This file photo shows a similar flood in Memphis in 2011. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Torrential rainfall has prompted a Flash Flood Emergency for Memphis, Tennessee, and surrounding counties.
Rain totals at the Memphis International Airport eclipsed 5 inches at 7 a.m. CDT on Sunday as the city has become the target of rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms since Saturday evening.
Doppler radar estimates indicate that 4 to 6 inches has fallen throughout southern Shelby County, home to Memphis. The same can be said for nearby southwestern Fayette County.
There are also estimates of 5 to 8 inches of rain 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
Additional heavy rain will push rain totals in Memphis to around 7 and 8 inches through Sunday morning with another drenching shower or thunderstorm to follow for the afternoon.
Flooding in and around the city will worsen--further rising rivers and creeks, inundating more roads and putting more lives and property at risk.
Memphis Metro residents - This is dangerous flash flooding situation. Larger streams and ditches are full...running fast and very dangerous.
- NWS Memphis (@NWSMemphis) June 29, 2014
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 30.25 feet in less than four hours. Minor flood stage is 31.0 feet.
Welcome dry weather will follow for Monday and Tuesday.
RELATED ON SKYE: 10 U.S. Cities Most at Risk from Rising Sea Levels
Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments