Localized flash flooding and a couple of tornadoes occurred across southeast Missouri. A narrow swath of torrential rainfall occurred from Cape Girardeau southwest across Poplar Bluff, where water rescues were conducted. A surface low pressure center tracked rapidly north-northeast from Arkansas to the upper Mississippi Valley, dragging a warm front north across southeast Missouri. Instability was adequate for a couple tornadoes in the presence of very strong wind shear. A very moist air mass resulted in heavy rainfall, which produced localized flash flooding due to the water-logged ground. Most rivers experienced minor flooding.

Flood in MISSISSIPPI, MISSOURI
From 24-FEB-18 16:00:00 to 28-FEB-18 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: BIRDS PT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Moderate flooding developed on the Mississippi River. There was extensive flooding of agricultural land, however most of the cropland was dormant during the winter. Some low-lying roads were affected. The river continued rising into March.

Flash Flood in NEW MADRID, MISSOURI
From 24-FEB-18 19:50:00 to 24-FEB-18 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MATTHEWS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Water was over U.S. Highway 62 near Matthews.

Flash Flood in BUTLER, MISSOURI
From 24-FEB-18 16:49:00 to 24-FEB-18 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROMBAUER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Flash flooding of streets occurred in Poplar Bluff, where at least a couple of water rescues were conducted. Flooding of Pike Creek resulted in an impassable secondary road just west of Poplar Bluff. Water was over County Road 569 near Rombauer. Near Hendrickson, the intersection of two back roads in the Mark Twain National Forest was completely underwater. Parts of County Road 523 were washing out rapidly. A thunderstorm produced nearly an inch of rain in 45 minutes at the Poplar Bluff airport. This heavy rain occurred after nearly 5 inches of rain had fallen in the previous four days.

Tornado in NEW MADRID, MISSOURI
From 24-FEB-18 18:06:00 to 24-FEB-18 18:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: BROADWATER
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A long-track tornado crossed from Dunklin County into New Madrid County near the city of Malden. The tornado, which began in northeast Arkansas, only lasted a minute or two in New Madrid County before dissipating. The tornado crossed the intersection of Highway 25 and U.S. Highway 62 just east of Malden with peak winds less than 60 mph. Minimal damage was observed in New Madrid County.

Flood in RIPLEY, MISSOURI
From 26-FEB-18 10:00:00 to 26-FEB-18 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: DONIPHAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Minor flooding occurred on the Current River. Some low-lying woods and fields near the river were inundated.

Tornado in NEW MADRID, MISSOURI
From 24-FEB-18 18:30:00 to 24-FEB-18 18:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: MATTHEWS
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 750.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This EF-2 tornado tracked from the south side of Matthews to one mile east of town. Roofs were partially or completely torn off dozens of homes. Semi trucks were blown over and destroyed. Numerous outbuildings were destroyed. A couple of injuries occurred due to windows being blown out of a nursing home. Peak winds were estimated near 120 mph.

Flood in BUTLER, MISSOURI
From 25-FEB-18 03:30:00 to 25-FEB-18 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: POPLAR BLUFF
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Minor flooding occurred on the Black River. Low-lying woods, fields, and a city park were partially submerged.

Flood in CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI
From 25-FEB-18 20:30:00 to 28-FEB-18 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: (CGI)CAPE GIRARDEAU
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Minor flooding occurred on the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River backed up into several creeks and a diversion channel. Low-lying agricultural land was flooded. The river remained above flood stage into March.

Flood in NEW MADRID, MISSOURI
From 24-FEB-18 16:00:00 to 28-FEB-18 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW MADRID
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Moderate flooding developed on the Mississippi River. There was extensive flooding of agricultural land, however most of the cropland was dormant during the winter. Some low-lying roads were affected. The river continued rising into March.

Flood in WAYNE, MISSOURI
From 24-FEB-18 22:00:00 to 26-FEB-18 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Minor flooding occurred on the St. Francis River. Low-lying and bottomland woods and fields were inundated.