FLOODS OF FEBRUARY-MARCH 1961 IN THE SOUTHEASTERN STATES by Harry H. Barnes, Jr., and Williams P. Somers Prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey 1961 CIRCULAR 452 TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract Introduction General description of the floods       Louisiana       Mississippi       Alabama       Georgia Flood damages Aerial photography Incomplete field data Streamflow data       Records of discharge       Summary of peak stages and discharges FIGURES 1. Isohyetal map of southeastern States, showing storm rainfall February 17-20, 1961 2. Isohyetal map of southeastern States, showing storm rainfall February 20-23, 1961 3. Isohyetal map of southeastern States, showing storm rainfall February 23-26, 1961 4. Isohyetal map of southeastern States, showing storm rainfall February 17-26, 1961 5. Graph of stage and discharge of Leaf River at Hattiesburg, Miss., February 17 to March 1, 1961 6. Aerial photograph by Air National Guard of Hattiesburg, Miss., and vicinity, February 23, 1961 7. Graphs showing accumulated rainfall and stage of Jones Creek at gaging station near Epes, Ala., February 17-22, 1961 8. Map of southeastern States, showing aerial photographic coverage, February-March 1961 9. Aerial photograph by Air National Guard of Montgomery, Ala., and vicinity, near time of peak, February 27, 1961 10. Map of southeastern States, showing location of indirect measure- ment sites and flood profiles not yet surveyed, February-March 1961 11. Map of Atlanta, Ga., and vicinity, showing location of flood pro- files not yet surveyed, February-March 1961 12. Map of southeastern States, showing recurrence intervals of peak discharge at selected points, February-March 1961 TABLES 1. Summary of estimates of flood damages, February-March 1961 2. Mean discharge (preliminary) in cubic feet per second, February- March 1961, of Tombigbee River at Columbus, Miss. 3. Mean discharge (preliminary) in cubic feet per second, February- March 1961 4. Mean discharge (preliminary) in cubic feet per second, February- March 1961, of Pearl River at Jackson, Miss. 5. Flood stages and discharges ABSTRACT Widespread, prolonged, disastrous floods struck parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida following heavy rains February 17-26, 1961. Three distinct low-pressure sytems recurred in essentially the same area. Precipitation totaled more than 18 inches in some areas. Multiple floods of small streams became superimposed in the large rivers to produce rare, record-breaking peaks and prolonged inundation. Four lives were lost; one in Louisiana and three in Mississippi. Highways, railroads, urban areas, and farms were heavily damaged. 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.