July–August 2022 United States floods#Illinois/Mississippi
{{Short description|Series of floods}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox flood
| name = July 2022 United States floods
| image = 250px
| caption = Rainfall totals throughout the Midwest from July 25–31
| altcaption = Kentucky rainfall map
| date = July 24–August 27, 2022
| damages = $1.2 billion (Kentucky and Missouri only){{cite web |title=Events: Kentucky and Missouri Flooding |website=Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters |publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/events |access-date=October 11, 2022}}
| fatalities = 44 deaths (Kentucky: 38 direct, 2 indirect; Missouri: 2; Texas: 1; Utah: 1){{cite web | url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/kentucky-flooding-people-still-missing-as-rescue-efforts-continue | title=Kentucky flooding: 2 people still missing as rescue efforts continue | website=Fox News | date=August 5, 2022 }}{{cite news |title=Eastern Kentucky flooding: As death toll reaches 37 victims, here are the names we know |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/eastern-kentucky-flooding-death-toll-232155886.html |newspaper=Louisville Courier Journal|access-date=August 3, 2022|first1=Jonathan|last1=Bullington|first2=Billy|last2=Kobin|first3=Eleanor|last3=McCrary|date=August 3, 2022|via=Yahoo! News}}{{cite news |url=https://newstalkkzrg.com/2022/07/28/second-confirmed-death-in-missouri-flash-floods/ |title=Second confirmed death in Missouri flash floods |date=July 28, 2022 |work=KZRG |first=Ted |last=Bojorquez |access-date=August 2, 2022 }}
| affected = Greater St. Louis, Central Appalachia, Southern and Southwestern United States
}}
Beginning on July 24, 2022, and lasting for a week, many flash flooding events hit several areas of the United States. These areas included parts of Missouri and Illinois, especially Greater St. Louis, Eastern Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, parts of West Virginia, and the Las Vegas Valley. Several rounds of severe thunderstorms began in Missouri on July 24, culminating during July 25 and 26, when St. Louis broke its previous 1915 record for the most rainfall in a span of 24 hours.{{Cite news |last1=Levenson |first1=Michael |last2=Hauser |first2=Christine |last3=Berger |first3=Eric |date=July 26, 2022 |title=Flash Floods Swamp St. Louis Area, Breaking a Century-Old Rain Record |language=en-US |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/26/us/flash-flooding-st-louis-missouri.html |url-status=live |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801070712/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/26/us/flash-flooding-st-louis-missouri.html |archive-date=August 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}} Governor Mike Parson declared a state of emergency on July 26. Over one hundred people were rescued from floods, and two people were killed.{{Cite web |last1=Zerkel |first1=Eric |last2=Wesner Childs |first2=Jan |date=July 26, 2022 |title=St. Louis Flooding: At Least One Person Dead, 100 Rescued |url=https://weather.com/news/news/2022-07-26-st-louis-flood-rescues-live-updates-emergency |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801162122/https://weather.com/news/news/2022-07-26-st-louis-flood-rescues-live-updates-emergency |archive-date=August 1, 2022 |access-date=July 27, 2022 |website=The Weather Channel |language=en-US}} Late on July 27 and into July 28, historic flooding began in central Appalachia, particularly in Kentucky, where a state of emergency was declared.{{cite web |last=Mickle |first=Jordan |date=July 28, 2022 |title=Gov. Beshear: 'Loss of life' expected after severe flooding in Kentucky, state of emergency declared |url=https://www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/gov-beshear-loss-of-life-expected-after-severe-flooding-in-kentucky-state-of-emergency-declared |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731145437/https://www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/gov-beshear-loss-of-life-expected-after-severe-flooding-in-kentucky-state-of-emergency-declared |archive-date=July 31, 2022 |access-date=July 28, 2022 |publisher=WLEX-TV}} A total of 38 people were killed in Kentucky as a direct result of flooding, with a 39th fatality occurring days later during cleanup efforts and a 40th coming in September during cleanup efforts in Pike County.{{cite web |title=WKYT team coverage of the devastating eastern Ky. flooding|url=https://www.wkyt.com/2022/07/28/breathitt-county-courthouse-opens-flash-flood-shelter/ |publisher=WKYT |access-date=July 28, 2022 |date=July 28, 2022 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.lex18.com/news/death-toll-stands-at-26-clean-up-continues-in-eastern-kentucky|title=Death toll stands at 28, clean up continues in Eastern Kentucky|date=July 31, 2022|work=WLEX-TV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801020346/https://www.lex18.com/news/death-toll-stands-at-26-clean-up-continues-in-eastern-kentucky|archive-date=August 1, 2022|first=Ben|last=Branscum}}{{cite news |url=https://www.kentucky.com/news/state/kentucky/article264019321.html|title='Still finding bodies.' Death toll climbs above 30. About 50 bridges damaged, official says.|date=August 1, 2022|first=Taylor|last=Six|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|access-date=August 1, 2022}}{{Cite web |title=Kentucky's floods have been devastating. Timing is a key reason, an expert says. |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/kentuckys-floods-devastating-timing-key-reason-expert-said-rcna40758 |access-date=2022-08-07 |website=NBC News |date=August 2, 2022 |language=en}}{{cite web | url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/death-toll-kentucky-flood-reaches-40-latest-victim-died-cleanup-effort | title=Death toll from Kentucky flood reaches 40, latest victim died during cleanup effort | website=Fox News | date=September 14, 2022 }}
Late July 28, another unprecedented flash flooding event occurred in Las Vegas after parts of the city saw over an inch of rainfall. Much of the Las Vegas Strip became inundated, with roads, casinos, and parking garages being affected and flights being delayed or cancelled.{{Cite news|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/flooding-in-las-vegas-has-submerged-the-strip/ar-AA106VsM|title=Flooding in Las Vegas Has Submerged the Strip|work=Gizmodo|via=MSN|date=July 29, 2022|first=Kevin|last=Hurler|access-date=August 2, 2022}}{{Cite web |date=July 31, 2022 |title=Monsoon weather continues throughout Las Vegas |url=https://www.ktnv.com/news/monsoon-weather-continues-throughout-las-vegas |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=KTNV |language=en}} More flooding continued from July 30 to August 1 in Arizona, including Phoenix and Flagstaff, California, including Death Valley National Park, and again in the same areas of Eastern Kentucky. In all, 41 people were killed during the flooding events: 39 in Kentucky on July 28 and 2 in Missouri on July 26.
More flooding events continued throughout August, impacting areas such as Death Valley, the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, and central Mississippi. A flash flood in Zion National Park in Utah led to one fatality. The Dallas flooding on August 22 led to an additional fatality and four injuries.{{Cite web |title=Flash flooding kills woman, 60, in Mesquite |url=https://www.fox7austin.com/news/flash-flooding-kills-one-woman-in-mesquite?taid=63040a82b596c20001327eff |website=Fox7Austin | date=August 22, 2022 |publisher=KTBC (TV) |access-date=August 22, 2022}}
Meteorological synopsis
{{Multiple image|align=right|perrow=2
|image1=July 26, 2022 Weather Prediction Center Day 1 Outlook.jpg|caption1=WPC Day 1 excessive rainfall outlook for July 26.
|image2=July 28, 2022 Day 1 Risk Outlook from the Weather Prediction Center.jpg|caption2=WPC Day 1 outlook for July 28.
|image3=July 29, 2022 Day 1 Risk Outlook from the Weather Prediction Center.jpg|caption3=WPC Day 1 outlook for July 29.
|image4=July 31, 2022 Weather Prediction Center Day 1 Outlook.jpg|caption4=WPC Day 1 outlook for July 31.
|image5= August 21, 2022 Day 1 Excessive Rainfall outlook from WPC.jpg|caption5=WPC Day 1 excessive rainfall outlook for August 21.
|image6=August 22, 2022 Day 1 Excessive Rainfall outlook from WPC.jpg|caption6=WPC Day 1 excessive rainfall outlook for August 22.
}}
On the morning of July 26, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) issued a moderate risk outlook for excessive rainfall over portions of eastern Missouri and southern Illinois and Indiana associated with an expected band of training thunderstorms over the region.{{cite web |title=A MODERATE risk is in effect in our Day 1 Excessive Rainfall Outlook. More details:
Training thunderstorms began to form over Eastern Kentucky during the early hours of July 27, producing heavy rainfall periodically throughout the day. Jackson, Kentucky had its second-wettest day on record (since 1981), with {{convert|4.11|in|mm|1}} of rain falling. During the late evening and overnight hours, a more substantial band of heavy rain and thunderstorms moved west to east along a stalled frontal boundary, resulting in subsequent extreme flooding across the counties of Perry, Knott, Breathitt, Letcher, Leslie, Clay, Owsley, Wolfe, Harlan, Johnson, Magoffin, Floyd, and Pike. Flooding was also reported in Southwest Virginia, in the areas of Wise and Dickenson counties, and the independent city of Norton, which are along the Kentucky border. On the morning of July 28, the WPC issued a moderate risk outlook for excessive rainfall over portions of Central and Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia.{{cite web |title=A MODERATE risk is in effect in our Day 1 Excessive Rainfall Outlook.|url=https://twitter.com/NWSWPC/status/1552563342471925760 |website=Twitter |publisher=Weather Prediction Center |access-date=July 28, 2022}}{{cite web |title=Eastern Kentucky forecaster calls flash flooding 'unprecedented,' predicts more rain |url=https://www.kentucky.com/news/weather-news/article263915641.html |publisher=Lexington Herald-Leader |access-date=July 28, 2022}} The rainfall began to move towards West Virginia and central Kentucky the following day, and began to encompass almost all of West Virginia on July 29.{{cite web |title=A MODERATE risk is in effect in our Day 1 Excessive Rainfall Outlook|url=https://twitter.com/NWSWPC/status/1552931691710189569 |website=Twitter |publisher=Weather Prediction Center |access-date=July 29, 2022}} On the morning of July 29, the WPC issued a moderate risk outlook for excessive rainfall, but shifted it into Eastern Kentucky and almost all of West Virginia.
File: NWS Kentucky Flooding Map for the 2022 Eastern Kentucky floods.jpg
On the morning of July 31, a third moderate risk outlook for excessive rainfall was issued by the WPC over portions of Eastern Kentucky,{{cite web |title=A MODERATE risk is in effect in our Day 1 Excessive Rainfall Outlook. More details |url=https://twitter.com/NWSWPC/status/1553657378272227328 |website=Twitter |publisher=Weather Prediction Center |access-date=July 31, 2022}} with more flooding occurring that night over the same areas as four days earlier.
Elsewhere on July 30 and 31, Phoenix and Flagstaff, Arizona, along with rural areas of Arizona and southeast California sustained flooding due to heavy rain associated with the Southwest monsoon. Near Kingman, over {{convert|1|in|mm}} of rain fell in approximately 15 minutes on July 31, associated with widespread thunderstorm activity over both states and southern Nevada.
More rainfall impacted the same areas of Eastern Kentucky on July 31 and August 1, leading to renewed flooding in those areas, while areas of eastern Illinois, such as Jasper and Richland counties, picked up as much as {{convert|10–12|in|mm}} of rain from August 1 into August 2.{{cite news |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/more-than-10-inches-of-rain-falls-in-illinois-another-exceptional-deluge/ar-AA10eIpi |title=More than 10 inches of rain falls in Illinois, another exceptional deluge |date=August 2, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |first=Matthew |last=Cappucci |access-date=August 3, 2022 |via=MSN }}{{cite news |url=https://www.wishtv.com/weather/weather-stories/training-thunderstorms-cause-flooding-to-illinois/ |title='Training' thunderstorms cause flooding to Illinois |date=August 2, 2022 |work=WISH-TV |first=Ryan |last=Morse |access-date=August 3, 2022 }} On the morning of August 2, the Weather Prediction Center issued a moderate risk of excessive rainfall for parts of southern Illinois and Indiana and parts of western Kentucky.{{cite web |title=A MODERATE risk is in effect in our Day 1 Excessive Rainfall Outlook |url=https://twitter.com/NWSWPC/status/1554493611714129920 |website=Twitter |publisher=Weather Prediction Center |access-date=August 3, 2022}}
Also on August 2, central Mississippi, including parts of Madison, Yazoo, Holmes, and Attala counties, received as much as {{convert|8–10|in|mm}} of rainfall, causing flooding that impacted roads and homes.{{cite news |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/mississippi/articles/2022-08-02/heavy-rain-causes-flash-flooding-in-central-mississippi |title=Heavy Rain Causes Flash Flooding in Central Mississippi |date=August 2, 2022 |work=U.S. News & World Report |agency=Associated Press |access-date=August 3, 2022 }}{{cite news |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/storms-dump-several-inches-of-rain-in-madison-county-causing-flooding/ar-AA10emAi |title=Canton residents clean up after widespread flooding |date=August 2, 2022 |work=WAPT |first=Madeleine |last=Nolan |access-date=August 3, 2022 |via=MSN }}
On the morning of August 7, WPC issued a moderate risk for excessive rainfall across portions of northeastern Iowa and southern Wisconsin.{{cite web |title=A MODERATE risk is in effect in our Day 1 Excessive Rainfall Outlook. |url=https://twitter.com/NWSWPC/status/1556195416445661184 |publisher=Weather Prediction Center |access-date=August 7, 2022}}
Impacts
=St. Louis area=
==July 26==
File:NWS Graphic for The Historic July 26, 2022 St. Louis Flash Flood Emergency.jpg in St. Louis, for the historic flash floods.]]
30 miles (48 km) of I-70 were closed because of the floods,{{Cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/st-louis-flash-flooding-submerges-i70-traps-residents-homes-record-shattering-rainfall|title=St. Louis flash flooding submerges I-70, traps residents in homes after record-shattering rainfall|first=Stephen Sorace|last=Fox News|date=July 26, 2022|work=Fox News|access-date=July 26, 2022}} with some vehicles completely submerged. The Gateway Arch was closed on July 26 due to the flooding.{{cite news |url=https://www.kmov.com/2022/07/26/flash-flooding-causes-evacuations-road-closures-across-st-louis-region/ |title=Flash flooding causes water rescues, road closures across St. Louis region |date=July 26, 2022 |work=KMOV |first=Nicole |last=Sanders |access-date=July 28, 2022 }} Flood damage to the MetroLink light rail transit system in St. Louis was estimated at $18–20 million.{{cite news |url=https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/metrolink-flooding-damage-estimated-at-18-million-or-more/article_5d3bb632-8aff-534b-a8a7-9711f50a6b3e.html |title=MetroLink flooding damage estimated at $18 million or more |date=July 27, 2022 |newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |first=Gabe |last=Barnard |access-date=July 28, 2022 }} In St. Peters, ten puppies at an animal rescue shelter died in the flooding.{{cite news |url=https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/st-peters-flash-flooding-puppies/63-81304fb3-fe68-4210-a908-9cdfc46f748d |title=10 puppies at a St. Peters shelter died during flash flooding |date=July 26, 2022 |website=KSDK |first=Pepper |last=Baker |access-date=July 27, 2022 }} Dardenne Creek in St. Peters rose over {{convert|21|ft|m}} into major flood stage over the span of seven hours. The fire department in St. Louis rescued people from 18 homes, transporting some people and pets out by boat. Homes in Brentwood and Ladue were threatened by floodwater as well, with some residents evacuating. Two people were killed in the St. Louis area: one in a car that was found submerged in {{convert|8|ft|m|}} of water and another near Hazelwood found about a mile away from their abandoned tractor-trailer that had been flooded.
St. Louis set a new 24-hour rainfall record at over {{convert|9|in|mm}}, beating the record of {{convert|7|in|mm|1}} from the 1915 Galveston hurricane.{{cite news |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/historic-rainfall-in-st-louis-raises-questions-about-flooding-and-climate-change |title=Historic rainfall in St. Louis raises questions about flooding and climate change |work=PBS |date=July 27, 2022 |first=Gabrielle |last=Hays |access-date=July 31, 2022 }} This included {{convert|7.08|in|mm|1}} in just six hours. Over 20,000 residents lost power.{{cite news |last1=Duff |first1=Renee |title=Hundreds rescued after deadly flash flooding swamps St. Louis metro area |url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/hundreds-rescued-after-deadly-flash-flooding-swamps-st-louis-metro-area/1222547 |access-date=November 28, 2022 |publisher=AccuWeather |date=July 26, 2022}}
Flash flooding extended into Illinois along the I-64 corridor in St. Clair County,{{cite news |url=https://oceanweatherservices.com/blog/2022/07/29/late-july-heavy-rains-flooding-midwest/ |title=Late July Heavy Rains and Flooding in the Midwest |date=July 29, 2022 |website=Ocean Weather Services |first=Fred |last=Pickhardt |access-date=July 31, 2022 }} and a nursing home was evacuated in Caseyville.{{cite news |url=https://fox2now.com/news/illinois/illinois-nursing-home-evacuate-due-to-flooding/ |title=Illinois nursing home evacuated due to flooding |date=July 26, 2022 |work=KTVI |first=Elliott |last=Davis |access-date=July 31, 2022}} In Belleville, which received approximately {{convert|8|in|mm}} of rain, multiple roadways were closed due to high water, with a section of one street being washed away. Residents were assisted from two houses in town, and city parks sustained damage to parking lots, playgrounds, and bathrooms. Cahokia Heights had 15 to 20 homes with flood damage, along with more flooded streets, and Caseyville had a levee breach, leading to the evacuation of the nursing home. Other areas, such as East St. Louis and Swansea, had more flooded homes, while more communities escaped with only minor roadway flooding.{{cite news |url=https://www.bnd.com/news/local/article263875972.html |title=How much damage did flooding cause in southwest IL? Here's a town-by-town assessment so far|date=July 28, 2022 |work=Belleville News-Democrat |access-date=August 1, 2022}}
=West Virginia=
==July 26==
Flooding on July 26 impacted parts of southwestern West Virginia. In Mingo County, the Gilbert Creek area along the Kentucky/Virginia/West Virginia border had several homes impacted and several bridges washed out, limiting access to some areas.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/mingo-county-flooding-causes-many-to-lose-possessions/|title=Mingo County flooding causes many to lose possessions|date=July 26, 2022|work=WOWK-TV|first1=Isaac|last1=Taylor|first2=Nicky|last2=Walters|access-date=August 2, 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/mingo-residents-begin-flood-cleanup-process-while-bracing-for-more-heavy-rainfall/ar-AA100oWE|title=Mingo residents begin flood cleanup process while bracing for more heavy rainfall|via=MSN|date=July 27, 2022|work=WCHS-TV|first=Anna|last=Saunders|access-date=August 2, 2022}} More flooding occurred in nearby McDowell County as well, in addition to other areas. This, combined with additional rainfall and flooding on July 28, led to a state of emergency being declared by Governor Jim Justice for six counties: Mingo, McDowell, Fayette, Greenbrier, Logan, and Wyoming.{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/justice-declares-state-emergency-mcdowell-115700822.html|title=Justice declares a state of emergency for McDowell County due to flood damage|date=July 29, 2022|via=Yahoo News|newspaper=Bluefield Daily Telegraph|first=Greg|last=Jordan|access-date=August 2, 2022}} Partly as a result of the flooding, Huntington, West Virginia recorded their wettest July on record with {{convert|9.41|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain.{{cite news |url=https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/toasted-nation-houston-tampa-salt-lake-city-warmest-july |title=Toasted nation: Houston, Tampa, Salt Lake City among 28 cities with hottest July on record |work=Fox Weather |date=August 2, 2022 |first=Scott |last=Sistek |access-date=January 28, 2023 }}
=Kentucky/Virginia=
{{main article|2022 Appalachian floods}}
{{Infobox flood
| name = 2022 Eastern Kentucky floods
| image = JKLRainfall.png
| caption = Radar estimated rainfall in Eastern Kentucky from July 25 to 30, highlighting the counties that received the most rain.
| altcaption = Kentucky rainfall map
| date = July 26 – August 1
| damages =
| fatalities = 38 direct deaths (+2 indirect)
| affected = Central Appalachia (Eastern Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Southwest West Virginia)
}}
==July 28–29==
Governor of Kentucky Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on July 28.{{cite news |title='Double-digit deaths' expected in Kentucky floods that have already killed 3, governor says |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/least-1-dead-one-worst-flooding-events-kentuckys-history-officials-say-rcna40436 |work=NBC News |date=July 28, 2022 |first1=Mirna |last1=Alsharif |first2=Kathryn |last2=Prociv |first3=Josh |last3=Cradduck |access-date=July 28, 2022}}{{cite news |title=Massive flooding in eastern Kentucky engulfs homes, leaves several dead |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2022/07/28/kentucky-flooding-jackson-hazard/ |date=July 28, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |first1=Rick |last1=Childress |first2=Ian |last2=Livingston |first3=Lateshia |last3=Beachum |first4=Jason |last4=Samenow |access-date=July 28, 2022}}{{cite news |title=One person confirmed dead in devastating eastern Ky. flooding |url=https://www.wbko.com/2022/07/28/beshear-calls-eastern-ky-flooding-one-most-devasting-flood-events-state-history/ |via=WBKO |work=WKYT-TV |date=July 27, 2022 |access-date=July 28, 2022}} after what was described as a thousand-year flooding event.{{cite news |last1=Erdman |first1=Johnathon |title=The Most Staggering Facts About The Major Kentucky Flooding |url=https://www.wunderground.com/article/storms/severe/news/2022-07-28-kentucky-flooding-rain-record-flood-facts |access-date=July 30, 2022 |publisher=Weather Underground |date=July 29, 2022}} The Kentucky Court of Justice closed the judicial centers in Floyd, Letcher, Magoffin, and Perry counties due to the extreme flooding.{{cite tweet |title=Due to extreme flooding in Eastern Kentucky, judicial centers in Floyd, Letcher, Magoffin & Perry counties are closed today and until further notice. Our thoughts are with those affected by this disaster.|number=1552728340833894400 |access-date=July 28, 2022 |user=kentuckycourts |date=July 28, 2022 |author=Kentucky Courts}} The storms dumped up to {{convert|10.4|in|mm|1}} of rain on parts of the state.{{cite news |url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/death-toll-rises-following-catastrophic-kentucky-flooding/1223842 |title=Death toll rises following catastrophic Kentucky flooding] |website=AccuWeather |date=July 28, 2022 |first=Allison |last=Finch |access-date=August 2, 2022 }} Kentucky cities severely affected by the floods include Hazard, Jackson, Paintsville, Prestonsburg, Martin, Pikeville, Hindman, Whitesburg, Fleming-Neon, and Jenkins.
Many roads were shut down in these areas including Main Street in Hazard, Mayo Trail in Pikeville, KY 317 in Fleming-Neon, Lakeside Drive and Main Street in Jenkins, South Fork Road, South Mountain Road, Bold Camp Road, and Main Street in Pound, Virginia, and portions of US 23 in Wise, Virginia. Evacuations were ordered in the downtown areas of cities that were severely flooded including Hazard, Fleming-Neon, Jenkins, Martin, Pound, and Clintwood, Virginia.{{Cite news |title=Updates on E. Ky. floods: Death toll rises again, includes several children |url=https://www.aol.com/news/live-updates-evacuations-recommended-jackson-110510908.html |access-date=July 29, 2022 |via=AOL |language=en-US|date=July 29, 2022 |newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader |first=Christopher |last=Leach}} The North Fork of the Kentucky River set record high crests in Whitesburg and Jackson, and over 33,000 customers lost electricity.{{cite news |title=Kentucky: At least 25 dead in worst Appalachia floods for years |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-62351166 |access-date=July 30, 2022 |publisher=BBC News |date=July 30, 2022}}
File:Airlift July 2022 floods Kentucky - 52261105460.jpg
Late on July 28 and into July 29, part of the city of Jackson was evacuated and KY 15 was closed after officials became concerned that water from the North Fork River would top Panbowl Dam along KY 15 and potentially flood approximately 110 homes, 13 businesses, and other structures around Panbowl Lake, although the river began receding before the dam was overtopped.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wtvq.com/state-officials-recommend-evacuation-of-panbowl-lake-floodplain-in-jackson/|title=UPDATE: Residents around Panbowl Dam in Jackson evacuated|date=July 29, 2022|work=WTVQ-DT|first1=Nefertiti|last1=Jenkins|first2=Erica|last2=Bivens|access-date=August 2, 2022}} The North Fork River set a record crest in Jackson of {{convert|43.47|ft|m}}, besting the previous record of {{convert|43.1|ft|m}} from February 4, 1939,{{cite news |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/track-the-flooding-in-kentucky-as-more-rain-is-expected-in-the-area/ar-AA106xUq |title=Track the flooding in Kentucky as more rain is expected in the area |date=July 29, 2022 |work=CNN |first=Judson |last=Jones |access-date=August 2, 2022 |via=MSN }} while meteorologists at the National Weather Service forecast office in Jackson became trapped at the office due to nearby high water.{{cite news |url=https://www.weku.org/the-commonwealth/2022-08-01/eastern-kentucky-flood-victims-given-shelter-in-three-wolfe-county-schools |title=Eastern Kentucky flood victims given shelter in three Wolfe County schools |date=August 1, 2022 |work=WEKU |first=Stu |last=Johnson |access-date=August 2, 2022 }}
The rainfall observed over the region during the period of July 25–30 was over 600 percent of normal totals. The four-day rainfall totals of {{convert|14|–|16|in|mm}} in some areas were reported to have a less than a 0.1 percent chance of occurring in any given year.{{cite web | url=https://www.weather.gov/jkl/July2022Flooding | title=Historic July 26th-July 30th, 2022 Eastern Kentucky Flooding }}
==July 31 – August 1==
More rainfall over waterlogged areas led to more flooding on August 1 in Knott and Letcher counties. Downtown areas of Hindman and Fleming-Neon were again inundated by floodwaters in the early hours of August 1.{{cite tweet|title=Heavy rain moved through southeast Kentucky once again overnight...|publisher=Twitter|user=GaudetWeather|number=1554060410848002050|date=August 1, 2022|access-date=August 1, 2022}} KY 550 was again flooded in Knott County, affecting the communities of Mousie and Fisty, along with Hindman.{{cite tweet|title=Unfortunately, after having all our state routes passable last night...|publisher=Twitter|user=KYTCDistrict12 |number=1554079891024498688|date=August 1, 2022|access-date=August 1, 2022}} Flooding was also reported in other areas such as Floyd County, Pike County, and Harlan County.{{Cite news|url=https://fox17.com/news/local/more-rain-headed-to-storm-battered-kentucky-death-toll-rises-to-30|title=More rain headed to storm-battered Kentucky, death toll rises to 30|agency=The Associated Press|date=August 1, 2022|work=WZTV|access-date=August 2, 2022}} Roads in Floyd County were flooded or blocked by downed trees and power lines.{{cite tweet|title=KY Rt 2759 in Knott County blocked...|publisher=Twitter|user=KYTCDistrict12|number=1554080156205056001|date=August 1, 2022|access-date=August 1, 2022}}{{cite tweet|title=KY 1427 in Floyd County has water over the road in several locations...|publisher=Twitter|user=KYTCDistrict12 |number=1554114922598076416|date=August 1, 2022|access-date=August 1, 2022}}
As a result of flooding on July 28 and again on August 1, Fleming-Neon was left with its city hall, bank, pharmacy, and post office flooded, with more than a foot of mud covering the inside of the city hall building.{{cite news |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/more-help-needed-to-reach-those-stranded-by-deadly-kentucky-flooding-many-requiring-insulin-or-other-care-resident-says/ar-AA10dvG1 |title=More help needed to reach those stranded by deadly Kentucky flooding – many requiring insulin or other care – resident says |date=August 2, 2022 |work=CNN |first=Jason |last=Hanna |access-date=August 3, 2022 |via=MSN }}
=Las Vegas Valley=
==July 28==
On the night of July 28, another flash flooding event occurred in the Las Vegas Valley in southern Nevada. Harry Reid International Airport saw {{convert|0.32|in|mm}} of rainfall in two hours, the monthly average for all of July. A ground stop was issued at the airport.[https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/faa-issues-ground-stop-at-harry-reid-airport-during-storms/ FAA issues 'ground stop' at Harry Reid Airport during storms], 8NewsNow, July 29, 2022 Parts of Clark County saw {{convert|0.5-1|in|mm}} of rain, causing disruptive flash flooding.{{cite news |last1=Gilbert |first1=Mary |title=Las Vegas records month's worth of rain in less than 2 hours as storms drench Southwest |url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/las-vegas-records-months-worth-of-rain-in-less-than-2-hours-as-storms-drench-southwest/1224627 |access-date=July 30, 2022 |publisher=AccuWeather |date=July 29, 2022}} This heavy rain flooded casinos and parking garages along the Las Vegas Strip.{{cite news |title=Casinos not spared by winds, rain in Las Vegas |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/weather/casinos-not-spared-by-winds-rain-in-las-vegas-2615159/ |access-date=July 30, 2022 |publisher=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 29, 2022 |first=Brett |last=Steidler}}
Just one mile away from the airport, the UNLV campus received substantially more rainfall, totaling over {{convert|1|in|mm}}. Casinos on the Strip that were impacted included Caesars Palace and Planet Hollywood, with water pouring through parts of the ceilings into the buildings. Las Vegas Boulevard and Main Street, especially in downtown and the area of the Strip, were covered in water, creating traffic problems. Fire departments and first responders had 330 calls for flooding and swift water service, with seven people being rescued from floodwaters.{{Cite web|url=https://mcdowellnews.com/news/national/southwest-rains-flood-deserts-cascade-into-vegas-casinos/article_589660a0-2b1f-5fd0-b098-68fd00a9e677.html|title=Southwest rains flood deserts, cascade into Vegas casinos|first1=Ken|last1=Ritter|first2=Felicia|last2=Fonseca|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The McDowell News|date=July 29, 2022|access-date=August 2, 2022|archive-date=August 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801162258/https://mcdowellnews.com/news/national/southwest-rains-flood-deserts-cascade-into-vegas-casinos/article_589660a0-2b1f-5fd0-b098-68fd00a9e677.html}}
The seasonal monsoon rains in the area partially contributed to a water rise of {{convert|3|in|mm}} in Lake Mead from July 26 to 31, along with water releases from Lake Powell.{{Cite web |date=August 2, 2022|title=Rain helps Lake Mead rise — 3 inches |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/rain-helps-lake-mead-rise-3-inches-2616180/|access-date=August 2, 2022|website=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}
=Arizona/California=
==July 25–31==
Rain beginning on July 25 in the Flagstaff, Arizona area associated with the monsoon season led to increased flash flooding concerns throughout the week, due in part to the burn scars from the recent wildfires.{{cite news |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-weather/2022/07/25/flagstaff-flash-flooding-sustained-rains/10148913002/ |title=Flagstaff could endure sustained rains, flash flooding this week. Here's how to stay safe |date=July 25, 2022 |newspaper=The Arizona Republic |first=Lacey |last=Latch |access-date=August 2, 2022 }} By July 27, Flagstaff mayor Paul Deasy had declared a state of emergency as numerous areas around Flagstaff had been impacted by flooding, including Mt. Elden Estates, Paradise, Grandview, and Sunnyside. Other neighborhoods such as Cheshire, Coconino Estates, Creighton Estates, Coyote Springs, Anasazi Ridge were later added to the state of emergency order. Schultz Creek overflowed in the area, resulting in the temporary closure of US 180 on the west side of Flagstaff.{{cite news |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/flagstaff-mayor-declares-state-emergency-205828898.html |title=Flagstaff mayor declares state of emergency; shelter-in-place order issued for flood areas |date=July 28, 2022 |newspaper=The Arizona Republic |first=Lacey |last=Latch |access-date=August 2, 2022 |via=Yahoo! News }}
On July 30, areas on the north side of Phoenix along I-17 received {{convert|1|–|2|in|mm}} of rain, mostly within one hour. This led to flooding of roads and low-lying areas and prompted four water rescues, two of which were from partially submerged vehicles. A voting precinct in Downtown Phoenix was closed by the Maricopa County Elections Department due to flooding in the building, forcing it to be relocated elsewhere within the building for subsequent days. Numerous streets in Phoenix became temporarily flooded due to the heavy rain.{{cite news | url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/storms-bring-flooding-downed-power-220418359.html | title=Storms bring flooding, downed power lines and car accidents to Phoenix area |date=August 1, 2022 |newspaper=The Arizona Republic |first=Angela Cordoba |last=Perez |access-date=August 2, 2022 |via=Yahoo! News }} Several homes and apartment complexes became flooded as well.{{cite web |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/repeated-monsoon-flooding-at-phoenix-apartment-complex-leaves-residents-frustrated/ar-AA10bzxF |title=Repeated monsoon flooding at Phoenix apartment complex leaves residents frustrated |date=August 1, 2022 |work=KPNX |first=Michael |last=Doudna |access-date=August 2, 2022 |via=MSN }}
In southern California, Death Valley National Park and the Mojave National Preserve were impacted by flooding on July 30 and 31, resulting in numerous road and campground closures and damaged/destroyed vehicles. Heavy rain in the San Bernardino National Forest resulted in mudslides that blocked roads near Yucaipa.{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/roads-death-valley-national-park-closed-flash-flood-rcna41024 |title=Flash floods close roads into Death Valley National Park |date=August 1, 2022 |work=NBC News |agency=The Associated Press |access-date=August 2, 2022}}
==August 5==
All roads into Death Valley National Park were closed due to major flash flooding.{{cite web | url=https://news.yahoo.com/death-valley-reopen-flooding-joshua-225027083.html | title=Death Valley to reopen after flooding; Joshua Tree and Mojave parks still repairing damage | date=August 18, 2022 }} Rainfall in Death Valley totaled {{convert|1.70|in|mm}}, setting a new (since surpassed) single-day rainfall record;{{cite news |title=August 5, 2022 recognized as rainiest day in Death Valley's history |url=https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/news/aug-5-rainiest-day.htm |access-date=October 24, 2022 |agency=National Park Service |date=September 1, 2022}} the amount was around 75 percent of the area's annual average precipitation.[https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/nevada/articles/2022-08-05/flash-flooding-closes-roads-in-death-valley-national-park Record Floods Strand 1K People in Death Valley National Park], US News, August 5, 2022 After the storm, the Federal Highway Administration gave $11.7 million to the National Park Service to fix roads in the park following the flooding.[https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/california-news/death-valley-national-park-flood-damage-repairs-roads-closed/2965292/?amp=1 $12M Provided to Repair Flood Damaged Roads in Death Valley National Park], NBC Los Angeles, August 16, 2022
=Illinois/Mississippi=
{{see also|Jackson, Mississippi water crisis}}
==August 2==
Parts of central Illinois received very heavy rainfall from the evening of August 1 into August 2. Numerous counties were impacted by flooding, with flooding reported near the cities of Decatur, Dawson, Spaulding, and Barclay.{{cite news |url=https://news.yahoo.com/flash-flood-warning-effect-springfield-171742060.html |title=Flash flood warning in effect for Springfield area |date=August 2, 2022 |newspaper=State Journal-Register |first=Zach |last=Roth |access-date=August 3, 2022 |via=Yahoo! News }} In downtown Decatur, numerous roadways were flooded, leaving vehicles submerged.{{cite news |url=https://www.wandtv.com/news/central-illinois-experiencing-flash-flooding/article_d0b15d8a-127b-11ed-b4be-8b8484a89094.html |title=Central Illinois experiencing flash flooding |date=August 2, 2022 |work=WAND (TV) |first=Anthony |last=Peoples |access-date=August 3, 2022 }} Parts of Jasper and Richland counties received the most rainfall from the event, totaling {{convert|8|–|12|in|mm}}, with rainfall rates reaching {{convert|2|in|mm}} per hour.
Areas near Canton, Mississippi also received very heavy rainfall on August 2, leading to flash flooding that trapped people in homes in Madison County. Numerous people were rescued by fire department crews from houses and offices after some areas received up to {{convert|8|in|mm}} of rainfall in a few hours. Roads were closed due to high water, and vehicles were submerged along roadways and in parking lots.{{cite news |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/canton-residents-rescued-after-flash-flooding-traps-them-inside-their-homes/ar-AA10epEr |title=Canton residents rescued after flash flooding traps them inside their homes |date=August 2, 2022 |work=WLBT |first=Christopher |last=Fields |access-date=August 3, 2022 |via=MSN }}
==August 24–27==
Parts of Central Mississippi received very heavy rainfall starting on August 24.{{cite news | url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/mississippi-flooding-governor-declares-state-emergency-river-expected-crest-36-feet-monday | title=Mississippi flooding: Governor declares state of emergency with river expected to crest at 36 feet Monday | work=Fox News | date=August 27, 2022 |first=Timothy H.J. |last=Nerozzi |access-date=September 1, 2022 }} Flash flood emergencies were declared, and up to {{convert|8.89|in|mm}} of rain fell.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2022/08/24/mississippi-flooding-jackson-alabama-louisiana/ |title=Flash flooding in Mississippi inundates streets and prompts rescues |date=August 24, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |first=Ian |last=Livingston |access-date=September 1, 2022 }} This led to severe effects on water systems near Jackson, leaving many residents without clean drinking water.{{cite news |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/jackson-states-deion-sanders-says-team-is-in-crisis-mode-amid-mississippi-floods/ar-AA11hHIA |title=Jackson State's Deion Sanders says team is in 'crisis mode' amid Mississippi floods |date=August 30, 2022 |work=Fox News |first=Ryan |last=Morik |via=MSN |access-date=September 1, 2022 }} At one point, the city temporarily ran out of bottled water to give to residents.{{cite news |last1=Vera |first1=Amir |last2=Hanna |first2=Jason |last3=Salahieh |first3=Nouran |title=The water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi, has gotten so bad, the city temporarily ran out of bottled water to give to residents |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/30/us/jackson-water-system-failing-tuesday/index.html |access-date=September 3, 2022 |work=CNN |date=August 31, 2022}} During the storm, parts of I-20 closed.[https://www.wunderground.com/article/news/news/2022-08-24-mississippi-flooding-jackson-pearl Mississippi Flash Flooding Prompts Rescues, Road Closures], Weather Underground, August 24, 2022
These floods contributed largely toward August 2022 becoming the wettest August on record for Mississippi.[https://www.noaa.gov/news/us-sweltered-through-third-hottest-summer-on-record U.S. sweltered through third-hottest summer on record], NOAA, September 9, 2022
=Utah=
==August 19==
One woman was killed when she was swept away in a flash flood in Zion National Park. Her body was discovered on August 22 after a search involving over 170 people.{{cite web | url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/hiker-dies-after-disappearing-during-floods-at-utah-e2-80-99s-zion-national-park/ar-AA112cPI | title=Hiker dies after disappearing during floods at Utah's Zion National Park | website=MSN }}
=Texas=
{{Infobox flood
| name = 2022 Dallas floods
| image = 12 hour rainfall totals for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.jpg
| image_size =
| alt = 12-hour rainfall totals for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
| caption = 12-hour rainfall totals for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
| date = August 21–22, 2022
| damages =
| affected = North Texas, especially the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex
}}
==August 21–22==
Starting late on August 21, 2022, and going into the next morning, a significant flash flooding event occurred in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex in Texas, killing one person and injuring four others. Some parts of the metroplex saw over {{convert|10|in|mm}} of rain, which is the usual rainfall total for the area during all of summer. Before this rainfall event, 2022 was shaping up to be one of the hottest and driest years ever recorded in Texas.[https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/dallas-homes-and-businesses-flooded-amid-record-high-rains-with-some-warning-of-looming-climate-change-14654697 On the Bright Side, Dallas' Flash Floods Put a 'Dent' Into The Drought], Dallas Observer, August 23, 2022 On the morning of August 21, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) issued a moderate risk for excessive rainfall for North and Northeast Texas.{{Cite web |title=A MODERATE risk is in effect in our Day 1 Excessive Rainfall Outlook. |url=https://twitter.com/NWSWPC/status/1561393887679168512 |website=Twitter |publisher=Weather Prediction Center |access-date=August 22, 2022}} On August 22, WPC issued a new moderate risk for excessive rainfall for North and Northeast Texas as well as portions of North Louisiana.{{Cite web |title=A MODERATE risk is in effect in our Day 1 Excessive Rainfall Outlook. More details |url=https://twitter.com/NWSWPC/status/1561719994894888961 |website=Twitter |publisher=Weather Prediction Center |access-date=August 22, 2022}} At 1:20 am. CDT on August 22, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for the Dallas metroplex.{{Cite web |title=Flash Flood Warning including Dallas TX, Garland TX and Irving TX until 4:30 AM CDT |url=https://twitter.com/NWSFlashFlood/status/1561599114780893184 |website=Twitter |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=August 22, 2022}}
Overnight on August 21, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport reported {{convert|3.01|in|mm|1}} of rainfall over a one-hour timeframe, setting the record for the most rainfall in a single hour ever for the airport.{{Cite web |title=Summer's worth of rain causes devastating flooding across Dallas |url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/summers-worth-of-rain-causes-devastating-flooding-across-dallas/1235450 |publisher=Accuweather |access-date=August 22, 2022}} By 8 am. CDT on August 22, parts of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex had received over {{convert|10|in|mm}} of rain.{{Cite web |title=A prolific rainfall event is ongoing in the Dallas, TX metro area, with localized reports of 10"+ (as of 8AM CST) due to T-storms training along a slow-moving boundary. More rain has since fallen, with the potential for additional precipitation through the early afternoon. |url=https://twitter.com/NWSWPC/status/1561726402608627716 |website=Twitter |publisher=Weather Prediction Center |access-date=August 22, 2022}} The amount of rainfall that Dallas normally sees during all of summer fell within 24 hours.{{Cite web |title=Floodwaters overtake cars and trucks in drought-plagued Dallas as summer's worth of rain falls in a day |date=August 22, 2022 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/22/us/dallas-weather-flash-flood-warning/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=August 22, 2022}}{{Cite web |title=3 months' worth of rain pounds Dallas area overnight, flash flood warnings in effect |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/months-worth-rain-pounds-dallas-area-overnight-flash/story?id=88688014 |publisher=ABC News |access-date=August 22, 2022}}{{Cite news |title=Dallas area hit by 1-in-1,000-year flood; cars float in water-filled roads |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/08/22/dallas-texas-flash-floods/ |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=August 22, 2022}} This broke a record for most rain in 24 hours since 1932.{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/23/us/texas-dallas-fort-worth-flooding-tuesday/index.html |title=Severity of flash flooding in Dallas area surprises residents as rescue crews respond to hundreds of calls for help |work=CNN |date=August 23, 2022 }} Also, this made 2022 the wettest August in Dallas history.{{cite news |title=August 2022 was wettest August in Dallas-Fort Worth, NWS Fort Worth says |url=https://cw33.com/news/local/august-2022-was-wettest-august-in-dallas-fort-worth-nws-fort-worth-says/ |access-date=February 18, 2023 |publisher=CW33 |date=September 1, 2022}} This also meant that, despite 67 consecutive days with no measurable precipitation during the summer, Dallas still had their 9th wettest summer on record.[https://www.wfaa.com/article/weather/biggest-north-texas-weather-stories-2022-dallas-fort-worth-meteorology/287-4f324d29-7076-4580-80bb-9b6235d47ddc The year in North Texas weather: A look back at the memorable meteorological events of 2022], WFAA, December 30, 2022
The flooding event caused over 314 car crashes and 319 high water calls. Parts of the Dallas area got up to {{convert|15.16|in|mm|1}} of rain.[https://abcnews.go.com/US/months-worth-rain-pounds-dallas-area-overnight-flash/story?id=88688014 Hundreds of car crashes reported as 3 months' worth of rain slams Dallas], ABC News, August 22, 2022 Nearly 300 flights were cancelled and 900 were delayed between the two Dallas airports.{{cite news |url=https://www.newsweek.com/dallas-flooding-live-updates-1735683?amp=1 |title=Dallas Flooding Live Updates: Record-Breaking Rainfall Hits Texas |work=Newsweek |date=August 22, 2022 }} Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and 37,000 other customers, lost power.[https://www.wunderground.com/article/news/news/2022-08-22-dallas-texas-flash-flooding-live-updates Dallas Flood Live Updates: Water Rescues, Roads Closed, Flights Delayed], Weather Underground, August 22, 2022 One person was killed and four people were injured in the floods.{{cite news |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/weather/2022/08/22/parts-of-dfw-slammed-by-flash-flooding-warning-issued-until-8-am/?outputType=amp |title=Parts of D-FW slammed by heavy rainfall, flash flooding |newspaper=The Dallas Morning News |date=August 22, 2022 }} Certain rivers reached moderate flood stage as they reached over {{convert|38|ft|m}}.{{cite news |url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/deluge-in-dallas-deadly-record-rainfall-brings-city-to-standstill/1235450?traffic_source=Connatix |title=Deluge in Dallas: Deadly record rainfall brings city to standstill |date=August 23, 2022 |website=AccuWeather |first=Allison |last=Finch |access-date=September 1, 2022 }}
Around 10:15 am. CDT on August 22, the storms associated with the flooding event produced an EF1 tornado that impacted Smith County, approximately {{Convert|100|mi|km}} east of downtown Dallas. Minimal damage occurred to a school and other structures near Winona.{{Cite web |department=National Weather Service Forecast Office in Shreveport, Louisiana |title=NWS Damage Survey for 08/22/22 Tornado Event |url=https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSSHV&e=202208232028 |website=Iowa Environmental Mesonet |date=August 23, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022}} Due to the floods, drought improved across parts of northern Texas.{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/weather/weather-connection/torrential-rain-washes-exceptional-drought-out-of-north-texas-compare-before-after/3056786/ |title=Torrential Rain Washes Exceptional Drought Out of DFW; See Before/After |date=August 25, 2022 }}
Aftermath
St. Louis County declared a state of emergency in the aftermath of flooding in the area.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/news/news/2022-07-26-st-louis-flood-rescues-live-updates-emergency|title=St. Louis Flooding: At Least One Person Dead, 100 Rescued|first=Eric Zerkel|last=Jan Wesner Childs|date=July 26, 2022|website=The Weather Channel|access-date=July 26, 2022}} On July 28, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear commented, "We are currently experiencing one of the worst, most devastating flooding events in Kentucky's history." On July 29, President Joe Biden declared that a major disaster existed in Kentucky and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides.{{cite web |title=President Biden approves Kentucky disaster declaration following severe flooding |date=July 29, 2022 |url=https://www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/president-biden-approves-kentucky-disaster-declaration |work=WLEX-TV |access-date=July 29, 2022}} On July 30, Urban Search and Rescue Missouri Task Force 1 was deployed to eastern Kentucky.{{cite web |title=Missouri Task Force 1 deploys to Kentucky after devastating floods |date=July 31, 2022 |url=https://www.kmbc.com/article/missouri-task-force-1-deploys-to-kentucky-after-devastating-floods/40761732 |work=KMBC-TV |access-date=July 31, 2022 |first=Emily |last=Holwick }}
On July 29, Illinois governor J. B. Pritzker declared St. Clair County, including East St. Louis, a disaster area, and the city of East St. Louis later declared a state of emergency following the flooding on July 26.{{cite news |url=https://fox2now.com/news/illinois/east-st-louis-declares-state-of-emergency-following-historic-flooding/ |title= East St. Louis declares state of emergency following historic flooding |date=August 2, 2022 |work=KTVI |first=Kelley |last=Hoskins |location=East St. Louis, Ill. |access-date=August 3, 2022 }}
A shelter was opened on July 28 at the Breathitt County Courthouse in Jackson for displaced residents, as well as other shelters in schools and churches around Perry County and Hazard and the Floyd County Community Center near the town of Martin. Wolfe County, north of Jackson, opened three school buildings as shelters as well. About 150 residents were housed at nearby state parks, while at least another 150 went to American Red Cross shelters. Curfews were established in areas such as Hindman and Breathitt County after reports of looting.{{cite web |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/death-toll-climbs-to-37-in-kentucky-flooding-hundreds-unaccounted-for-severe-weather-threats-loom-updates/ar-AA10bViK |title=Death toll climbs to 37 in Kentucky flooding; 'hundreds' remain unaccounted for; severe weather threats loom |via=MSN |date=August 2, 2022 |newspaper=USA Today |access-date=August 2, 2022 |first1=Cady |last1=Stanton |first2=Jordan D. |last2=Brown |first3=Celina |last3=Tebor }}
Some residents in Kentucky were stuck in their homes, unable to leave because of washed out roads and bridges, leading to over 420 people being rescued by helicopter or boat. By August 2, more than 5,600 customers in eastern Kentucky were still without power and more than 18,000 service connections were without water. An additional 45,600 customers were under a boil water advisory, according to Governor Beshear. Numerous people remained stranded in rural areas as a result of roads being washed away, with the only access in some instances being by ATV. The infrastructure problems caused difficulty in pinpointing the number of missing people in the days after the event.
The office manager of Troublesome Creek Stringed Instrument Company in Hindman set up a GoFundMe account for donations to help with flood relief, while Appalshop and Hindman Settlement School received help to keep valuable media archives refrigerated to prevent ruin. Some archives were transported to a freezer at East Tennessee State University in the days after the event.{{cite news |url=https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article263958601.html|title='We could lose history.' Appalachian archives soaked in record Kentucky flooding.|date=August 1, 2022|newspaper=The Sacramento Bee|first1=Bill|last1=Estep|first2=Austin|last2=Horn|access-date=August 1, 2022}}
School systems in Perry, Breathitt, and Floyd counties delayed the start of the school year due to recovery efforts. Several classrooms in Breathitt County were destroyed, along with the district's maintenance building and the bus garage.{{cite news |url=https://www.kentucky.com/news/local/education/article264046961.html |title=Buildings collapsed, staff homeless. Some Eastern KY school districts must delay start date |date=July 28, 2022 |newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader |first=John |last=Cheves |access-date=August 2, 2022 }} Several other counties in the area had modified starts to the school year as well.
The University of Kentucky men's basketball team announced plans to play two games against Gonzaga, in 2022 and 2023, to raise money for Kentucky flood relief.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2022/08/02/kentucky-basketball-announces-series-with-gonzaga/65389803007/ |title=At flood-relief fundraiser, Kentucky basketball announces series with Gonzaga |date=August 2, 2022 |work=USA Today |first=Brett |last=Dawson |access-date=August 3, 2022 }}
==See also==
- Weather of 2022
- 2021 Tennessee floods – A similar flooding event that occurred primarily in Humphreys County, Tennessee the year before.
- 2022 Montana floods – A similar flooding event that occurred one month before.
- 2022–2023 California floods - Flooding event that started in December 2022
== References ==
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.weather.gov/lsx/July262022Flooding Coverage of the St. Louis area flooding] by the National Weather Service
{{2022 floods}}
{{Deadliest U.S. meteorological events in 2022}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:United States floods, July 2022}}