Heavy rainfall shortly before Christmas caused sharp rises on regional rivers. The heavy rainfall was caused by a slow-moving cold front that passed across the Lower Ohio and Mid Mississippi Valleys between the 20th and 22nd. Several low pressure systems moved north-northeast along the front, touching off numerous showers and thunderstorms. Generally only minor river flooding was reported.

Flood in GALLATIN, ILLINOIS
From 24-DEC-13 06:00:00 to 31-DEC-13 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHAWNEETOWN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Minor flooding occurred along the Ohio River. Low-lying fields and woodlands were underwater, along with river access roads and a boat ramp.

Flood in MASSAC, ILLINOIS
From 27-DEC-13 18:00:00 to 31-DEC-13 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: BROOKPORT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Minor flooding occurred along the Ohio River. Low-lying fields and woodlands were flooded, including riverside parks. River access roads were flooded.

Flood in PULASKI, ILLINOIS
From 29-DEC-13 03:00:00 to 31-DEC-13 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: OLMSTED
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Minor flooding occurred along the Ohio River. Low-lying fields and woodlands were flooded.

Flood in FRANKLIN, ILLINOIS
From 24-DEC-13 16:00:00 to 28-DEC-13 01:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ZEIGLER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Minor flooding occurred along the Big Muddy River. Low-lying fields and woodlands were flooded.

Flood in JACKSON, ILLINOIS
From 24-DEC-13 15:15:00 to 30-DEC-13 22:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: MT CARBON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Moderate flooding occurred along the Big Muddy River. Floodwaters began to creep into residential neighborhoods along the river on the south end of Murphysboro. Low-lying fields and woodlands were underwater, along with a riverside park. At the Murphysboro river gage, the river crested at 28.39 feet on the 26th. Flood stage is 22 feet.

Flood in WHITE, ILLINOIS
From 24-DEC-13 19:00:00 to 31-DEC-13 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: CARMI
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Minor flooding occurred along the Little Wabash River. Some county roads were inundated. Low-lying fields and woodlands were underwater.

Flood in WAYNE, ILLINOIS
From 24-DEC-13 19:00:00 to 31-DEC-13 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MT ERIE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Flooding of the Little Wabash River affected low-lying fields and woodlands. A 42-year-old woman died after driving her car into the backwaters of the Little Wabash River northeast of Fairfield. Using an airplane, state police located her body beneath ice not far from the abandoned car. She was taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead of hypothermia.

Flood in WHITE, ILLINOIS
From 24-DEC-13 14:30:00 to 31-DEC-13 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: MAUNIE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Minor flooding occurred along the Wabash River. Low-lying woods and fields were underwater.

Flood in WABASH, ILLINOIS
From 24-DEC-13 07:00:00 to 31-DEC-13 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: MT CARMEL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Water began to flow over County Road 1280 on the north side of Mt. Carmel. A city street that parallels the river was closed. A local restaurant along the river also was closed. Several local river roads flooded. All oil field production ceased with the exception of pumping units on substructures. Access to these was by boat only. Many river cabins became inaccessible.