FLOODS OF THE 1965 WATER YEAR IN MISSISSIPPI by Kenneth V. Wilson and B.E. Ellison, Jr. Prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Mississippi State Highway Department and Mississippi Board of Water Commissioners September 1968 BULLETIN 68.2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract Introduction Floods caused by Hurricane Hilda in southern Mississippi, October 3-5, 1964 Floods of November 28, 1964, in west-central Mississippi Floods of December 10-12, 1964, in south-central Mississippi Floods of February 12-19, 1965, in northeastern and central Mississippi Reference FIGURES 1. Location of flood-determination points and isohyets for October 3-5, 1964, floods in southern Mississippi 2. Cumulative precipitation at selected stations, October 3-4, 1964 3. Comparison of October 3-4, 1964, rainfall with frequency curves 4. Flood profiles of Homochitto River, October 4, 1964 TABLES 1. Flood stages and discharges, October 3-5, 1964 ABSTRACT The floods caused by Hurricane Hilda in October 1964 were the greatest known in southern Mississippi. Unusual floods also occurred in various parts of the State during November and December 1964, and during February 1965. On October 3-4, 1964, as much as 12 1/2 inches of rain fell in the McComb-Brookhaven area in a 24-hour period. The rainfall was widespread, with at least 10 inches falling over an area of 1,300 square miles, and at least 8 inches falling over an area of 4,000 square miles. Record floods occurred on many streams draining areas between 10 and 750 square miles. Bridge and road washouts occurred and agricultural losses were fairly high. As much as 10 inches of rain in a 24-hour period fell at Port Gibson on November 27-28, 1964. The resulting floods were unusually high from small drainage areas between Port Gibson and Jackson, especially in the vicinity of Utica. Less significant floods on small streams occurred in south-central Mississippi on December 10-11, 1964, as a result of a 4-inch rainfall. Rainfall of 4 to 9 inches fell in northeastern and central Mississippi during the period February 7-12, 1965, and caused unusual floods on the larger streams. LizardTech's Djvu plug-in is needed to view these reports. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ENTIRE REPORT For questions or comments, contact K. Van Wilson.