How often does a hurricane impact the Ozarks?

By Tuesday, the Ozarks will be under the gun with heavy rain from the remnants of Beryl. Up to 5″ of rain will be possible across the area. In preparation, the National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for those south of I-44 through Tuesday night.

While it is unusual for a hurricane to bring significant rain to the Ozarks, it isn’t unheard of. Tropical Storm Cristobal brought 4.5″ to Springfield over two days (June 9 and 10, 2020).

In 2019, Hurricane Barry brought heavy rain to the far eastern part of Missouri. Another memorable flooding event in the Ozarks was due to Hurricane Gustav in September of 2008. Across the Ozarks, 3″-6″ fell between September 2 -4, 2008.

In mid-September 1988, Hurricane Gilbert tracked across Oklahoma and into Missouri. While heavy rain was reported in parts of the Ozarks, in Comanche County, Oklahoma over 8.5″ of rain was reported from the remnants of Gilbert.

As the remnants of Beryl start to track into the Ozarks later Monday, parts of the area could pick up 2″-3″ of rain, with locally higher amounts possible. The highest totals will be in our far eastern counties.

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