For centuries mankind has tried to control the forces that work to push our rivers out of their banks; and for the most part their efforts have been a success.  Countless miles of levee systems act as a buffer to control the flow and trajectory of our water ways.  This has made it a rare, and often memorable, occasion when Mother nature subdues our jurisdiction over the rivers, and the flood waters begin to rise.  The towns lining the western border of our county have felt the pains of this time and time again as our efforts to control the Mississippi river have failed more than once.  It comes as no surprise that much of the areas around Gorham, Jacob and Neunert are omitted from qualifying for flood insurance. 

When the Mississippi swells it creates back pressure on the water ways that feed into it, forcing them out of their banks.  Most notorious in our region is the Big Muddy river who's shallow banks almost seem to overflow at the drop of a hat.  Towns like Murphysbor and Grand Tower know this too well and have felt the effects of the river's shallow banks more than once.

Other areas subject to periodic flooding are the low areas of the county.  Makanda is one such area, as it is situated in a narrow valley, making it  a prime local for run off water to accumulate.  To compound matters, Makanda also has numerous underground streams which are subject to swelling too.  When those get out of control the flooding seems to come from the ground up!

When the waters rise, photographers flock to the regions effected most in hopes of capturing a glimpse of the devestation.  They are usually rewarded with awe inspiring scenes of destruction that leave an impression on us for generations to come.