New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
SECTION 2
SECTION 2
Risk Assessment
Multi-Jurisdictional Risk Assessment
New Madrid County is located in Southeast Missouri adjacent to the Mississippi River. There are
fourteen (14) municipalities located within the county. Those communities participating in the 2011
Update within New Madrid County include Canalou, Catron, Gideon, Howardville, Lilbourn, Marston,
Matthews, Morehouse, New Madrid, North Lilbourn, Parma, Portageville, Risco, and Tallapoosa. Also
included are the following school districts and colleges: New Madrid Co R-I, Gideon C-37,
Portageville SD, Risco R-II, and Three Rivers Community College (New Madrid Co.-Portageville).
The school districts did not participate in the 2004 Plan but have done so with the 2011 update. New
Madrid County’s natural hazards tend to be planning area-wide in nature rather than location specific.
The county and most of the incorporated areas have experienced only scattered damage from localized
flash flooding, tornadoes, general winter storms, heat waves, drought, and thunderstorms. Information
presented in this section illustrates the scattered effects of natural hazards. Those municipalities located
in the floodplain area require major mitigation measures for any new construction or reconstruction.
Therefore no additional mitigation measures need to be considered beyond those included in the
Action Plan for each jurisdiction.
Natural Hazard Identification/Elimination Process
This plan was developed prior to the flooding events of the summer of 2011, and all analyses were
conducted without the information that the disaster would have provided. Future plan updates may
differ somewhat based on new events as the impact of the summer floods are still being compiled. It
should also be noted that this plan is an update of the 2004 plan. The natural hazards identified and
eliminated by the county planning committee remain the same as in the original plan due to the fact
that observed and recorded natural events which caused concern or damage to the county mirror those
of the original plan. Additional information and updates of identified natural hazard are addressed in
this section.
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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Many sources were searched for data relating to natural hazards. Primary sources included FEMA,
SEMA (Missouri State Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2010), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), US Geological Survey (USGS) and Center for Earthquake Research and
Information (CERI) were major sources for earthquake information. It should also be noted that this
plan is an update of the approved plan of 2004. As part of the update process, all elements of the plan
were reviewed and changes made were appropriate. This is also true of natural disasters. The chart
below summarizes the potential for damage for each jurisdiction within New Madrid County. A more
in-depth discussion of floods/flash floods will follow.
X
NA
Extreme Cold
Lightning
Hail
Ice Storms
Drought
Earthquakes
Thunderstorms
Heat Wave
Floods/Flash
Floods
Severe Winter
Weather
Tornadoes
Canalou
Catron
Gideon
Howardville
Lilbourn
Marston
Matthews
Morehouse
New
Madrid
North
Lilbourn
Parma
Portageville
Risco
Tallapoosa
New
Madrid R-I
Risco R-II
Portageville
SD
Gideon C37
TRCC
Portageville
Leeve Failure
Jurisdiction
Hazard Identification by Jurisdiction – New Madrid County
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
=Affects the jurisdiction
=Not a hazard to the jurisdiction
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
SECTION 2
The natural hazards listed below were eliminated from further consideration in the New Madrid
County Hazard Mitigation Plan for the following reasons:
Landslides and Avalanches: New Madrid County is on a nearly level alluvial plain except for a few
terrace escarpments and sand ridges. The relief ranges from nearly level natural levees to depressions
of slack-water clay. The highest elevation in New Madrid County is 325 feet above sea level near
Morehouse to 250 feet above sea level near the southwest corner of the county. The distance between
the two points is 38 miles with a difference in elevation of only 65 feet.
Sinkholes and Expansive Soils: New Madrid County does not contain the type of topography (Karst)
that causes sinkholes: Sinkholes result from a depression in the landscape were limestone formations
has dissolved. Soils in New Madrid County are divided into 24 different series according to a
particular location. The first two hundred feet of soil is a mixed clay alluvium typical of the southern
Mississippi River Valley. Depending on location, the soil can be described as fine-loamy, fine silty,
mixed, thermic, or clayey or loamy. The soil tends to be stable which can be important when
construction is considered.
Dam Failure: Information from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Dam Safety Division
indicates that New Madrid County has no regulated dams and only one dam constructed in 1959. The
lake size is 40 acres with a dam height of 20 foot. Records indicate that the lake poses no significant
threat to life or property. This plan does not include information about dam failure and overtopping
occurring upstream from the planning area. This was due to data and resource limitations. Subsequent
to the flooding events of the summer of 2011, additional information will be available for future plan
updates, and will be addressed at that time.
Wildfires: New Madrid County has less than 3% of its 434,560 acres of land in natural vegetation or
forest. Once a county covered with forest, agriculture today has stripped the land of natural vegetation.
The only remaining natural vegetation is that found along ditches, waterways, and tracts of wetlands.
Wildfires pose little if any threat to life or property in New Madrid County.
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
SECTION 2
Community-Wide Hazard Profile and List of Hazards Identified
The largest disaster to hit New Madrid County was certainly the major earthquake in 1812. The
pressure of this fault line and the potential for catastrophic damage is daunting.
Also, the proximity of the country's largest river and its flooding has affected the county more recently.
Other natural hazards include tornadoes, severe winter storms, and extreme heat. Natural disasters
could cause civil unrest, computer and communication failure, and possible environmental health
hazards. These disasters can precipitate cascading hazards, or those hazards caused by a result of one
of these natural disasters. These cascading hazards could cause an interruption of power supply, water
supply, business, and transportation. Any of these combinations could impact emergency response
activities that are essential in these types of extreme situations. The following are a list of potential
hazards that could result in cascading hazards within the New Madrid County area:
Natural
Disaster
Power
Interruption
Tornado/Storms
Flood
Earthquake
Drought/Heat
Wave
Severe Winter
Weather
Water Supply
Interruption
Business
Interruption
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Civil
Unrest
(looting)
X
X
Computer
and/or
Communication
Failure
X
X
X
Transportation
Interruption
X
X
X
X
X
Health
and/or
Environ.
Hazard
X
X
X
X
X
X=More than 50% chance of side effect in the case of a natural disaster
For the purpose of this plan each school district will have the same risk assessment as the underlying
community in which that district’s assets are located. Any unique conditions which exist in the
participating school districts will be noted in each hazard profile.
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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Disaster Declarations in Bootheel Counties
Since 2004, Missouri has been impacted by 16 federally declared natural disasters. Seven of those
disaster declarations have affected at least one Bootheel County. Listed below are the counties
affected. Likely impacts of these disaster declarations would include damage to structures, road
closures, communication disruptions, response activities, workplace losses, crop damage, and
disruption of the educational systems.
Source: Missouri Hazard Mitigation Plan
Declaration Date: February 17, 2009
Incident Type: Severe Winter Storms
Incident Period: January 26-28, 2009
Bootheel Counties Impacted: Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Scott, Stoddard
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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Source: Missouri Hazard Mitigation Plan
Declaration Date: November 13, 2008
Incident Type: Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
Incident Period: 11-24, 2008
Bootheel Counties Impacted: Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Scott, and Stoddard
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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Source: Missouri Hazard Mitigation Plan
Declaration Date: June 25, 2008
Incident Type: Severe Storms and Flooding
Incident Period: June 1 – August 13, 2008
Bootheel Counties Impacted: Scott, Mississippi, New Madrid, and Pemiscot
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
SECTION 2
Source: Missouri Hazard Mitigation Plan
Declaration Date: March 19, 2008
Incident Type: Severe Storms and Flooding
Incident Period: March 17, 2008
Bootheel Counties Impacted: Scott, Mississippi, Stoddard, Dunklin, Pemiscot and New Madrid
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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Source: Missouri Hazard Mitigation Plan
Declaration Date: March 12, 2008
Incident Type: Severe Storms and Flooding
Incident Period: February 10-14, 2008
Bootheel Counties Impacted: Stoddard, Scott, and Mississippi
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
SECTION 2
Source: Missouri Hazard Mitigation Plan
Declared Date: April 5, 2006
Incident Type: Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
Incident Period: March 30, 2006, through and including April 3, 2006
Bootheel Counties Impacted: Stoddard, Dunklin, and Pemiscot
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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Source: Missouri Hazard Mitigation Plan
Declaration Date: March 16, 2006
Incident Type: Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
Incident Period: March 11-13, 2006
Bootheel Counties Impacted: Scott, Mississippi, and New Madrid
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
SECTION 2
Identified Natural Hazards
Hazard Event Severity Ratings
The following sections profile the identified hazards which have adversely affected or which may
affect New Madrid County. The profiles include a description of the hazard, historical occurrences and
damages experienced in the county, an analysis of future probable severity and risk, and general
recommendations for mitigation. The criteria for evaluating future probable severity is based on the
Severity Rating Table derived room SEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Planning Guide 2002:
SEMA Severity Ratings Table
Severity Level
Characteristics
Catastrophic
Multiple deaths.
Complete shutdown of facilities for 30 days or more.
More than 50 percent of property is severely damaged.
Critical
Injuries and/or illnesses result in permanent disability.
Complete shutdown of critical facilities for least 2 weeks.
More than 25 percent of property is severely damaged.
Limited
Injuries and/or illnesses do not result in permanent disability.
Complete shutdown of critical facilities for more than one week.
More than 10 percent of property is severely damaged.
Negligible
Injuries and/or illnesses are treatable with first aid.
Minimal quality-of-life impact.
Shutdown of critical facilities and services 24 hours or less.
Less than 10 percent of property is severely damaged.
Source: SEMA Hazard Mitigation Planning Guide 2002
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
SECTION 2
Statement of Probability Rankings for Identified Hazards
Probability
Definition
Probability%
Highly Likely
Event probable in the next year
100+
Likely
Event probable in the next 10 years
10 – 99.9
Possible
Event probable beyond 10-50 years
2 – 9.99
Unlikely
Event probable beyond 50+ years
0 – 1.9
Tornadoes
Tornadoes are cyclical windstorms or violently rotating columns of air. Accompanying storm activities
include severe thunder/electrical storms, downbursts, straight-line winds, lightning, hail, and heavy
rain. The average forward speed of a tornado is about 30 mph. but may vary from nearly stationary to
70 m.p.h. The pathway may vary in any direction, but the average tornado moves from southwest to
northeast. Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but may occur at any hour of
the day. Any person or structure at any location could be damaged by a tornado. The amount of
damage depends on 1) the strength of the tornado, 2) the tornado’s proximity to the person or structure,
3) the strength of the structure, 4) how well a person is sheltered, etc. Damage can range from very
slight to total. Tornadoes are classified according to the F-scale developed by Dr. Theodore Fujita. The
F-scale ranks tornadoes according to wind speed, and the severity of damage caused. The various wind
speeds are shown below.
Location
A tornado can occur anywhere in the planning area, although the resulting damages are locationspecific. One jurisdiction is no more likely to experience a touch-down than another.
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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Historical Occurrences
Since 1950, twenty-three tornadoes have been reported in New Madrid County. These events occurred
between January and November. There were no reported fatalities and nine injuries. Property damages
reported totaled $25,953,000. Of this total, the tornadoes that struck the county on May 15, 1986,
caused $25,000,000 in property damages and had a magnitude of F2. The map below illustrates the
number of tornadoes that has occurred in Missouri counties since 1950. Based upon the comparison of
the planning area to other counties in the state, New Madrid is considered a “high risk” according to
the 2007 State of Missouri Hazard Mitigation Plan.
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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The map below shows the reported tornadoes’ points of touchdown.
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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The historical data since 1950 is shown in the table below. It should be noted that the list reflects only
those tornadoes that were reported, and does not necessarily represent the number that occurred. This
is particularly true in the early years of weather event reporting when only the stronger tornadoes were
reported. However, the data is probably the best available data for use in the plan.
New Madrid County Tornado Events, 1950 - 2006
Location
Date
Time
Magnitude
Deaths
Injuries
New Madrid
County
New Madrid
County
New Madrid
County
New Madrid
County
New Madrid
County
New Madrid
County
New Madrid
County
New Madrid
County
New Madrid
County
New Madrid
County
New Madrid
County
Risco
11/13/1951
1330
F3
0
1
Property
Damage
25K
5/2/1954
0200
F1
0
0
25K
4/22/1955
1600
F3
0
0
250K
2/25/1956
0400
F2
0
0
25K
7/3/1970
1315
F2
0
0
25K
11/24/1973
2230
F2
0
6
250K
11/24/1973
2300
F2
0
0
250K
4/22/1981
1652
F4
0
0
0
5/15/1986
1730
F2
0
0
25M
2/15/1990
1408
F1
0
0
3K
2/15/1990
1424
F1
0
0
0
6/5/1994
1718
F0
0
0
0
Howardville
7/16/1997
11:47 AM
F0
0
0
0
Conran
7/16/1997
12:15 PM
F0
0
0
0
Morehouse
1/21/1999
5:50 PM
F0
0
0
0
Morehouse
1/21/1999
10:07 PM
F1
0
0
10K
Portageville
5/26/2000
2:20 PM
F0
0
0
20K
Parma
9/2/2001
12:27 PM
F0
0
0
0
Portageville
4/28/2002
1:29 AM
F0
0
0
0
Lilbourn
11/15/205
2;30 PM
F0
0
0
10K
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
SECTION 2
Lilbourn
11/15/2005
2:35 PM
F1
0
0
60K
Matthews
11/15/2005
12:37 PM
F0
0
0
0
Gideon
4/30/2006
5:58 PM
F0
0
0
0
TOTALS 0
9
25.953M
Source: National Climatic Data Center: US Department of Commerce
Severity
The enormous power and destructive ability of tornadoes are beyond humankinds’s capabilities to
control. Severity, risk of death, injuries, and property damages will continue to be high. However,
technological advances will facilitate earlier warning than previously available. This, combined with a
vigorous public education program and improved construction techniques, provides the potential for
significant reductions in the number of deaths and, injuries, as well as a reduction in property damage.
The severity of tornadoes has historically been measured using the Fujita Scale or F Scale. On
February 1, 2007 the F Scale was replaced by the Enhanced Fujita Scale, or the EF Scale. The table
below compares the Fujita and the Enhanced Fujita Scales.
FUJITA SCALE
F
Number
0
1
2
3
4
5
Fastest
1/4mile
(mph)
40-72
73-112
113-157
158-207
208-260
261-318
3 Second
Gust
(mph)
45-78
79-117
118-161
162-209
210-261
262-317
DERIVED EF
SCALE
EF
3 Second
Number
Gust
(mph)
0
65-85
1
86-109
2
110-137
3
138-167
4
168-199
5
200-234
OPERATIONAL
EF SCALE
EF
3 Second
Number
Gust
(mph)
0
65-85
1
86-110
2
111-135
3
136-165
4
166-200
5
Over 200
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
**Important Note About Enhanced F-Scale Winds: The enhanced F-scale still is a set of wind
estimates (not measurements) based on damage. It uses three-second gusts estimated at the point of
damage bade on a judgment of 8 levels of damage to the 28 indicators listed below. These estimates
vary with height and exposure. Important: The 3 second gust is not the same wind as in standard
surface observations. Standard measurements are taken by weather stations in open exposures, using a
directly measured, “one minute mile” speed.
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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The following table provides descriptions of the kinds of damages caused by tornadoes of different F
Scale rating, which can be converted into EF ratings using the table above.
Fujita Tornado Scale—Developed in 1971 by T. Theodore Fujita, University of Chicago
Scale
Wind Estimate (MPH)
F0
Less than 73
F1
73-112
F2
113-157
F3
158-206
F4
207-260
F5
261-318
Typical Damage
Light damage: Some damage to chimneys: branches
broken off trees; shallow-rooted trees pushed over;
sign boards damaged.
Moderate damage: Peels surface off roofs; mobile
homes pushed off foundations or overturned; moving
autos blown off roads.
Considerable damage: Roofs torn off frame houses,
mobile homes demolished; boxcars overturned; large
trees snapped or uprooted; light-object missiles
generated; cars lifted off ground.
Severe damage: Roofs and some walls torn off wellconstructed houses; trains overturned; most trees in
forest uprooted; heavy cars lifted off the ground and
thrown.
Devastating damage: Well-constructed houses
leveled; structures with weak foundations blown away
some distance; cars thrown and large missiles
generated
Incredible damage: Strong frame houses leveled off
foundations and swept away; automobile-sized
missiles fly through the air in excess of 100 meters
(109 yds); trees debarked; incredible phenomena will
occur.
The severity of the twenty-three reported tornadoes that occurred in New Madrid County since 1950
are illustrated below.
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
SECTION 2
Severity of Tornadoes in New Madrid County Since 1950
F-Scale
Number
F0
10
F1
5
F2
5
F3
2
F4
1
F5
0
Source: National Climatic Data Center: US Department of Commerce
Based on the Fujita Ratings of the most recent 23 tornadoes, an F0 tornado is the most likely to occur
in the area. However, it should be noted that F0 tornadoes were not generally reported to the NCDC
prior to the 1990’s. Therefore, the number of F0 tornadoes occurring naturally during that period is
probably much higher.
Using the SEMA scale on page 78, it is likely that the severity of the tornado category most often
reported in the planning area would be “Negligible.” This does not mean that a catastrophically
destructive tornado would not occur in New Madrid County.
Probability
New Madrid County has experienced more tornadoes than any other county in the state. Of 114
Missouri counties, New Madrid County was among thirty-one counties that experienced at least
nineteen tornadoes between 1950 and 2009. New Madrid County falls within the upper 28% of
tornado-affected counties in Missouri. This is not necessarily an indication of the probability of
tornadoes in the future, but it is important to note.
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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The probability of future tornadoes has been based on the historic occurrence of tornadoes as the best
available data. Twenty-three tornadoes have occurred n in the planning area over the past 60 years. On
an average, tornadoes have occurred approximately once every three year. Therefore, using the
definition located on page 79 of this plan, a tornado is “Likely” which is defined as probable in the
next ten years.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee initiate a
mitigation activity to encourage acquisition of the infrastructures to help reduce the loss of life caused
by tornadoes.
Hail
Hail is produced by many strong thunderstorms. Strong rising currents of air within a storm carry
water droplets to a height where freezing occurs. Ice particles grow in size until they are too heavy to
be supported by the updraft, so that it then falls to earth. Hail can be smaller than a pea or as large as a
softball and can be very destructive to plants and crops. Pets and livestock are particularly vulnerable
to hail.
Location
Hail can occur anywhere in the planning area, although the resulting damages are location-specific.
One jurisdiction is no more likely to experience a hail storm than another.
Historic Occurrence
Based upon records from the National Climatic Data Center, forty-nine hail events were reported in
New Madrid County between 1955 and 2008. The size of hailstones ranged in diameter size for 3.00
inches to 0.75. No deaths, injuries, or crop damage was reported. Reported property damage for all
events was $2000. Additional damages almost certainly occurred, but was simply not recorded.
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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Hail Events in New Madrid County 1955 to 2008
Location or County
Date
Time
Type
Mag
Dth
Inj
PrD
CrD
1 NEW MADRID
06/21/1955
2000
Hail
1.75 in.
0
0
0
0
2 NEW MADRID
06/07/1966
1723
Hail
2.75 in.
0
0
0
0
3 NEW MADRID
05/10/1973
1722
Hail
0.75 in.
0
0
0
0
4 NEW MADRID
08/29/1973
1520
Hail
1.00 in.
0
0
0
0
5 NEW MADRID
03/07/1975
0545
Hail
0.75 in.
0
0
0
0
6 NEW MADRID
04/22/1981
1658
Hail
1.75 in.
0
0
0
0
7 NEW MADRID
04/06/1986
1650
Hail
2.75 in.
0
0
0
0
8 NEW MADRID
05/14/1986
1642
Hail
0.75 in.
0
0
0
0
9 NEW MADRID
05/15/1986
1706
Hail
1.75 in.
0
0
0
0
10 NEW MADRID
05/03/1988
1512
Hail
1.50 in.
0
0
0
0
11 NEW MADRID
04/09/1992
1055
Hail
0.75 in.
0
0
0
0
12 NEW MADRID
06/25/1992
1600
Hail
1.00 in.
0
0
0
0
13 New Madrid
04/27/1994
1505
Hail
0.75 in.
0
0
0
0
14 Portageville
05/14/1995
2100
Hail
1.00 in.
0
0
0
0
15 Portageville
05/18/1995
1233
Hail
1.75 in.
0
0
0
0
16 New Madrid
06/07/1995
1655
Hail
0.75 in.
0
0
0
0
17 Portageville
06/07/1995
1720
Hail
1.25 in.
0
0
0
0
18 Matthews
05/05/1996
12:50 PM
Hail
0.75 in.
0
0
0
0
19 New Madrid
09/08/1996
04:40 PM
Hail
1.00 in.
0
0
0
0
20 Marston
02/28/1997
02:55 PM
Hail
1.00 in.
0
0
0
0
21 Portageville
04/13/1998
09:45 PM
Hail
0.75 in.
0
0
0
0
22 New Madrid
05/02/1998
09:54 PM
Hail
1.00 in.
0
0
0
0
23 Matthews
05/21/1998
04:13 PM
Hail
1.75 in.
0
0
0
0
24 New Madrid
05/21/1998
04:22 PM
Hail
1.75 in.
0
0
0
0
25 Catron
05/28/1998
02:40 PM
Hail
1.25 in.
0
0
0
0
26 New Madrid
05/12/1999
04:59 PM
Hail
0.75 in.
0
0
0
0
27 New Madrid
04/16/2000
08:54 PM
Hail
0.75 in.
0
0
0
0
28 Morehouse
09/23/2001
02:00 PM
Hail
0.75 in.
0
0
0
0
29 New Madrid
03/29/2002
04:30 PM
Hail
0.75 in.
0
0
0
0
30 Gideon
04/24/2002
06:07 PM
Hail
0.75 in.
0
0
0
0
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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31 Morehouse
04/04/2003
08:17 PM
Hail
0.75 in.
0
0
0
0
32 Portageville
04/24/2003
10:28 PM
Hail
0.75 in.
0
0
0
0
33 Portageville
04/29/2003
04:40 PM
Hail
1.75 in.
0
0
0
0
34 Marston
04/29/2003
05:30 PM
Hail
1.00 in.
0
0
2K
0
35 Gideon
04/02/2006
06:36 PM
Hail
3.00 in.
0
0
0
0
36 Portageville
04/02/2006
06:45 PM
Hail
1.00 in.
0
0
0
0
37 Lilbourn
04/07/2006
04:16 PM
Hail
1.00 in.
0
0
0
0
38 Portageville
04/07/2006
05:30 PM
Hail
1.00 in.
0
0
0
0
39 Frailie
04/07/2006
08:50 PM
Hail
0.88 in.
0
0
0
0
40 Canalou
04/30/2006
05:52 PM
Hail
0.75 in.
0
0
0
0
41 Morehouse
05/03/2006
02:45 PM
Hail
1.00 in.
0
0
0
0
42 Portageville
05/20/2006
08:29 PM
Hail
0.75 in.
0
0
0
0
43 New Madrid
05/20/2006
09:00 PM
Hail
0.75 in.
0
0
0
0
44 Canalou
05/25/2006
07:15 PM
Hail
1.00 in.
0
0
0
0
45 Kewanee
05/25/2006
08:05 PM
Hail
1.25 in.
0
0
0
0
46 Canalou
05/25/2006
09:15 PM
Hail
1.75 in.
0
0
0
0
47 Portageville
05/26/2006
06:58 PM
Hail
0.88 in.
0
0
0
0
48 New Madrid
04/03/2007
17:00 PM
Hail
0.75 in.
0
0
0K
0K
49 Lilbourn
10/07/2008
16:44 PM
Hail
0.88 in.
0
0
0K
0K
TOTALS: 0
0
2K
0
Severity
Hail up to the size of softballs damages cars and windows, and kills wildlife caught out in the open.
The severity of hail damage depends on the size of the hailstone. The following chart shows the types
of damages usually caused by hailstones of varying sizes.
Hail Size (Inches)
Typical Damage Threshold
1/2
Few, if any, roofs damaged: Bushes and trees-leaves stripped; crops-damaged. Oxidation
coatings on paint, wood, metal-spattered. This elastomeric coating on polyurethane foam
roofs-cracked or broken. Thin aluminum vents, fins on are conditioning units, lead sleeves
on soil stack window screens, aluminum awnings-dented.
Threshold size for damage to roll roofing and deteriorated asphalt composition
shingles, especially where unsupported. Painted wood surfaces, deteriorated gray-black
slates (especially at corners)- chipped. Most aluminum vents, flashing, valleys, sidingdented.
Threshold size for damage to most lightweight asphalt composition shingles. Thin
and/or deteriorated wood shingles, shakes-occasionally punctured or cracked. Single- pane
3/4
1
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
1-1/4
1-1/2
1-3/4
2
2-1/2
SECTION 2
window, thin skylight shells-cracked or broken.
Threshold size for damage to most heavy weight asphalt composition shingle, wood
shingles, and older medium shakes. Automobile body metal-dented; galvanize metal
vents-dented. Older plastic skylights-cracked or broken.
Threshold size for damage to clay tile, slate, medium shakes, and modified bitumen
single-ply-membranes. Automobile body metal-extensive denting
Threshold size for damage to heavy shakes and concrete tiles. Metal vents-caved in.
Bare spots and blisters on deteriorated built-up roofs-bruised or punctured.
Threshold size for damage to jumbo shakes, will-supported un-ballasted built-up
roofing and un-ballasted EPDM
Threshold size for damage to will-supported ballasted built-up roofing, ballasted
EPDM, and metal panels
Notes
1. Threshold is the smallest hail size which can occur.
2. These guidelines are for hard hail ice hailstones that strike the impacted material in relatively good weathered
condition (unless noted) perpendicularly to its surface.
3. These general guidelines apply in most circumstances, but there are exceptions. Determining factors include
material properties, deteriorated condition, and underlying support.
4. This information is based on testing and field experience.
During the fifty-three years of reported time, forty-nine hail storms events were reported, with minimal
damages. While hail storms are recorded with some frequency in New Madrid County, minimal impact
of life or property has occurred. Most of the types of damages caused by hailstorms are covered by
homeowners’ insurance policies. Using the severity scale located on page 78 of this plan, the probable
severity appears to range from “Limited” to “Negligible.” However, it should be noted that there is
limited data in the NCDC database on crop damages, which are likely to be far higher in an
agriculturally based economy like New Madrid County.
Probability
Continued occurrences of hailstorms in New Madrid County and its jurisdictions appear to be “Highly
Likely.” as defined on page 79 as probable in the next year. Historically, a hail event has happened
almost annually in New Madrid County.
Recommendation
The County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee could encourage roof replacements to be of
material not damaged by hail, and farmers should be encourage to have sufficient insurance to cover
crop losses.
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Lightning
Lightning is an atmospheric electrostatic discharge accompanied by thunder, which typically occurs in
the Midwest during thunderstorms, according to NOAA. From this discharge of atmospheric
electricity, a leader of a bolt of lightning can travel at speeds of 140,000 miles per hour, and can reach
temperatures approaching 54,000 degrees ºF. Lightning causes ionization in the air through which it
travels, leading to the formation of nitric oxide and ultimately, nitric acid, which is of benefit to plant
life.
Location
Lightning can occur anywhere in the planning area, although the resulting damages are locationspecific. One jurisdiction is no more likely to experience a lightning event than another. However, high
points in a surrounding topography are more susceptible to lightning strikes.
Historic Events
One lightning event has been recorded by the NCDC in New Madrid County between 1/1/1950 and
7/31/2009. That event caused a fatality. A 33 -year old man was struck and killed by lightning while
standing in an open field checking his crops. Many events of lightning strikes probably have occurred
in the county, but only one was recorded by the NCDC. The table below gives additional information
concerning the one recorded lightning event in the county.
Lightning Events in New Madrid County
Location
Date
Time
Type
Mag
Dth
Inf
PrJD
CrD
Point
Pleasant
5/7/1994
0630
Lightning
NA
1
0
0
0
Totals:
1
0
0
0
Source: National Climatic Data Center: US Department of Commerce
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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Severity
Lightning can cause forest fires. During the period 2000-2006, 12,000 wild land fires started were
started by lightning per year. This amounts to an average of 5.2 million acres annually. (Source:
National Interagency Fire Center). Fires in structures caused by lightning are also not uncommon.
Nationally, homeowner paid claims for damages caused by lighting for 2008 totaled 246,200 in
number, with insured losses an average per claim of $4,324. (Source: Insurance Information Institute,
NY, press release, 6/22/09). Lightning accounts for 10 out of 20 accident involving petroleum storage
tanks in North America. (Source: Journal of Hazardous Materials 40 (1995) 43-54). Thirty percent of
all power outages annually are lightning-related, on average, with total cost approaching $1 billion
dollars. (Source: Ralph Bernstein, EPRI; Diels, et al (1997)
The potential for lightning damage exists in the planning area. However, historic records indicate that
the severity of lightning is likely to be “Negligible.” This is defined on page 78 as causing treatable
injuries, shut-down of critical facilities for 24 hours, and less than ten percent of the property damaged.
Probability
Lightning events occur frequently in the planning area but generally cause negligible injury to
residents and property. Incidents of damage or death caused by lightning were determined by the
planning committee to be classified ‘Unlikely,” with an event occurring in fifty years or more (see
page 79).
Recommendation
During public meetings, county emergency management personnel should educate residents of the
danger of lightning and recommend actions to prevent harm.
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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Thunderstorms//High Winds
Thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service, occur when clouds develop sufficient
upward motion and meet with cold air or moisture. Lightning and thunder usually occur with
thunderstorms. Thunderstorms are usually associated with minimum wind and lightning and cause
little concern for person or property. By definition, the National Weather Service classifies a
thunderstorm as severe if it contains hail of three-quarter inch or larger and winds in access of 58
knots. Inside a severe thunderstorm are powerful updrafts and downdrafts that can produce winds of
hurricane force. Damage caused by severe thunderstorms can be as destructive as tornadoes.
Location
Thunderstorms/high winds can occur anywhere in the planning area, although the resulting damages
are location-specific. One jurisdiction is no more likely to experience a thunderstorm/high wind event
than another.
Historic Events
According to the National Climatic Data Center, eighty-seven thunderstorms and high wind events
were reported in New Madrid County between 1/1/1993 and 7/31/2009. Listed below are those events
that resulted in death, injury, property damage, or crop damage.
New Madrid County-Thunderstorm and High Wind Events- 1993-2009
Location
Date
Time
Type
Mag
Dth
Inj
PrD
CrD
Howardville
5/30/93
1420
0 kts
0
0
5K
0
New Madrid
5/30/93
1420
0 kts
0
0
50K
0
NM County
4/19/95
1200
0 kts
0
0
2K
0
Marston
5/13/95
2355
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
High
Winds
Tstm
Winds
0 kts
0
0
30K
0
Risco
1/18/96
8:39
Tstm
Winds
0 kts
0
0
75K
0
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
Matthews
1/18/96
8:45
Catron
4/19/96
10:44
Hartzell
5/5/96
12:50
Portageville
6/13/96
1:40
Gideon
7/7/96
4:30
New Madrid
4/20/97
10:50
New Madrid
5/26/97
3:30
Portageville
7/4/97
2:00
New Madrid
7/14/97
7:50
Parma
1/17/99
5:32
Matthews
1/21/99
11:15
Portageville
4/5/99
4:15
Parma
5/17/99
2:15
Portageville
6/7/99
2:50
Gideon
5/24/00
11:10
Tallapoosa
5/26/00
2:20
Marston
2/24/01
8:00
Gideon
1/23/02
11:38
New Madrid
4/28/02
1:19
Portageville
5/30/04
6:30
Marston
7/23/04
5:25
Portageville
6/30/05
9:55
NM County
9/25/05
NM County
SECTION 2
0 kts
0
0
5K
0
0 kts
0
0
10K
0
55 kts
0
0
6K
0
0 kts
0
0
1K
0
52 kts
0
0
5K
0
62 kts
0
0
25K
0
52 kts
0
0
10K
0
55 kts
0
0
20K
0
50 kts
0
0
5K
0
60 kts
0
0
10K
0
0 kts
0
0
50K
0
50 kts
0
0
5K
0
52 kts
0
0
10K
0
52 kts
0
0
7K
0
0 kts
0
0
30K
0
65 kts
0
0
20K
0
0 kts
0
0
6K
0
55 kts
0
0
2K
0
52 kts
0
0
5K
0
52 kts
0
0
35K
0
52 kts
0
0
2K
0
50 kts
0
0
5K
0
9:00
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Ttsm
Winds
Tstm
Wind
Tstm
Wind
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Winds
40 kts
0
0
15K
0
1/8/06
10:00
Winds
41 kts
0
0
11K
0
NM County
1/19/06
10:00
Winds
28 kts
0
0
11K
0
NM County
2/16/06
4:00
Winds
39 kts
0
0
11K
0
NM County
3/9/06
6:15
60 kts
0
4
200K
0
NM County
5/3/06
4:00
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
52kts
0
0
7K
0
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
Matthews
5/25/06
5:40
Marston
9/22/06
8:05
NM County
12/1/06
3:00
NM County
10/17/07
21:20
Morehouse
10/18/07
2:00
Parma
10/18/07
17:40
Matthews
1/29/08
16:10
NM County
2/17/08
NM County
SECTION 2
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Winds
65 kts
0
0
12K
0
60 kts
0
0
25K
0
28 kts
0
0
1K
0
50 kts
0
0
4K
0
56 kts
0
0
16K
0
52 kts
0
0
5K
0
55 kts
0
0
10K
0
8:00
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Tstm
Winds
Winds
43 kts
0
0
1K
0
9/14/08
7:00
Winds
50 kts
0
0
2.0M
0
NM County
12/27/08
11:00
Winds
39 kts
0
0
1K
0
NM County
2/11/09
11:00
Winds
50 kts
0
0
10K
0
NM County
3/8/09
7:00
Winds
40 kts
0
0
1K
0
NM County
3/24/09
13:00
Winds
37 kts
0
0
1K
0
Ristine
7/15/09
17:45
Tstm
Winds
Totals
61 kts
0
0
75K
0
0
4
2.853M
0
Source: National Climatic Data Center: US Department of Commerce
Severity
Many hazardous weather events are associated with thunderstorms. Most of the damages caused by
thunderstorms are from the hazards that accompany thunderstorms, like tornadoes, lightning, and hail.
Under the right conditions, rainfall from thunderstorms can cause flash flooding. Strong (up to more
than 120 mph) straight-line winds associated with thunderstorms could knock down trees and power
lines, as well as cause slight roof damage, and some crop damage. From delaying airline schedules to
threatening outdoor sporting events, thunderstorms have a big effect on the planning area.
Damage from thunderstorms tends to be isolated rather than regional in nature. Rather than the
destructive wind force of a tornado, thunderstorms generally produce lesser wind speeds and therefore
less property damage. Using he SEMA scale on page 78, the planning committee determined that the
severity of the typical thunderstorm/high wind event in the county would be “Limited,” defined as light
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
SECTION 2
injuries, shut-down of critical facilities for more than one week and more than 10 percent of property
severely damaged.
Probability
Events of future severe thunderstorms and high winds will probably continue in New Madrid County.
Based on the 87 events recorded by the NCDC over the past 60 years, the probability of
thunderstorms/high winds in the planning area was determined to be “Highly Likely” or probable in
the next year, using the scale on page 79.
Recommendation
It is recommended that New Madrid County Emergency Management personnel educate the public
on measures that would prevent further damage to property or loss of life. A mitigation activity to
install NOAA weather radio warning systems, designated safe rooms, and warning devices in each
community could help reduce injuries, loss of life, and some property damage.
Flooding/Levee Failure
A flood is partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas. It is caused by the overflow of
rivers and streams, and/or the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any
source as well as levee/dam breach or overtopping . There are several types of floods; flash, headwater,
backwater, and interior drainage are examples, with most flood deaths due to flash floods.
The areas adjacent to rivers and stream banks that serve to carry excess floodwater during rapid runoff
are called floodplains. A floodplain is defined as the lowland and relatively flat areas adjoining rivers
and streams. The term base flood, or 100-year flood, is the area in the floodplain that is subject to a one
percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year, based upon historical records. Floodplains are
a vital part of a larger entity called a basin--defined as all the land drained by a river and its branches.
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
SECTION 2
New Madrid County is located along the western side of the Mississippi River, just south
of the confluence with the Ohio River. The county is almost entirely in a floodplain and protected by a
system of levees under control of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The map below illustrates the
flood plain location in New Madrid County. Maps showing flood/dam breach/ levee breach
susceptibility of individual participating jurisdictions are located at the end of Appendix D. Areas
likely to be flooded in the event of a dam/levee breach are roughly con-terminus with floodplains.
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As previously stated flooding can be caused by the breach, failure or overtopping of levees. A levee is
an earth embankment, floodwall, or structure along a water course whose purpose is flood damage
reduction or water conveyance. This plan update was created prior to the flooding events of the
summer of 2011. None of the events connected with the intention breach of the Birds Point levee are
examined in this plan. The events and their impacts will be examined in future plan updates.
The portion of the Mississippi River Levee system impacting the planning area is on the west bank of
the Mississippi River. It extends from Allenville, Missouri (north of the planning area) and down along
the Little River Diversion Channel. The levee system goes generally southward to the vicinity of
Venice, Louisiana. Part of this system includes the Birds Point-New Madrid Floodway. The floodway
was authorized by the 1928 Flood Control Act and later modified by the 1965 Flood Control Act.
There are two primary geographical features of the floodway in the planning areas. They are the main
line setback levee, which extends from Birds Point, Missouri, to New Madrid, Missouri, and the
frontline levee which is located on the west bank of the river and generally follows its alignment.
Within the frontline levee, there are two “fuse plug” sections of the levee. A fuse plug levee is lower
than the adjacent levee. If the river rises too high, then water begins to flow over the fuse plug levee
rather than over adjacent levees where it would flood human habitations. A fuse plug levee is designed
to work on its own, but if extremely critical, it can dynamited.
Also in the Birds Point-New Madrid portion of the levee system is an existing 1500 foot gap. It is
located between the main line setback levee and the end of the frontline levee at the lower end of the
floodway. This opening currently provides a drainage outlet for interior runoff and allows flood
backwaters to enter the floodway. According to the National Resources Conservation Services
(NRCS), there are over 130,000 acres within the floodway of the Mississippi River. Within that
acreage, 110,000 acres in Mississippi County and 20,000 acres are in New Madrid County.
Congress in the 1986 Flood Control Act authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to close the
1,500 foot gap in the frontline levee. The Act also gave congressional approval to make improvements
to channels within the St. Johns Bayou Basin, the St. Johns Bayou Pump Station, and the New Madrid
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
SECTION 2
Pump Station. However, based upon a court ruling, construction was halted on the1500 foot gap
closure. The gap remains open to-date.
Flooding in the Mississippi River usually occurs in the winter and spring, resulting in back water
flooding on almost a yearly basis in the New Madrid Floodway. Backwater flooding is defined as
flooding caused by a restriction or blocking of flow downstream. Examples include a narrowing of the
channel, logjam, ice jam, high flow in a downstream confluence stream, or high tide blocking high
river flow from entering estuaries.
Source: “The Birds Point-New Madrid Floodway Information Sheet.” USACE Memphis District
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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Location
Flooding events caused by weather events and levee breach/overtopping are more likely to occur in
Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) as defined by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
SFHAs for the individual participating jurisdictions are shown on the maps located at the end of
Appendix D. The majority of New Madrid County is located in either the 100-year or 500 year
floodplain. Of the fourteen incorporated communities in New Madrid County all have portions of their
corporate limits located within a SFHA. Most damage would result from flash flooding within the
mapped floodplain. Flash flooding recedes quick and results in less damage than prolonged flooding.
The planning committee studied the historic damages in the participating communities prior to the
events of 2011. They determined that the jurisdictions that might be impacted by the various types of
flooding could be illustrated in the chart below. The chart below does not include the participating
school districts. It is not known at this time whether any of the school districts assets are located in
SFHAs, or other uniquely at risk to hazards. The planning committee will obtain this information for
the next plan update in five years.
New Madrid County Jurisdictions affected by Flooding
Levee Failure
Flash Flooding
River Flooding
Canalou
X
Sections*
None
Catron
X
Sections
None
Gideon
X
Sections
None
Howardville
X
Sections
None
Lilbourn
X
Sections
None
Marston
X
Sections
None
Matthews
X
Sections
None
Morehouse
X
Sections
None
New Madrid
X
Sections
None
Parma
X
Sections
None
Portageville
X
Sections
None
Risco
X
Sections
None
Tallapoosa
X
Sections
None
Sections
X
Unincorporated
X
Lands/Floodways
*Flash Flooding occurs within 100- year flood plain.
X
Possible Flooding if levee breached
Sections Flash Flooding in 100-year Floodplain /Floodways
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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New Madrid County and its jurisdictions would be vulnerable to flooding if the major levees, mainline
setback and frontline, were breached. Information from the Corps of Engineers, Memphis District
indicates no recent studies to show vulnerability countywide as a result of levee failure. Information
provided by SEMA (New Madrid County Flood Depth May) indicates vulnerability could vary by
jurisdiction. The communities of North Lilbourn, Lilbourn, Howardville, Marsotn and New Madrid
would be more vulnerable due to water depth in the county. More study is needed and levee failure
flooding has been added in this plan as a mitigation action. The map below illustrates the areas of New
Madrid County that is located in 100-500 year flood plain.
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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The map below illustrates the number of rivers and streams in New Madrid County
New Madrid County is protected from Mississippi River flooding by a mainline levee along the river
and a setback mainline levee in case of mainline breach. The area between the mainline and setback
levee is part of the Birds Point-New Madrid Floodway. No incorporated communities are located
within this floodway. In order to protect locations in Missouri and adjoining states from flooding,
when the river gauge on the Ohio River in Cairo, Illinois reaches 50 feet, federal law requires the US
Army Corps of Engineers to artificially breach the mainline levee. The design of the setback levee is
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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such that it will protect populated areas of New Madrid County from river flooding. As has been
indicated, a breach of the setback levee and damages it will cause and communities it will impact have
not been determined. Further study is necessary to determine damage to New Madrid County based
upon Mississippi and Ohio River levels if both the mainline and setback levees are breached.
Mississippi River flooding does occur in rural portions of New Madrid County as a result of rising
Mississippi River levels because the mainline and setback levees do not meet and leave a 1500 foot
gap near the city of New Madrid. Local communities are not impacted unless large amount of general
rainfall occur and rising river levels do not allow drainage throughout the county and adjoining
counties to occur. If that situation occurs, than drainage in the county that usually flows to the
Mississippi River is reduced. Drainage waterways such as St. John’s Bayou and Little River can
overflow and disrupt transportation in addition to more localized flooding.
All communities or portions of those communities in New Madrid County are subject to flash flooding
due to heavy rainfall. Flooding conditions vary from community to community. Flooding in New
Madrid County depends upon many variables and is hard to predict. Water levels on the Ohio River,
although it does not border New Madrid County, combined with high levels on the Mississippi River
can affect flooding in the county. The amount of water held or released from Kentucky and Barkley
Lakes on the Tennessee River in Kentucky has affected water levels on the Mississippi River and in
turn affects flooding in New Madrid County. New Madrid County, located downstream from the
confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, can be subjected to flooding problems from a variety of
locations. A flooded Missouri and Tennessee Rivers along with a flooded Mississippi and Ohio Rivers
can directly affect the county. The 1500 foot gap between the levees, unless it is filled, will continue to
allow portions of New Madrid County to flood. Emergency management personnel in New Madrid
County can expect flooding in the future and it can come from and be influenced by many variables.
Historic Events
The flood of record at the New Madrid gauge occurred in 1927. Other significant backwater flooding
events occurred in 1961, 1962, 1964, 1972, 1975, 1983, 1984, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1977, 1998 and
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2002. During the 1996, 1997 and 1998 years, floodwaters remained through late June, resulting in
major agricultural losses. According to recent hydrologic and GIS data, the two-year backwater flood
occurrences in the New Madrid floodway inundated 17,316 acres, of which, 11,843 acres were
agricultural land. At high Mississippi River stages, the St. Johns Bayou Basin control gates are closed
preventing interior damage. The two-year land-water flood event under these circumstances inundates
approximately 10, 056 acres, of which 6,312 acres are agricultural land.
In 1995, the county was part of the Presidential Disaster Declarations and eligible for individual
assistance only. According to the NCDC, agricultural losses totaled $517,000 for that event. It was
caused mainly by a massive flood crest from the Ohio River. The chart below records the incidents of
flooding in New Madrid County. Note that additional flood plain maps for each jurisdiction are
located in Appendix D.
New Madrid County has experienced thirty-two floods since 1993, according to National Climatic
Data Center and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (1993 flood not listed on NCDC records). The largest
flood occurred in 1993 when a total of 112 of Missouri's 114 counties were included in at least one or
more Presidential Disaster Declarations. New Madrid County was eligible for individual and public
assistance that totaled $33,000.
National Climate Data Center Flood Data, New Madrid County, 1950-2009
Location
Date
Type
Deaths
Injuries
Property
Crop
Damage
Damage
Countywide
05/15/1995 River Flood
0
0
0
0
Countywide
06/01/1995 River Flood
0
0
0
0
Countywide
05/01/1996 Flood
0
0
100K
0
Countywide
06/01/1996 Flood
0
0
0
0
New Madrid
03/01/1997 Flash Flood
1
1
6K
0
Countywide
03/01/1997 Flood
1
0
150K
0
Countywide
04/03/1998 Flood
0
0
0
0
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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Countywide
05/01/1998 Flood
0
0
0
0
West Portion
07/27/1998 Flash Flood
0
0
0
0
New Madrid
08/11/1998 Urban/sml Stream
0
0
0
0
Fld.
Howardville
10/05/1998 Flash Flood
0
0
5K
0
Countywide
01/06/1999 Flood
0
0
0
0
Countywide
02/01/1999 Flood
0
0
0
0
New Madrid
01/03/2000 Urban/sm/Stream
0
0
0
0
South
05/27/2000 Flash Flood
0
0
0
0
Countywide
05/27/2000 Flash Flood
0
0
0
0
Countywide
12/16/2001 Flood
0
0
180K
0
Countywide
03/27/2002 Flood
0
0
0
0
Countywide
05/08/2002 Flood
0
0
195K
0
Countywide
06/01/2002 Flood
0
0
0
0
Countywide
12/18/2002 Urban/sm/Stream
0
0
0
0
Countywide
05/11/2003 Flood
0
0
0
0
Morehouse
11/01/2004 Flash Flood
0
0
0
0
Countywide
12/11/2004 Flood
0
0
0
0
Countywide
1/06/2005
Flood
0
0
0
0
Countywide
9/22/2006
Flash Flood
0
0
40K
0
Countywide
9/23/2006
Flood
0
0
750K
17.0M
New Madrid
1/14/2007
Flash Flood
0
0
0
0
Canalou
3/18/2008
Flood
0
0
275K
0
Howardville
3/19/2008
Flood
0
0
0
0
New Madrid
4/01/2008
Flood
0
0
0
0
2
1
1.701M
17.000M
portion
Totals:
Source: National Climatic Data Center: US Department of Commerce
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Severity
The flooding that occurred in May 2002 had a great impact on the region, agriculturally. This flood
covered about 77,400 acres in the St. Johns Bayou Basin and the New Madrid Floodway, of which
61,400 acres were agricultural lands. About 48,700 acres of crops had been planted and were lost. If
the current projects underway had already been constructed, only about 1,900 acres of cropland would
have been flooded.
As previously discussed, New Madrid County is protected from flooding from the Mississippi River by
a mainline and setback levee along it eastern boundary. The levees were originally constructed by the
Corps of Engineers and have been strengthened periodically. The levees are designed to withstand the
highest gage reading, which was 47.97 foot in 1927. The floods of 1993 and 1995 posed little
immediate danger to New Madrid County and its jurisdictions. Gage readings at that time did not
exceed 40 foot. After consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District, the
estimated damage to the county by such an occurrence would require extensive and varied simulations.
Additional study is required.
The events of 2011 indicate how devastating flooding in the planning area can be However, prior to
that event, levee breach had never occurred in the county. Although some minor flooding had
occurred, the planning committee considered damage to be light. The committee had determined that
the severity of a common flooding event in the county would be limited, based upon historic records.
Note that this determination will be revisited in the next plan update. The map below shows the
location of the mainline and setback levee in the county.
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The tables below supply additional information regarding historic flooding severity in the planning
area. They include information from the National Flood Plain Insurance Program (NFIP), and
represent the number of claims, total payments to the claimants, and the value or amount of flood plain
insurance in place.
Top 25 Counties Based on Total Building Loss and Income Loss
County
New
Structural
Contents
Inventory
Total Direct
Total
Total Direct
Loss
#
#Bldgs
Damage
Damage
Loss
Loss
Income
and Income
Ratio
Bldgs
Substantially
Loss
Loss
Risk
Damaged
$17,875,000
$44,681,000
295
191
$13,771,000
$12,859,000
$176,000
$26,806,000
1.62%
Madrid
Source: State Emergency Management Agency
Table of Loss Statistic
Community Name
Total Losses
Closed Losses
Open Losses
Total Payment
New Madrid County
23
12
0
$41,321.39
Canalou
1
0
0
0
Catron
0
0
0
0
Gideon
1
1
0
$9,250.00
Howardville
0
0
0
0
Lilbourn
10
9
0
$67,105.35
Marston
0
0
0
0
Matthews
0
0
0
0
Morehouse
0
0
0
0
New Madrid
44
26
0
$75,543.76
North Lilbourn
0
0
0
0
Parma
0
0
0
0
Portageville
3
3
0
$6,500.51
Risco
5
3
0
$49,597.08
Tallapoosa
0
0
0
0
TOTALS
87
45
0
$249,318.09
Source: State Emergency Management Agency
The table above shows losses in New Madrid County due to flooding. Closed Losses indicated claims have been filed,
approved and payment has been made to individuals, city or county claimants. Open losses indicate claims are being
processed but payments not made to claimants. Total payments represent the amount paid to individuals, cities or county
policy holders within a specific period of time or for a particular disaster.
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Prior to the events of 2011, the planning committee determined that most flood events impacting the
planning area had a minimal impact on quality of life in the county. No critical facilities or services
were shut down for more than twenty-four hours, and property damage was less than 15%. Therefore,
the planning committee determined that the probable severity of future floods, flash floods, and
riverine flooding could range from “Critical to “Negligible.” Unless the next flood to hit the county is
of greater magnitude that the floods of 1993 and 1995 and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is forced
to use the floodway to mitigate flooding elsewhere, the likely impact will be “Limited.”
Probability
The Mississippi River flows along the eastern boundary of the county and has been responsible for
some of the historic flood damage. However, every community in the county is protected from
catastrophic flooding by a series of levees maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The
county and incorporated areas have experienced only scattered damage from localized flash flooding
which occurs within the mapped floodplain. During periods of heavy rains and elevated river stages,
there is localized flooding in lowland areas and over some streets and highways. The probability of
flooding in New Madrid County can be classified as “Possible,” defined on page 79 as probably to
happen in the next 10 to 50 years.
Recommendation
The County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee should advocate continued support for the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers
Severe Winter Weather (Snow, Ice, and Extreme Cold)
Severe winter storm hazards include heavy snow, blizzards, sleet, freezing rain, ice storms and extreme
cold. Winter events or conditions are further defined below.
Heavy Snow: According to the National Weather Service (NWS), heavy snow is
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generally snowfall accumulation to 4 inches or more in depth in 12 hours or less; or
snowfall accumulating to 6 inches or more in depth in 24 hours or less. A snow squall is
an intense, but limited duration, period of moderate to heavy snowfall (e.g. snowstorm),
accompanied by strong, gusty surface winds and possibly lightning (generally moderate
to heavy snow showers) (NWS, 2005). Snowstorms are complex phenomena involving
heavy snow and winds, whose impact can be affected by a great may factors, including a
region’s climatologically susceptibility to snowstorms, snowfall amounts, snow fall rates,
wind speeds, temperatures, visibility, storm duration, topography, and occurrence during
the course of the day, weekday versus weekend, and time of season (Kocin and Uccellini,
2004).
Blizzard: Blizzards are characterized by low temperatures, wind gusts of 35 miles per
hour (mph) or more and falling and/or blowing snow that reduces visibility to 0.25 miles
or less for an extended period of time (three or more hours( (NWS,2005).
Sleet or Freezing Rain Storm: Sleet is defined as pellets of ice composed of frozen or
mostly frozen raindrops or refrozen partially melted snowflakes. These pellets of ice
usually bounce after hitting the ground or other hard surfaces. Freezing rain is rain that
falls as liquid but freezes into glaze upon contact with the ground. Both types of
precipitation, even in small accumulations, can cause significant hazards to a community
(NWS, 2005).
Ice Storm: An ice storm is used to describe occasions when damaging accumulations of
ice are expected during freezing rain situations. Significant accumulations of ice pull
down trees and utility line resulting in loss of power and communication. These
accumulations of ice make walking and driving extremely dangerous, and can create
extreme hazards to motorist and pedestrians (NWS, 2005).
Extreme Cold: Extreme cold events are when temperatures drop well below normal in
an area. Extremely cold temperatures often accompany a winter storm, so individuals
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may have to cope with power failures and icy roads. Although staying indoors as much as
possible can help reduce the risk of car crashes and falls on the ice, individuals may also
face indoor hazards. Many homes will be too cold—either due to a power failure or
because the heating system is not adequate for the weather. When people must use space
heaters and fireplaces to stay warm the risk of household fires and carbon monoxide
poisoning increases. What constitutes extreme cold and its effects can vary across
different areas of the country. In regions relatively unaccustomed to winter weather, near
freezing temperatures are considered “extreme cold.” Exposure to cold temperatures,
whether indoors or outside, can lead to serious or life-threatening health problems such as
hypothermia, cold stress, frostbite or freezing of the exposed extremities such as fingers,
toes, nose and ear lobes (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2005).
Location
Unlike tornadoes and thunderstorms, severe winter weather events tend to occur over wide geographic
areas, encompassing an entire county or a large group of counties.
Historical Statistics
Since 1994, according to the NCDC, severe winter weather/extreme cold in New Madrid County has:
• Occurred primarily in the months of December and January;
• Caused 0 deaths and 0 injuries;
• Damaged property valued at $10,150,000; and
• Caused economic losses due to temporary business closings.
The following table shows recent winter storms recorded by the NCDC.
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New Madrid County Severe Winter Weather/Extreme Cold Events 1950-2009
Date
1/16/1994
Winter Storm
0
0
3/08/1994
Heavy Snow
0
0
12/09/1995
12/02/1996
1/08/1997
1/15/1997
12/21/1998
12/23/1998
1/1/1999
Cold Wave
Extreme Cold
Winter Storm
Ice Storm
Freezing Rain
Snow
Ice Storm
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1/8/1999
1/22/2000
1/28/2000
12/12/2000
12/26/2000
1/1/2001
1/18/2002
2/6/2002
12/4/2002
1/16/2003
1/23/2003
2/6/2003
2/26/2003
12/22/2004
12/23/2004
12/8/2005
Ice Storm
Heavy Snow
Snow
Extreme Cold
Freezing Rain
Extreme Cold
Heavy Snow
Snow
Winter Storm
Winter Storm
Extreme Cold
Heavy Snow
Winter Storm
Winter Storm
Extreme Cold
Winter
weather
Winter
Weather
Winter
Weather
Winter
Weather
Winter Storm
Winter Storm
Winter
Weather
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Property
Damage
5 Million
17 Counties
5 Million
38 Counties
0
0
0
0
0
0
$150k
11 Counties
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2/18/2006
2/19/2006
2/03/2007
3/07/2008
12/15/2008
12/16/2008
Type
Deaths
Injuries
Crop
Damage
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
12/18/2008
12/23/2008
1/05/2009
1/26/20009
2/28/2009
Winter
Weather
Winter
Weather
Winter
Weather
Winter
Weather
Heavy Snow
Totals:
SECTION 2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10.15 M
0
Source: National Climatic Data Center: US Department of Commerce
Severity
According to SEMA, severe winter weather events such as snow, ice storms, and extreme cold can
cause injuries, deaths, and property damage in a variety of ways. Winter storms are considered
deceptive killers because most deaths are not directly related to the storm. Causes of death range from
traffic accidents during adverse driving conditions to heart attacks caused by overexertion while
shoveling snow. Hypothermia or frostbite may be considered the most direct cause of death and
injuries attributed to winter storms and/or severe cold. Economic costs are difficult to measure. Heavy
accumulations of ice can bring down trees, electric power lines, poles, telephone lines and
communications towers. Such power outages create an increased risk of fire, as residents seek use of
alternative fuel sources (wood or kerosene for heat and fuel-burning lanterns or candles for emergency
lighting).
Crops, trees, and livestock can be killed or injured due to deep snow, ice, or severe cold. Buildings and
automobiles may be damaged from falling tree limbs, or power lines and poles. Local governments,
home owners, business owners, and power companies can be faced with spending millions of dollars
for restoration of services, debris removal, and landfill hauling.
According to historical climate data provided by the Missouri Climate Center, from 1963 to 2002, the
average annual snowfall was 3.2 inches. There were seventeen years when no snow was recorded, and
the largest totals were in 1966 with 19.3 inches and 1977 with 15.1 inches. The largest monthly totals
were January, 1976 with 13.1 inches, March 1966 with 11.7inches, January 1977, with 9.5inches and
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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February, 1979 with 9 inches. Excessive winter weather can prove devastating. Primary concerns
include the potential loss of heat, power, telephone service, and a shortage of supplies if storm
conditions continue for more than a day. Further, employees may be unable to get to work due to icy
conditions, unplowed roadways, or facility damage. Winter weather warnings are set up in stages of
severity by the National Weather Service. These stages are shown below.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY:
Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. If
caution is exercised, these situations should not become life threatening. The greatest hazard is often to
motorists.
WINTER STORM WATCH:
Severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and/or ice, are possible within the next day or two.
WINTER STORM WARNING:
Severe winter conditions have begun or are about to begin in your area.
BLIZZARD WARNING:
Snow and strong winds will combine to produce a blinding snow (near zero visibility), deep drifts, and
life-threatening wind chill. Seek refuge immediately.
FROST/FREEZE WARNING:
Below-freezing temperatures are expected and may cause significant damage to plants, crops, or fruit
trees. In areas unaccustomed to freezing temperatures, people who have homes without heat need to
take added precautions.
In addition to snow, the effects of temperature and wind chill increase the severity of a winter storm.
Wind blowing across exposed skin drives down the skin temperature and eventually the internal body
temperature. The faster the wind blows, the faster the heat is carried away; the greater the heat loss, the
colder it feels. Exposure to low wind chills can be life threatening to humans and animals. A new Wind
Chill Temperature Index took effect on November 1, 2001, replacing the original wind chill index that
was devised in 1945. To find the Wind Chill Temperature Index from the table below, find the air
temperature along the top of the table and the wind speed along the left side. The point where the two
intersect is the wind chill temperature. Based on prior events in the planning area, the severity of
winter storms is likely to be “Limited.”
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Probability
There were twenty-one severe winter weather/extreme cold events from 1994 to 2003 resulting in no
deaths or injury. Property damages totaling $10,150,000 were reported over a large number of
counties. It is likely that little property damage was recorded in the county during these events. Based
upon the county’s event history, the probability of a winter storm is “Likely” (probable in the next 10
years). It should be noted, however, that although heavy snows are possible, they are generally not of
significant duration.
Recommendation
The County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee should initiate a mitigation activity to
educate citizens about the important winter safety measures.
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Drought
The dictionary definition of drought is a period of prolonged dryness. Current drought literature
commonly distinguishes between three categories of drought:
• Agricultural drought, defined by soil moisture deficiencies;
• Hydrological drought, defined by declining surface water and
ground water supplies; and
• Meteorological drought, defined by precipitation deficiencies.
The most commonly used indicator of drought and drought severity is the Palmer
Drought Severity Index (PDSI) published jointly by NOAA and the United States Department of
Agriculture. The PDSI measures the departure of water supply (in terms of precipitation and stored soil
moisture) from demand (the amount of water required to recharge soil and keep rivers, lakes, and
reservoirs at normal levels). The result is a scale from +4 to -4, ranging from an extremely moist spell
to extreme drought. By relating the PDSI number to a regional index, one can compile data which
reflects long-term wet or dry tendencies. The map below shows drought situations throughout the
United States and in the Bootheel counties. As can be seen in the map, the planning area was
experiencing “extreme drought”, as defined in the key, in January of 2009.
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Source: National Climatic Data Center
Regional indicators such as the PSDI are limited in that they respond slowly to deteriorating
conditions. On the other hand, observing surface conditions and groundwater measurements may
provide only a snapshot of a very small area. Therefore, the use of a variety of drought indicators is
essential for effective assessment of drought conditions, with the PSDI being the primary drought
severity indicator.
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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Historical Occurrences
Missouri's average annual rain fall ranges from about thirty-four inches in the northwest to fifty-one
inches in the southeast. New Madrid County is less susceptible to problems caused by prolonged
periods of drought, since there are abundant groundwater resources at a very shallow depth. According
to the county Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Conservation Services officials, over 75% of
agricultural production uses irrigation to supplement surface moisture in New Madrid County.
The State of Missouri was placed under a Phase I Drought Advisory level by DNR in July 1999, which
resulted in then Governor Carnahan declaring an Agricultural Emergency. In October 1999, the United
States Agriculture Secretary declared a federal disaster, making low-interest loans to farmers within
Missouri.
In June of 2000, New Madrid County was designated as a Phase I Advisory for drought conditions
along with six other counties in Missouri. By July 2000, New Madrid County moved up to a Phase II
Alert status along with eighty-three other counties in Missouri. The chart below illustrates the fifteen
NCDC-recorded drought events that have occurred in New Madrid County between 1993 and March
of 2009. Other drought events may have occurred in the planning area during this period, but not
recorded by the NCDC.
Drought Events in New Madrid County
Location Date
Time
Type
Mag
Dth
Inj
PrD
CrD
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
8/15/1996
2:00AM
Drought
N/A
0
0
0
0
9/01/1998
12:01AM Drought
N/A
0
0
0
0
8/01/1999
12:01AM Drought
N/A
0
0
0
0
9/01/1999
12:01AM Drought
N/A
0
0
0
0
10/01/1999 12:01AM Drought
N/A
0
0
0
0
11/01/1999 12:01AM Drought
N/A
0
0
0
0
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
12/01/1999 12:01AM Drought
N/A
0
0
0
0
8/01/2002
12:01AM Drought
N/A
0
0
0
0
9/01/2002
12:00AM Drought
N/A
0
0
0
0
9/22/2004
12:00AM Drought
N/A
0
0
0
0
6/05/2005
12:00AM Drought
N/A
0
0
0
0
7/01/2005
12:00AM Drought
N/A
0
0
0
0
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
8/01/2005
12:01AM Drought
N/A
0
0
0
0
8/21/2007
00:00AM Drought
N/A
0
0
0
0
9/01/2007
00:00AM Drought
N/A
0
0
0
0
Totals
0
0
0
0
Source: National Climate Data Center: US Department of Commerce
Severity
The Department of Natural Resource’s drought response system has four phases. Phase 1 begins when
water-monitoring analysis indicates anticipated drought consequences. The situation moves into Phase
2 when the PDSI reads -10 to -20. At the same time, stream flow, reservoir levels, and groundwater
levels are below normal over a period of several months. Phase 3 is based on a PDSI between -2 to -4
and various other factors. Phase 4, or activation of drought emergency procedures, generally begins
when the PSDI exceeds -4. Therefore, using the Department of Natural Resource’s drought response
system, the probable severity levels of a future drought could be shown in the map of the following
page. As can be seen in the map below, the outlook for the planning area is good
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Based on prior events in the planning area, the severity of drought is likely to “Limited.”
(See definition page 78)
Probability
Overall, it is possible for New Madrid County to experience drought in any given year. Based upon the
county’s event history, the probability of a drought is “Likely” (probable in the next 10 years). (See
definition page 79)
Recommendation
It is recommended that the New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee seek plans to
assist local farmers with potential drought-resistant farming practices. As a result, this will reduce
potential emotional and financial losses related to our agricultural land and crops.
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Heat Wave
The National Weather Service (NWS) defines a heat wave as three consecutive days of 90°F
plus temperatures. These high temperatures generally occur from June through September, but are
most prevalent in the months of July and August. Missouri experiences about forty days per year above
ninety degrees, based on a thirty-year average compiled by the NWS from 1961-1990. July leads this
statewide mean with fifteen days above ninety degrees, followed by August with an average of twelve
days over ninety degrees. June and September average six days and four days respectively for
temperatures above ninety degrees during the same thirty-year period. This information is based on
local climatological data from NWS stations at Kansas City, Columbia, Springfield, and St. Louis. As
these regional reports indicate, all of Missouri is subject to heat wave during the summer months.
Ambient temperature, however, is not the only factor to consider when assessing the likely effect of
heat. Relative humidity must also be considered, along with exposure, wind, and activity. The NWS
has devised a Heat Index (HI) which is a combination of air temperature and relative humidity, and is
more reflective of how hot it really feels.
Heat Index Chart (Temperature & Relative Humidity)
Temperature (° F)
RH 90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100 101 102 103 104 105
%
90
119 123 128 132 137 141 146 152 157 163 168 174 180 186 193 199
85
115 119 123 127 132 136 141 145 150 155 161 166 172 178 184 190
80
112 115 119 123 127 131 135 140 144 149 154 159 164 169 175 180
75
109 112 115 119 122 126 130 134 138 143 147 152 156 161 166 171
70
106 109 112 115 118 122 125 129 133 137 141 145 149 154 158 163
65
103 106 108 111 114 117 121 124 127 131 135 139 143 147 151 155
60
100 103 105 108 111 114 116 120 123 126 129 133 136 140 144 148
55
98
100 103 105 107 110 113 115 118 121 124 127 131 134 137 141
50
96
98
100 102 104 107 109 112 114 117 119 122 125 128 131 135
45
94
96
98
100 102 104 106 108 110 113 115 118 120 123 126 129
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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40
92
94
96
97
99
101 103 105 107 109 111 113 116 118 121 123
35
91
92
94
95
97
98
100 102 104 106 107 109 112 114 116 118
30
89
90
92
93
95
96
98
99
101 102 104 106 108 110 112 114
Note: Exposure to full sunshine can increase HI values by up to 15° F.
Source: National Climatic Data Center
Historical Occurrences
According to the NCDC, there were eighteen excessive heat events in New Madrid County between
1994 and 2009. These heat waves resulted in the following:
Death:
9
Injuries:
187
Damages:
$50,000
The eighteen excessive heat events are listed below:
Extreme Temperature Events in New Madrid County between January 1994 and March 2009
Location
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
Date
Time
6/12/1994 0000
Type
Mag
Dth
Inj
PrD
CrD
Heat
N/A
4
55
0
50K
7/26/1997 11:00AM Heat
N/A
0
24
0
0
2/01/1998 01:00AM Heat
N/A
0
0
0
0
7/18/1998 12:00PM
Heat
N/A
0
3
0
0
7/18/1999 1:00PM
Heat
N/A
1
0
0
0
7/7/2001
Heat
N/A
1
0
0
0
Heat
N/A
0
3
0
0
7/10/2004 11:00AM Heat
N/A
0
4
0
0
7/21/2005 11:00AM Heat
N/A
2
93
0
0
8/19/2005 10:00AM Heat
N/A
0
0
0
0
3:00PM
8/03/2002 12:00PM
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
County
Wide
SECTION 2
7/19/2006 01:00AM Heat
N/A
1
0
0
0
8/01/2006 11:00AM Heat
N/A
0
0
0
0
8/19/2006 01:00PM
Heat
N/A
0
0
0
0
8/06/2007 12:00PM
Heat
N/A
0
5
0
0
8/15/2007 12:00PM
Heat
N/A
0
0
0
0
8/02/2008 11:00AA
Heat
N/A
0
0
0
0
8/04/2008 13:00PM
Heat
N/A
0
0
0
0
8/05/2008 13:00PM
Heat
N/A
0
0
0
0
Totals
9
187
0
50K
Source: National Climatic Data Center: US Commerce Department
Severity
The levels of severity, by Heat Index ambient temperature, are:
• Extreme Danger (heat stroke or sunstroke highly likely at 130ºF or higher);
• Danger (sunstroke, muscle cramps, and/or heat exhaustion likely at 105ºF to 129ºF);
• Extreme Caution (sunstroke, muscle cramps, and/or heat exhaustion possible at 90ºF
to 104°F); and
• Caution (fatigue possible at less than 90ºF).
The NWS uses these levels in their weather warning messages to alert the public to the dangers of
exposure to extended periods of heat, especially when high humidity acts along with the high
temperatures to reduce the body’s ability to cool itself.
Although most heat-related deaths occur in cities, residents of rural areas are at risk due to factors that
can include age, outdoor activities, or lack of air conditioning. While heat-related illness and death can
occur due to exposure to intense heat in just one afternoon, heat stress on the body has a cumulative
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effect. The persistence of a heat wave increases the danger. Excessive heat can lead to illnesses and
other stresses on people with prolonged exposure to these conditions. Based on previous occurrences
in the planning area, the planning committee determined the following estimates for severity.
Heat Index of 130ºF or higher:
Catastrophic
Heat Index of 105ºF to 129ºF:
Critical
Heat Index of 90ºF to 104ºF:
Limited
Heat Index of less than 90ºF:
Negligible
Probability
A review of the data for 1963-2010 shows the county could experience a heat wave every year. There
have been eleven days in the month of June, twenty days in July, sixteen days in August, and six days
in September where maximum temperatures exceeded 90°F. Also the average maximum temperature
remains above 90°F from June 30 until August 4. Overall, it is possible for New Madrid County to
experience a heat wave in any given year. Based upon the county’s event history, the probability of a
heat wave is “Likely” (probable in the next 10 years).
Recommendation
The County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee should initiate a mitigation activity to provide
cooling centers or portable fans for the elderly during sustained high temperatures.
Earthquakes
According to SEMA, earthquakes can be defined as shifts in the Earth’s crust causing the surface to
become unstable. This instability can manifest itself in intensity from slight tremors to large shocks.
The duration can be from a few seconds up to five minutes. The period of tremors and shocks can last
up to several months. The larger shocks can cause ground failure, landslides, uplifts, liquefaction, and
sand blows. The Earth’s crust is made up of gigantic plates, commonly referred to as tectonic plates.
These plates form what is known as lithosphere and vary in thickness from 6.5 miles (beneath oceans)
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to forty miles (beneath mountain ranges) with an average thickness of twenty miles. These plates
“float” over a partly melted layer of crust called the athenosphere. The plates are in motion. Where one
plate joins another, boundaries are formed. Pressures on the North Atlantic ridge affecting the eastern
side of the North American plate and movements along the San Andreas Fault by the Pacific plate have
re-activated the subterranean faults in the Mississippi embayment. This particular rift system is now
called the Reelfoot Rift. The fault system extends 150 miles southward from Cairo, Illinois through
New Madrid and Caruthersville, Missouri, down through Blytheville and Marked Tree, Arkansas. It
dips into Kentucky near Fulton and into Tennessee at Reelfoot Lake, and extends southeast to
Dyersburg, Tennessee. It crosses five state lines and crosses the Mississippi River in at least three
places. The map below shows past incidents of earthquakes in the planning region.
Source: University of Memphis Center for Earthquake Research and Information
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Historical Occurrences
During the winter of 1811-1812, three earthquakes estimated to have been magnitude 7.5 or greater
were centered in the New Madrid fault in Southeast Missouri. Thousands of aftershocks continued for
years. Significant earthquakes, each about magnitude 6, occurred in 1843 near Marked Tree, Arkansas,
and on October 31, 1895, near Charleston, Missouri. In November 1968, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake
centered in southeastern Illinois caused moderate damage to chimneys and walls at Hermann, St.
Charles, St. Louis, and Sikeston, Missouri. The fault areas include all or portions of twenty-three
states. Other earthquakes have occurred throughout southeastern parts of Missouri. Smaller, but still
destructive, earthquakes are even more likely, according to the Missouri Seismic Safety Commission.
Below are details of the twenty-four earthquakes occurring in Missouri’s Bootheel between April 7,
2009 to July 16, 2009.
MAG DATE LOCAL TIME DEPTH LOCATION
y/m/d h:m:s km
1. 1.6 2009/07/06 09:22:16 8 km (5 mi) ESE of Matthews, MO
2. 2.4 2009/07/03 19:43:07 6 km (4 mi) NW of East Prairie, MO
3. 1.5 2009/06/29 02:45:15 7 km (5 mi) W of New Madrid, MO
4. 1.4 2009/06/21 15:50:51 9 km (5 mi) ENE of Portageville, MO
5. 1.7 2009/06/08 13:29:57 10 km (6 mi) SSW of New Madrid, MO
6. 1.7 2009/06/07 05:03:02 12 km (7 mi) SSW of New Madrid, MO
7. 2.2 2009/05/31 07:27:44 16 km (10 mi) SW of Caruthersville, MO
8. 2.2 2009/05/20 08:44:04 10 km (6 mi) SW of Caruthersville, MO
9. 1.6 2009/05/20 04:27:29 9 km (6 mi) SSW of New Madrid, MO
10. 1.3 2009/05/13 11:13:11 13 km (8 mi) WSW of New Madrid, MO
11. 1.6 2009/05/10 23:07:36 8 km (5 mi) SW of New Madrid, MO
12. 1.7 2009/05/06 08:32:05 7 km (4 mi) SSW of New Madrid, MO
13. 1.4 2009/05/02 07:16:07 5 km (3 mi) W of New Madrid, MO
14. 1.7 2009/04/26 10:00:03 9 km (6 mi) S of New Madrid, MO
15. 2.3 2009/04/21 15:38:55 11 KM (7mi) SSW of New Madrid, MO
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16. 2.0 2009/04/17 15:13:27 6 km (4 mi) W of New Madrid, MO
17. 1.7 2009/04/16 21:41:00 10 km (6mi) SE of Parma, MO
18. 1.5 2009/04/16 16:28:25 11 km (7 mi) S of New Madrid, MO
19. 1.6 2009/04/16 06:10:44 11 km (7 mi) S of New Madrid, MO
20. 1.6 2009/04/12 04/39/14 9 km (5 mi) WSW of New Madrid, MO
21. 1.9 2009/04/04 03:37:45 9m km (6 mi) WSW of New Madrid, MO
22. 1.7 2009/04/03/ 23:19:03 9 km (6 mi) WSW of New Madrid, MO
23. 1.5 2009/04/03 17:00:01 9 km (6 mi) WSW of New Madrid, MO
24. 2.0 2009/04/03 16:42:35 9 km (6 mi) S of New Madrid, MO
Source: USGS and http://folkworm.ceri.memphis.edu/recenteqs/Quakes
Severity
An earthquake of a given intensity along the New Madrid fault would cause damage to an area more
than twenty times the area of a California earthquake of the same intensity. This is because of the
Midwest’s underlying geology. Ground shaking affects structures close to the earthquake epicenter but
also can affect those at great distances. Certain types of building at a significant distance from the
earthquake epicenter may be damaged. Un-reinforced masonry structures, tall structures without
adequate lateral resistance, and poorly maintained structures are specifically susceptible to large
earthquakes.
Indirect hazards may also occur at great distances from large earthquakes. Liquefaction (disintegration
of soil due to shaking), landslides and life-line disruptions will affect areas closest to the epicenter, but
may occur at significant distances as well. Subsurface conditions of the Mississippi and Missouri River
valleys tend to amplify earthquake ground shaking. As a result, much of the St. Louis metropolitan
area also is at high risk form earthquakes.
A 7.6 earthquake centered on the New Madrid fault would impact forty-seven Missouri counties. New
Madrid County is listed among three counties that would experience the most damage. In addition,
secondary effects could include fire, building collapses, utility disruption, flooding, hazardous
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materials release, environmental impacts and economic disruptions and losses. According to the
SEMA map shown on the next page, New Madrid County could sustain a Level IX impact on the
Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale from a 6.7 and 7.6 earthquake.
Based on the Projected Earthquake Intensities map and Modified Mercalli damage scale, the future
probable severity for each level is shown below (see definitions on page 78).
Modified Mercalli levels I-V:
“Negligible”
Modified Mercalli levels VI:
“Limited”
Modified Mercalli levels VII:
“Critical”
Modified Mercalli levels VII-XII
“Catastrophic”
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MODIFIED MERCALLI INTENSITY SCALE
I
People do not feel any Earth movement.
II A few people might notice movement.
III Many people indoors feel movement.
Hanging objects swing.
IX Most buildings suffer damage. Houses
that are not bolted down move off their
foundations. Some underground pipes are
broken. The ground cracks conspicuously.
Reservoirs suffer severe damage.
X
Well-built wooden structures are severely
damaged and some destroyed. Most
masonry and frame structures are destroyed, including their foundations. Some
bridges are destroyed. Dams are seriously
damaged. Large landslides occur. Water is
thrown on the banks of canals, rivers, and
lakes. Railroads tracks are bent slightly.
Cracks are opened in cement pavement
and asphalt road surfaces.
XI
Few if any masonry structures remain
standing. Large, well-built bridges are destroyed. Wood frame structures are severely
damaged, especially near epicenters.
Buried pipelines are rendered completely useless. Railroad tracks are
badly bent. Water mixed with sand and
mud is ejected in large amounts.
XII
Damage is total, and nearly all works of
construction are damaged greatly or destroyed. Objects are thrown into the air.
The ground moves in waves or ripples.
Large amounts of rock may move. Lakes
are dammed, waterfalls formed and rivers
are deflected.
IV Most people indoors feel movement.
Dishes, windows, and doors rattle, Walls
and frames of structures creak. Liquids in
open vessels are slightly disturbed. Parked
cars rock.
V
VI
Almost everyone feels movement. Most
people are awakened. Doors swing open
or closed. Dishes are broken. Pictures on
the wall move. Windows crack in some
cases. Small objects move or are turned
over. Liquids might spill out of open
containers.
Everyone feels movement. Poorly built
buildings are damaged slightly. Considerable
quantities of dishes and glassware and
some windows are broken. People have
trouble walking. Pictures fall off walls.
Objects fall from shelves. Plaster in walls
might crack. Some furniture is overturned.
Small bells in churches, chapels, and
schools ring.
VII People have difficulty standing. Considerable damage in poorly built or badly
designed buildings, adobe houses, old
walls, spires and others. Damage is slight
to moderate in well-built buildings.
Numerous windows are broken. Weak
chimneys break at roof lines. Cornices
from towers and high buildings fall. Loose
bricks fall from buildings. Heavy furniture
is overturned and damaged. Some sand
and gravel stream banks cave in.
VIII Drivers have trouble steering. Poorly built
structures suffer severe damage. Ordinary
substantial buildings partially collapse.
Damage slight in structures especially built
to withstand earthquakes. Tree branches
break. Houses not bolted down might shift
on their foundations. Tall structures such
as towers and chimneys might twist and
fall. Temporary or permanent changes in
springs and wells. Sand and mud are ejected
in small amounts
Intensity is a numerical index describing the effects
of an earthquake on the surface of the Earth, on
man, and on structures built by man. The intensities
shown in these maps are the highest likely under
the most adverse geologic conditions. There will
actually be a range in intensities within any small
area such as a town or county, with the highest
intensity generally occurring at only a few sites.
Earthquakes of all three magnitudes represented in
these maps occurred during the 1811 - 1812
"New Madrid earthquakes." The isoseismal patterns
shown here, however, were simulated based on
actual patterns of somewhat smaller but damaging
earthquakes that occurred in the New Madrid
seismic zone in 1984 and 1995.
Prepared and distributed by
THE MISSOURI STATE
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
P.O. BOX 116
JEFFERSON CITY, MO 65102
Telephone: 573-526-9100
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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Probability
Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey and the Center for Earthquake Research and Information
at the University of Memphis have updated their expectations for earthquakes in the New Madrid
Seismic Zone. The new forecasts estimate a 7 to 10 percent chance, in the next 50 years, of a repeat of
the 1811-1812 quakes. Those quakes probably had magnitudes of between 7.5 and 8.0. There is a 25 to
40 percent chance, in a 50-year time span, of a magnitude 6.0 or greater earthquake. The probability of
an earthquake increases with each passing day which makes it difficult to rate. However, based on the
history of the New Madrid Fault, New Madrid County has a good chance of an earthquake of
magnitude 6.0. The more severe threat stems from an earthquake producing Modified Mercalli impact
levels of VII-XIII. The recurrence interval for a magnitude 6 earthquake is about eighty years.
Estimates of the recurrence intervals of the large 1811-1812 earthquakes are about 500 to 1000 years.
The planning committee analyzed this information and determined the probability of earthquakes by
intensity, based on the following definitions (see page 79).
Highly Likely
Event probable in the year
Likely
Event probable in the next 10 years
Possible
Event probable beyond 10-50 years
Unlikely
Event probable beyond 50+ years
Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale
Intensity Scale
Probability
I
Highly Likely
II
Highly Likely
III
Possible
IV
Possible
V
Possible
VI
Possible
VII
Unlikely
VIII
Unlikely
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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IX
Unlikely
X
Unlikely
XI
Unlikely
XII
Unlikely
The following table pinpoints the epicenter of some earthquakes in the Midwest, based on January of
2009.
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Source: University of Memphis, Center for Earthquake Research and Information
Note that the two maps above show earthquake intensity measured using a “g” scale. “G” stand for acceleration.
Acceleration, in physics, corresponds to the force applied to something that causes it to change its position or speed.
Acceleration is measured in “g”, where 1 g corresponds to the vertical acceleration force due to gravity.
Recommendation
The New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee should initiate mitigation activities to
encourage developers and building owners to institute appropriate earthquake safeguards to protect the
lives of those using their buildings. Further, the Committee should create a coordinated initiative to
educate residents about precautions required by all natural hazards in the county
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Summary of New Madrid County Hazard Identification and Analysis
Between January 1, 1950 and March 31, 2009, three hundred and six weather events were reported in
New Madrid County. The events caused 12 deaths, 201 injuries, 40.584M in property damage and
20.070M in crop damage. This information was provided from the latest records provided by the
National Climatic Data Center and the State of Missouri Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Vulnerability Assessment
Vulnerability describes an asset’s level of exposure or susceptibility to damage of an asset, such as
residential or commercial property, to natural hazards. The vulnerability of an asset depends on a
variety of factors, including its construction, contents, and the economic value of its functions. A
vulnerability assessment provides planners and emergency managers with information on the extent of
loss of life, injuries and property damage that may result from a hazard event of a given intensity in a
given area.
The flooding events of the summer of 2011, data limitations, and restricted resources and personnel, a
complete vulnerability assessment based on damage estimates has not been developed for the New
Madrid County 2011 Plan Update. The updated plan does include some damage estimate information
from the 2010 State of Missouri Plan and is based on the software program HAZUS, which follows. In
the next New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan update, which will be developed in five years, a
more complete vulnerability analysis for all hazards will be developed. It will include more
jurisdiction- specific information.
The state plan included an earthquake vulnerability analysis with loss estimates by county using
HAZUS-MH MR4. All HAZUS-MH earthquake analyses used the default inventory data associated
with the August 2009 release of HAZUS-MH MR4, which includes 2006 building valuations. A
Scenario was based on an event with a 2% probability of exceedance in 50 years. It was done to model
a worst case earthquake using a level of ground shaking recognized in earthquake-resistant design.
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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The tables on the following page, summarizes the results from the HAZUS-MH run for the planning
area.
HAZUS-MH Earthquake Loss Estimation: 2% Probability of Exceedance in 50 Years
Scenario Results Building Impacts
County
Structural
Damage
($)
NonStructural
Damage
($)
New
Madrid
149,784
526,688
Contents
Damage
And
Inventory
Loss ($)
183,360
Loss
Ratio
($)
Income
Loss
($)
Total
Economic
Loss
($)
Loss
Ratio
Rank
68.06
184,375
1,044,206
1
Source: 2010 State of Missouri Hazard Mitigation Plan
Social Impact Estimates by County from the 2% Probability of Exceedance in 50 Years
Scenario 2 a.m. time of occurrence
County
MMI
Zone
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Total
Displaced
Households
New
Madrid
X
943
272
35
67
1,317
3,547
Short
Term
Shelter
Needs
2,851
Source: 2010 State of Missouri Hazard Mitigation Plan
Casualty Severity Level 1
Injuries will require medical attention but hospitalization is not needed
Casualty Severity Level 2
Injuries will require hospitalization but are not considered life-threatening
Casualty Severity Level 3
Injuries will require hospitalization, life threatening if not promptly treated.
Casualty Severity Level 4
Victims are killed by the earthquake
Displaced Households
The number of households that are expected to be displaced from their homes due
to the earthquake
Short-Term Shelters Needs
The number of displaced people that will require accommodations in temporary
public shelters.
The vulnerability of new Madrid County to flooding was also analyzed using the most recent release of
HAZUS-MH-MR2. MR4 was then used to compute the potential flood impact on a building inventory
database, based on the extent and depth of the modeled floodwaters. The results are included in the
tables below.
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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Total
Direct
Calc
#Bldgs
And
Loss
Risk
Income
Ratio
Loss
$13,771,000 $12,859,000 $176,000 $26,806,000 $17,875,000 $44,681,000 1.62%
295
#Bldgs Risk=#of buildings at risk in the HAZUS/DFIRM floodplain. Source: 2010 State of Missouri HMP
Structural
Damage
Contents
Damage
Inventory
Loss
Total
Direct
Loss
Total
Income
Loss
#Substantial
ly Damaged
County
Displaced People
Shelter Needs
New Madrid
2,895
1,656
191
In addition to using information from the 2010 State Plan, the planning committee also looked at
FEMA’s risk assessment guidance (FEMW 386-2). In it, vulnerability is defined as being open to
damage or attack. Risk is defined as the possibility of loss or injury. Property values, population, and
building numbers were derived from several sources and have been up-dated to reflect planning area
changes in the last five years. Property value information was obtained from the county assessor.
Building numbers were obtained from census data and the Missouri State Hazard Mitigation Plan (July
26, 2010). The figures below represent an accurate as possible up-date scenario of property loss for
each identified hazard with exception of levees which will be addressed in future updates. The
percentages of natural hazards vulnerability listed below are estimates based on prior hazard events
and best estimates in the county. A data-based methodology will be developed for the next plan.
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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New Madrid County Summary
Incorporated Land
Un-Incorporated Land
Combined Total
Represents All
Natural Hazards
Occurring in New
Madrid County
Residential
Commercial
Agricultural
Key Non-Profit
Public Service
Public Buildings
and Critical
Facilities
Sewage Treatment
Plants
Water Treatment
Plants
Roads/Bridges
County
Roads/Bridges
State
Police
Fire
Schools/Colleges
Utilities/Comm.
Hospital/Medical/
Dental
Nursing/Disability
Homes
Hazardous
Facilities
Other County, State
Federal Govt
Total
Total
Number
of
People
Impacted
15,766
1170
0
86
Total
Number
of
Buildings
Impacted
6934
269
0
35
Total
Approximate
Value
Total
Number of
People
Impacted
Total
Number of
Buildings
Impacted
Total
Approximate
Value
$359,855,116
$324,989,909
0
$2,458,382
1742
678
762
57
1733
133
1266
7
$73,784,588
$155,326,758
$324,752,349
$381,261
215
20
$2,074,067
0
0
0
7
7
$4,245,875
14
9
$18,726,600
7
7
$3,142,470
15
9
$14,038,240
0
0
0
28
170
$124,475,931
0
0
0
29
165
$172,640,967
109
158
4587
133
75
9
10
33
10
9
$3,989,690
$4,779,572
$64,805,452
$3,757,678
$7,320,237
0
15
605
244
35
0
6
47
6
7
0
$754,975
$25,416,354
$13,830,530
$5,490,179
405
7
$19,448,156
417
7
$25,010,811
2144
44
$71,372,316
4017
28
$53,071,722
1453
36
$8,711,250
22
19
$4,355,625
26,315
7430
$880,950,170.00
8680
3612
$1,012,056,890.00
Information applies to all jurisdictions: Morehouse, Gideon, Lilbourn, Tallapoosa, Portageville,
New Madrid, Howardville, Canalou, Risco, Matthews, Marston, Catron, Parma, North Lilbourn
New Madrid Co R-I, Risco R-II, Gideon C-37, Portageville SD, TRCC-Portageville
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New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
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TABLE 1
EARTHQUAKE: NEW MADRID COUNTY VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
(The estimates below are based upon an earthquake causing damage in the amount of 42% of
the structural valuations in the County and 42% of the people)
Incorporated Land
# of
# of
Approx.
People
Bldgs
Value
Impacted Impacted
Residential
Commercial
Agricultural
Key Non-Profit Public
Service
Public Buildings and Critical
Facilities
Sewage Treatment Plant
Water Treatment Plant
Roads/Bridges County
Roads/Bridges State
Police
Fire
Schools/ Colleges
Utilities/Communications
Hospital/Medical/Dental
Nursing/Disability Homes
Hazardous facilities
Other County, State, Federal
Govt.
Total
Un-Incorporated Land
# of
# of
Approx.
People
Bldgs
Value
Impacted Impacted
5702
422
0
32
2508
99
0
13
$130,264,150
$117,516,800
0
$888,954
630
357
277
21
627
49
459
2
$26,680,609
$60,538,941
$117,430,897
$137,865
63
7
$749,986
0
0
0
2
2
0
0
40
58
1659
48
28
147
774
526
2
2
0
0
4
5
11
3
4
2
16
13
$1,632,322
$1,058,803
0
0
$1,409,772
$1,728,300
$23,433,741
$1,358,779
$2,647,008
$7,720,440
$25,808,328
$3,150,000
5
5
13
8
0
5
353
89
13
151
1210
1
4
4
62
60
0
1
12
2
2
2
10
13
$7,434,000
$5,293,680
$95,954,040
$15,330,000
0
$273,000
$9,811,863
$5,001,139
$1,985,257
$9,043,944
$19,190,808
$1,575,000
9503
2689
$319,367,383.00
3138
1309
$375,681,043.00
Information applies to all jurisdictions: Morehouse, Gideon, Lilbourn, Tallapoosa, Portageville,
New Madrid, Howardville, Canalou, Risco, Matthews, Marston, Catron, Parma, North Lilbourn,
New Madrid Co R-I, Risco R-II, Gideon C-37, Portageville SD, TRCC-Portageville
137
New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
SECTION 2
TABLE 2
FLOOD/FLASHFLOOD: NEW MADRID COUNTY VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
(Using estimates that the county could experience damages in an amount of 14% of the
valuations in the county and impacting 14% of the people)
Incorporated Land
# of
# of
Approx.
People
Bldgs.
Value
Impacted Impacted
Un-Incorporated Land
# of
# of
Approx. Value
People
Bldgs
Impacted Impacted
Residential
Commercial
Agricultural
Key Non-Profit Public
Service
Public Buildings and
Critical Facilities
Sewage Treatment Plant
Water Treatment Plant
Roads/Bridges County
Roads/Bridges State
Police
Fire
Schools/ Colleges
Utilities/Communications
1900
140
0
10
836
32
0
4
$43,421,383
$39,172,266
0
$296,317
210
119
92
7
209
16
152
1
$8,893,536
$20,179,652
$39,143,632
$45,955
21
2
$249,995
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
13
19
553
16
1
1
0
0
1
1
6
2
$594,107
$352,934
0
0
$469,924
$576,100
$7,811,247
$452,926
2
2
2
4
0
2
118
30
1
1
21
20
0
1
1
1
$2,478,000
$1,764.560
$459,900
$31,984,680
0
$91,000
$3,270,620
$1,667,046
Hospital/Medical/Dental
Nursing/Disability Homes
Hazardous facilities
Other County, State,
Federal Govt.
Total
9
49
259
175
1
1
5
4
$882,336
$2,573,480
$8,602,776
$1,050,000
4
50
406
4
1
1
3
1
$661,752
$3,014,648
$6,396,936
$525,000
3166
897
$106,505,791.00
1052
430
$118,814,121.560
Information applies to all jurisdictions: Morehouse, Gideon, Lilbourn, Tallapoosa, Portageville,
New Madrid, Howardville, Canalou, Risco, Matthews, Marston, Catron, Parma, North Lilbourn
New Madrid R-I, Risco R-II, Gideon C-37, Portageville SD, TRCC-Portageville
138
New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
SECTION 2
TABLE 3
TORNADO: NEW MADRID COUNTY VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
(The estimates below are based upon a tornado causing damage in an amount of 20% of the
structural valuations in the county and 20% of the people)
Incorporated Land
# of
# of
Approx.
People
Bldgs
Value
Impacted Impacted
Residential
Commercial
Agricultural
Key Non-Profit Public
Service
Public Buildings and Critical
Facilities
Sewage Treatment Plant
Water Treatment Plant
Roads/Bridges County
Roads/Bridges State
Police
Fire
Schools/ Colleges
Utilities/Communications
Hospital/Medical/Dental
Nursing/Disability Homes
Hazardous facilities
Other County, State, Federal
Govt.
Total
Un-Incorporated Land
# of
# of
Approx.
People
Bldgs
Value
Impacted Impacted
2715
206
0
15
1194
46
0
6
$62,030,548
$55,960,380
0
$423,311
300
170
131
10
298
23
218
1
$12,705,052
$28,828,075
$55,919,475
$65,650
30
3
$357,136
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
19
27
790
23
13
70
370
250
1
1
0
0
1
1
5
1
1
1
7
6
$777,296
$504,192
0
0
$671,320
$823,000
$11,158,924
$647,038
$1,260,480
$3,676,400
$12,289,680
$1,500,000
2
2
4
6
0
3
168
42
6
72
580
6
1
1
29
29
0
1
6
1
1
1
4
1
$3,540,000
$2,520,800
$6,570,000
$45,692,400
0
$130,000
$4,672,315
$2,381,495
$945,360
$4,306,640
$9,138,480
$750,000
4530
1274
$152,079,705.00
1502
615
$178,165,742.00
Information applies to all jurisdictions: Morehouse, Gideon, Lilbourn, Tallapoosa, Portageville,
New Madrid, Howardville, Canalou, Risco, Matthews, Marston, Catron, Parma, North Lilbourn
New Madrid Co R-I, Risco R-II, Gideon C-37. Portageville SD, TRCC-Portageville
139
New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
SECTION 2
TABLE 4
DROUGHT/HEAT WAVE: NEW MADRID COUNTY VULNERABILITY
ASSESSMENT
(Using estimates that the county could experience damages in an amount of 15% of the
valuations in the county and impacting 10% of the people)
Incorporated Land
# of
# of
Approx.
People
Bldgs
Value
Impacted Impacted
Residential
Commercial
Agricultural
Key Non-Profit Public
Service
Public Buildings and Critical
Facilities
Sewage Treatment Plant
Water Treatment Plant
Roads/Bridges County
Roads/Bridges State
Police
Fire
Schools/ Colleges
Utilities/Communications
Hospital/Medical/Dental
Nursing/Disability Homes
Hazardous facilities
Other County, State, Federal
Govt.
Total
Un-Incorporated Land
# of
# of
Approx.
People
Bldgs
Value
Impacted Impacted
2036
150
0
11
895
34
0
4
$46,522,911
$41,970,285
0
$317,487
225
127
98
7
224
17
163
1
$9,528,789
$21,621,056
$41,939,606
$49,237
22
3
$267,852
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
14
20
592
17
10
52
277
188
1
1
0
0
1
1
4
1
1
1
5
5
$582,972
$378,144
0
0
$503,490
$617,250
$8,369,193
$485,278
$945,360
$2,757,300
$9,217,260
$1,125,000
2
2
3
4
0
2
126
31
5
54
435
5
1
1
22
21
0
1
4
1
1
1
4
1
$2,655,000
$1,890,600
$4,927,500
$34,269,300
0
$97,500
$3,504,236
$1,786,121
$709,020
$3,229,980
$6,853,860
$562,500
3391
957
$114,059,782.00
1126
463
$133,624,305.00
Information applies to all jurisdictions: Morehouse, Gideon, Lilbourn, Tallapoosa, Portageville,
New Madrid, Howardville, Canalou, Risco, Matthews, Marston, Catron, Parma, North Lilbourn
New Madrid R-I, Risco R-II, Gideon C-37, Portageville SD, TRCC-Portageville
140
New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
SECTION 2
TABLE 5
SEVERE WINTER WEATHER/ICE STORMS/EXTREME COLD WEATHER: NEW
MADRID COUNTY VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
(Using estimates that the county could experience damages in an amount of 10% of the
valuations in the county and impacting 10% of the people)
Incorporated Land
# of
# of
Approx.
People
Bldgs
Value
Impacted Impacted
Residential
Commercial
Agricultural
Key Non-Profit Public Service
Public Buildings and Critical
Facilities
Sewage Treatment Plant
Water Treatment Plant
Roads/Bridges County
Roads/Bridges State
Police
Fire
Schools/ Colleges
Utilities/Communications
Hospital/Medical/Dental
Nursing/Disability Homes
Hazardous facilities
Other County, State, Federal
Govt.
Total
Un-Incorporated Land
# of
# of
Approx.
People
Bldgs
Value
Impacted Impacted
1357
100
0
7
51
597
23
0
3
2
$31,015,274
$27,980,190
0
$211,655
$178,568
150
85
65
5
0
149
11
109
1
0
$6,352,526
$14,414,037
$27,959,737
$32,825
0
1
1
0
0
9
14
395
12
6
35
185
125
1
1
0
0
1
1
3
2
1
1
4
3
$388,648
$252,096
0
0
$335,660
$411,500
$5,579,462
$323,519
$630,240
$183,820
$6,144,840
$750,000
1
1
2
3
0
2
84
21
3
36
290
3
1
1
14
14
0
1
3
1
1
1
3
1
$177,000
$126,000
$328,500
$22,846,200
0
$65,000
$2,336,157
$1,190,747
$472,680
$2,153,320
$4,569,240
$375,000
2298
643
$74,385,472.00
751
311
$83,398,969.00
Information applies to all jurisdictions: Morehouse, Gideon, Lilbourn, Tallapoosa, Portageville,
New Madrid, Howardville, Canalou, Risco, Matthews, Marston, Catron, Parma, North Lilbourn
New Madrid Co R-I, Risco R-II, Gideon C-37, Portageville SD, TRCC-Portageville
141
New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
SECTION 2
TABLE 6
THUNDERSTORMS/HAIL/LIGHTNING: NEW MADRID COUNTY VULNERABILITY
ASSESSMENT
(Using estimates that the county could experience damages in an amount of 15% of the valuations in
the county and impacting 15% of the people)
Incorporated Land
Residential
Commercial
Agricultural
Key Non-Profit Public
Service
Public Buildings and
Critical Facilities
Sewage Treatment Plant
Water Treatment Plant
Roads/Bridges County
Roads/Bridges State
Police
Fire
Schools Colleges
Utilities/Communications
Hospital/Medical/Dental
Nursing/Disability
Homes
Hazardous Facilities
Other County, State,
Federal Govt.
Total
# of
People
Impacted
2056
152
0
11
Un-Incorporated Land
# of
Bldgs
Impacted
904
35
0
5
Approx.
Value
$46,600,850
$42,389,988
0
$320,658
# of
People
Impacted
227
128
99
7
# of
Bldgs
Impacted
226
17
165
1
Approx.
Value
$9,624,076
$21,837,264
$42,359,002
$49,729
28
3
$270,530
0
0
0
28
1
0
0
14
20
598
17
9
52
3
1
0
0
1
1
4
1
1
1
$270530
$596301
0
0
$508,524
$623,422
$8,452,885
$490,138
$954,813
$2,536,716
0
2
4
4
0
1
109
31
4
54
0
1
22
21
0
1
21
1
1
1
$2,442,600
$16,235,991
$22,518,387
0
$98,475
$3,539,278
$1,803,982
$716,110
$3,262,279
279
189
5
5
$9,309,432
$1,136,250
438
3
4
2
$6,922,398
$568,125
3454
970
$114,461,037.00
1111
484
$58,107,625.00
Information applies to all jurisdictions: Morehouse, Gideon, Lilbourn, Tallapoosa, Portageville,
New Madrid, Howardville, Canalou, Risco, Matthews, Marston, Catron, Parma, North Lilbourn
New Madrid Co. R-I, Risco R-II, Gideon C-37, Portageville SD, TRCC-Portageville
142
New Madrid County Hazard Mitigation Plan-Five Year Update
SECTION 2
Future Land Use and Development
New Madrid County as described in Section 1 of this Mitigation Plan is a county experiencing a
decline in population. Future land use will continue to be farm production with little increase in new
business and residential development. Property values and assessed valuations while increasing on a
yearly basis (2-3%) will show slight gains in the future. Future population estimates continue to point
to further declines in county population. Future buildings, infrastructure, and critical facilities will
increase as little as 1-2% in the next ten years. Farmland will continue to increase as more of the
population leaves the farm and the county. Vulnerability to natural hazards will continue but at a more
controlled level due to slight increases in new building and development. As evidenced by the number
of declared disaster events in New Madrid County, county officials have initiated mitigation activities
that will lessen the cost of property and personal damage. Future plan updates will include an analysis
on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis.
143