June 2019 Southern and Southeastern U.S. flooding facts for kids
| Date | First half of June 2019 |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern United States |
| Deaths | 3 |
In early June 2019, a lot of rain fell across the southern and southeastern parts of the United States. This heavy rain caused flooding in many states. The areas hit hardest were Texas and North Carolina. Some places got over a foot of rain, which is more than they usually get in a whole month!
Contents
How the Storm Formed
In late May and early June 2019, a weather system started moving over Central America. It then went into the southern Gulf of Mexico. Weather experts thought it might grow into a tropical storm.
However, it did not become a tropical storm. Instead, it moved towards Texas as a regular area of low pressure. But it still carried a lot of moisture from the Gulf. This moisture caused very heavy rain and strong thunderstorms in many local areas.
Impacts of the Floods
The heavy rains in June 2019 affected several states. Here's how different places were impacted:
Texas Flooding
Along the Gulf Coast of Texas, the tropical rains were extremely heavy. This led to a lot of flooding. Some cities, like Houston, experienced urban flooding, where streets and buildings filled with water.
Georgia's Drought Ends
Before this storm, Georgia and nearby states were suffering from a moderate drought. A drought means there hasn't been enough rain for a long time. The heavy rainfall from this storm helped to end these dry conditions.
North Carolina's Challenges
In Conover, North Carolina, Mayor Lee E Moritz, Jr. declared a state of emergency. This was because of the serious flooding in the area. Catawba County also declared an emergency.
Near Raleigh, North Carolina, some drivers tried to drive through flooded roads. Officials had to rescue these motorists from their cars. Sadly, in Lincolnton, North Carolina, three people were in a vehicle that went off the road. It hit a tree and overturned into a rising creek during the floods.
Virginia Road Closures
Franklin County also saw a lot of rain, with 3 to 6 inches falling. This caused flash flooding, which is when water rises very quickly. Several roads in Franklin County had to be closed because they were underwater.
