The Top 10 Weather Events of 2015 For The Missouri Ozarks Region

The votes are in and here are the "Top 10 Weather Events For 2015" for the Missouri Ozarks region. We asked emergency managers, officials, core partners, and local agencies their input on which events in 2015 were the top 10 weather events. Here is a list of those events. The historical rainfall and flooding was the most impactful and devastating weather event across our local area.

Heavy Rain/Historic Flooding Dec. 26-27 – Very heavy rain fell centered along and either side of the interstate 44 corridor. Many places received 9 to 12 inches of rainfall. There were 13 confirmed deaths due to the flooding and many rivers hit major flood category along with several hitting record crests. Event page can be found at this link https://www.weather.gov/sgf/2015_events_dec_historic_flooding.

June 18th and 19th Flooding from Tropical Storm Bill Event...The remains of Tropical Storm Bill moved across southeastern Kansas and southern Missouri on June 18th and 19th. This very slow moving system brought significant amounts of rain to the region, with the heaviest band of rain falling along and just south of Interstate 44. Amounts between 5 and 8 inches fell across southeastern Greene, Christian, Webster, Wright and Laclede Counties, resulting in major to record flooding along the James River. Flood waters reached an unoffical record of 22.2' upstream of Lake Springfield, resulting in the temporary closure of portions of the U.S. 60/65 interchange southeast of Springfield. Significant flooding was noted all along the river between Springfield and Table Rock Lake. Along with significant river flooding, numerous low water crossings flooded across southern Missouri. At least half a dozen swift water rescues were performed across the Ozarks during this event. Event page can be found at this link https://www.weather.gov/sgf/events_2015jun19.

July 1st and 2nd Flash Flooding and Severe Storms Event...A couple of Mesoscale Convective Systems impacted the region Tuesday night into Wednesday morning on July 1 and again Wednesday night into Thursday morning July 2. These storms brought significant flash flooding as well as numerous wind damage reports and some hail. In addition, a couple of tornadoes occurred with the second event Wednesday night. Event page can be found at this link https://www.weather.gov/sgf/events_2015jun30_jul2.

July 6th through 10th Significant Flash Flooding and Severe Storms Event...Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain pushed across portions of the Missouri Ozarks and extreme southeast Kansas during the period from the evening of July 6th into the morning of July 10th. Severe weather also occurred with some of these storms, including two tornadoes on July 9th.A frontal boundary and several upper disturbances interacted with near tropical like moisture to produce very efficient rainfall rates throughout the event. Training of storms across the same locations and heavy rain falling in locations which experienced heavy rain and flooding in late June brought about some significant flash flooding during the week long event. Event page can be found at this link https://www.weather.gov/sgf/events_2015jul10.

April 2nd and 3rd Severe Storms with Tornadoes and Flooding Event...Warm, moist and unstable air moved into the area ahead of a strong upper level disturbance and surface cold front that pushed through during the early morning hours on April 3, 2015. Severe storms initially developed during the early evening hours in an initial round of storms that marched east across the area, with a secondary round of storms occurring during the overnight hours. These storms produced large hail, tornadoes and damaging wind gusts along with some flooding. 6 confirmed tornadoes, 3 EF0’s, 2 EF1’s and 1 EF2. EF2 was near Pomona, Mo. With a track of 7.6 miles. Damage with the EF2 include 2 homes and 3 trailer homes destroyed. Lighter damage to 9 barns, 2 shops and 2 public buildings. Numerous trees were reported down. Event page can be found at this link https://www.weather.gov/sgf/events_2015apr2.

May 16th and 17th Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flash Flooding Event...A line of strong to severe thunderstorms pushed from west to east across extreme southeastern Kansas and the Missouri Ozarks from the late evening hours of May 16th until the predawn hours of May 17th. Several reports of wind damage were received throughout the area. Five tornadoes in the EF-0 to EF-1 range were also spawned north of line bows and surges. Flash flooding occurred near Columbus, Kansas where a swift water rescue was performed. Event page can be found at this link https://www.weather.gov/sgf/events_2015may17.

Nov 11th Strong Gradient Winds Event...High gradient winds of 50 to 60 mph buffeted the area for several hours across southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri. There were numerous reports of power lines and trees blown down. There were multiple reports of minor damage to structures as well. Peak gusts were 56 mph at Monett, 55 mph at Joplin, 54 mph at Neosho, 53 mph at Fort Scott, Ks., 51 mph at Lamar, Mo, 52 mph at Branson, 55 mph at Pittsburgh, Ks. 53 mph at Rolla, Mo and 52 mph at Springfield Mo.

Wettest December on Record for the Missouri Ozarks!...Springfield (11.43”), Vichy-Rolla(10.32”) and Joplin(9.77”) all had their wettest Decembers on record, while West Plains(9.04”) was the 3rd wettest. Information can be found at this link https://www.weather.gov/sgf/climate_2015dec.

February 27th through March 1st Heavy Snow Event... Multiple rounds of snowfall affected the area from Friday evening February 27 through Sunday March 1. The first round fell across southern Missouri Friday night with a dusting to a little over an inch. Snow intensified as it shifted east into the Ozarks Saturday with moderate to heavy snow at times. Storm total accumulations were in the 4 to 6 inch range across the Ozarks and extreme southeast Kansas with a swath of 6 to 7 inches in the central and eastern Missouri Ozarks. Event page can be found at this link https://www.weather.gov/sgf/event_2015feb28.

May 24th Severe Storms and Tornadoes event...Two rounds of showers and storms affected the area. The first was during the early morning hours, producing areas of flooding and river flooding. The second developed from late morning through the afternoon hours. Strong shear, sufficient instability and low cloud bases resulted in an isolated tornado threat. An EF-1 rated tornado affected St. Clair County around midday with another EF-1 rated tornado in western Ozark County late in the afternoon. Lingering runoff and tropical-like rain showers during the evening have maintained the risk for flooding. Event page can be found at this link https://www.weather.gov/sgf/events_2015may24.