $125 billion in damages, making it one of the costliest natural disasters in US history.

2. Hurricane Lane, Hawaii – August 2018 In August 2018, Hurricane Lane brought record-breaking rainfall to the Hawaiian Islands. The storm’s slow movement and proximity to the islands resulted in prolonged periods of heavy rainfall. The 24-hour rainfall total reached 31.85 inches at Mountain View on the Big Island, setting a new record for the state. The excessive rainfall caused severe flooding, landslides, and road closures across the islands, with damages estimated at over $250 million.

3. Tropical Storm Imelda, Texas – September 2019 Tropical Storm Imelda made landfall in Texas in September 2019, bringing torrential rainfall to the region. The storm’s slow movement allowed for the accumulation of extreme rainfall totals, with some areas receiving over 40 inches of rain. The maximum 24-hour rainfall total recorded during the event was 21.51 inches near Sargent, Texas. The resulting floods caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, with estimated damages exceeding $5 billion.

4. Hurricane Florence, North Carolina – September 2018 In September 2018, Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina, bringing with it record-breaking rainfall. The storm’s slow movement and prolonged impact resulted in rainfall totals exceeding 30 inches in some areas. The maximum 24-hour rainfall total recorded during the event was 23.63 inches in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. The floods caused by Hurricane Florence led to widespread damage, with over 50 deaths and an estimated $24 billion in damages.

5. Louisiana Floods – August 2016 In August 2016, a slow-moving low-pressure system brought heavy rainfall to southern Louisiana, resulting in catastrophic flooding. The maximum 24-hour rainfall total recorded during the event was 21.86 inches in Watson, Louisiana. The floods affected over 100,000 homes, displaced thousands of residents, and caused an estimated $10-15 billion in damages.