Introduction to Heavy Rainfall
The mid-south experienced well above average rainfall in the beginning of April, resulting in historic flooding in the region. A train of rain and thunderstorms sat over the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys, bringing severe weather and heavy rainfall.
What You Need To Know
Key Points
- A stalled front was the focus of the heavy rainfall
- Severe thunderstorms with tornadoes also caused additional damage
- Rainfall totals exceeded one foot in many locations
The setup brought severe weather with it, including damaging wind gusts, large hail and several tornadoes. In addition, the front that brought that stalled over the region, bringing heavy rainfall for days, leading to flooding of area creeks, streams and large rivers.
Flooding in the Region
The Ohio River in Louisville, Ky., recorded a crest of nearly 37 feet. That was 20 feet above flood stage. It was the 8th highest level the river has been in recorded history. The Ohio River in Owensboro, Ky., recorded a crest of 47.5 feet. That made it the 6th highest level on record. The Mississippi River in Osceola, Ark. recorded a crest of 37.6 feet, which is considered major flooding. That’s almost 10 feet above flood stage. The Ohio River remained at high levels the morning of April 9, 2025 amid historic flooding in Louisville. (Spectrum News 1/ Mason Brighton)
Some areas from Kentucky into Tennessee and Arkansas saw over a foot of rainfall.
Severe Weather
There was also a severe side to the storm with several days of tornadoes, damaging wind, and hail with thunderstorms. Here’s a look at the tornado paths across the Ohio Valley and south over a six-day period. This April has been active in terms of tornadoes. So far, there have been 217 tornadoes across the United States. On average, April brings around 200 tornadoes across the country.
Rainfall Compared to Average
With the heavy rain from the severe thunderstorms, some places for the Mid-South and Mississippi River Valley for the month of April are running over a half foot above the average for precipitation. It also looks like the active weather pattern will persist into the beginning of May, which will add to the greater than normal precipitation.
Conclusion
The mid-south experienced historic flooding and severe weather in the beginning of April, resulting from a stalled front and severe thunderstorms. The region saw heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving over a foot of rain, and significant flooding along the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. The active weather pattern is expected to continue into May, leading to above average precipitation for the month.
FAQs
- What caused the heavy rainfall in the mid-south?
The heavy rainfall was caused by a stalled front that brought severe thunderstorms and heavy rain to the region. - How much rainfall did some areas receive?
Some areas received over a foot of rainfall. - What was the impact of the flooding?
The flooding caused significant damage and disruption to the region, with several rivers reaching major flooding levels. - Will the active weather pattern continue?
Yes, the active weather pattern is expected to continue into May, leading to above average precipitation for the month.
