From record-breaking low temps and snow to spring-like rain and thunderstorms, it seems Mother Nature has gotten confused, but it is par for the course for Missourians, who are well versed in ever-changing and unpredictable weather.
According to the National Weather Service, one noteworthy aspect of this year’s weather is the “feels like” temperatures observed a 150-degree spread in a few locations. This included Cape Girardeau, which tied their all-time warmest heat index of 123 in July and then experienced a -27 wind chill in December, which tied for the eighth coldest on record.
The year 2022 was drier than normal across a large swath of the region, the NWS reported this week. Most areas locally picked up anywhere from 40 to 50 inches of precipitation, which was around 3 to 7 inches below the area norm. The highest rainfall amount observed in the forecast area was 55.34 inches at a station in Doniphan.
Lead forecaster with the Paducah National Weather Service David Humphrey said the Southeast Missouri region saw 1-3 inches of rain during the last precipitation event.
“We had 1-3 inches basically across Southeast Missouri, with the high end being closer to the Mississippi River. It’s basically over, there’s a small chance of rain still today (Monday) but the heavy rain is over,” he said.
A cold front is going to be pushing through Monday, said Humphrey.
“You’ll feel it. When the front comes through the winds will shift around to the southwest and west and then the temperature will start to drop, mainly (Monday night) into the ensuing days,” he said. “Finishing out the week we’ll be more seasonal.”
Butler County Emergency Management Agency Director Robbie Myers said in the southern part of Butler County there was some water over the roads in low areas, but that was typical for the area and most of it had receded by Monday morning.
The area did not see a lot of damage, he said. There were a few downed limbs the highway department was tending to, but otherwise, no further damage was reported.
Myers said he felt it was important to mention how dangerous moving water can be and he stressed the significance of turning around if you are unsure of the water level at a particular crossing.
“We want to encourage and remind people during these heavy rains if you see water over the road, turn around, don’t drown,” he said. “I know it’s a catchy little thing, but it’s also important because the speed of that water can be very deceptive and no doubt that it can knock you off the roadway.
“As we go forward the rest of the winter and into spring during any of these heavy rainfalls, if it’s standing in front of you on the roadway, just to use extreme caution and try to find a different route.”
Wayne and Carter counties had no storm or flooding damage to report.
Ripley County also did not experience any widespread damage or flooding, according to officials. Storms did bring down a tree in a roadway, which was struck by a vehicle around 7:30 a.m. on Highway C around Highway C-10, officials reported. There were no injuries reported.