Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Flood thoughts

Curiosity got me to looking at historic flood heights here in Huntington WV, and I found that the river's crest of 52.25 feet on March 13 of this year was the 24th highest on record, although I wonder why crest heights on two consecutive days are included on the list.

The highest I can remember was 1997, which was 10th on this list. I remember several others, but some that were recorded in recent years I have no memory of. I guess after my first introduction high water after college -- Number 21 in 1978 -- made me judge high water differently.

Looking down the river at, say, Golconda, Ill., the forecast puts this week's flood in the Top 5 all-time along with 1997.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Cairo, Ill., is calling for people to leave town.

More links to flood news

Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear has declared several counties in western Kentucky as a disaster area. Excerpt from story: "Doug Harnice, deputy judge-executive in McCracken County, said officials there haven't seen the Ohio River at levels this high since 1937."

 And it's bad on the Mississippi River, too.

Officials in Evansville talk about the safety of the floodwall there.