WeatherFanatics: PHOTOS: Flooding Rains Slam Memphis

Sunday, June 29, 2014

PHOTOS: Flooding Rains Slam Memphis

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

June 29,2014; 7:55PM,EDT

See larger image below.

Torrential rainfall triggered widespread severe flooding around Memphis, Tennessee, on Sunday
Rain totals at the Memphis International Airport were just shy of 7 inches after the city became the target of rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms Saturday evening through Sunday morning.
Doppler radar estimated that 5 to 8 inches has fallen throughout southern Shelby County, home to Memphis. The same can be said for nearby southwestern Fayette County.
There are also similar estimates near the borders of the eastern Arkansas counties of Woodruff, St. Francis and Monroe.

This radar image of the Memphis area was taken shortly before 8 a.m. CDT Sunday.
The torrential rain prompted the National Weather Service in Memphis to issue a Flash Flood Emergency for Shelby County, as well as Desoto and Tunica counties in northwestern Mississippi.
RELATED:
Memphis Interactive Radar
Detailed Memphis Forecast
Flood-Related Watches, Warnings
The heaviest rain has finally departed Memphis, but another drenching shower or thunderstorm will cross the area later this afternoon and evening.
Any significant rainfall will worsen the flooding situation.
Remember to never cross a flooded road and do not let children and pets play near swollen waterways. Just 6 inches of fast-moving flood waters is needed to knock down an adult, while it only takes 2 feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles.
At 7:24 a.m. CDT, rescue crews stated that multiple vehicles were submerged in water just east of the Memphis International Airport. People were reportedly trapped.
The Nonconnah Creek at Farrisview Boulevard on the southeastern side of Memphis rapidly rose from around 12 feet at 3 a.m. CDT Sunday to 34.29 feet by noon. Minor flood stage is 31.0 feet.
Welcome dry weather will follow for Monday and Tuesday.