Flooding: When Does The Escambia River Flood Century, McDavid And Molino?

December 16, 2009

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The Escambia River at Century is forecast to crest at 23.9 feet by sometime tonight, about seven feet above flood stage.

But what does that mean for residents of Century, McDavid and Molino? What would happen in those areas if the river continues to rise? Would it be a cause for concern?

Perhaps…the Great Flood of 1929 caused major problems as the areas around Flomaton, Century, McDavid and Molino were flooded. But since then, the Escambia River has failed to reach the level that the National Weather Service terms “moderate” flood stage.

Flood stage on the Escambia River  is 17 feet, and moderate flood stage is 25 feet — a number the river level has only reached once in recorded history.

On March 15, 1929, the Escambia River reached its record level of 37.8 feet.  Otherwise, the river has never reached that moderate flood stage level, according to records from the National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service. It has come close, reaching 24.24 feet on March 18, 1990. There have been three other Escambia River crests over 23 feet — two in 1998 and once in 1975.

Here is a complete look at what happens along the Escambia River in North Escambia at various water levels:

  • 17.0 — considerable flooding of lowlands will occur.
  • 17.5 — some flooding of lowlands in the area will continue until the river level drops below 13 feet.
  • 19.0 — low lying pastures will flood and cattle should be moved to higher ground.
  • 19.5 — flooding of farm and pasture lands will gradually subside as the river level drops…but some flooding will continue the next several days.
  • 23.0 — widespread flooding of pasture and farm lands in the area will continue. water begins to reach Mystic Springs Road, Worley Road, Bamer Holley Lane and River
  • Bend Road. Approximately five homes become isolated in the Mcdavid and Molino areas. Public boat ramps at Mystic Springs and Fairground Road are submerged.
  • 23.7 — second highest flood of record. Approximately eight homes become isolated and sections of Mystic Springs Road, River Ben Road and Fairground Road are impassable. water from the river flows into ponds at B&L Catfish Farm on Mystic Springs Road.
  • 24.2 — flood of record (3/18/90). Up to one foot of water enters several homes on Worley Road, Daffin Road, and Fairground Road.
  • 34.0 — some flooding in the eastern sections of Century will occur.
  • 37.0 — severe flooding in most of Century will occur.
  • 37.5 — severe flooding in Century will gradually subside as the river level falls below 37 feet. Flooding of farm and pasture lands will continue the next several days.
  • 37.8 — pre-official record flood (3/15/29). There is no modern history available for levels of flooding above 24.2 feet.

Pictured above: The Escambia River floods Fairgrounds Park in Molino earlier this year. The park’s boardwalk and boat launch are under the flooded river. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

Comments

6 Responses to “Flooding: When Does The Escambia River Flood Century, McDavid And Molino?”

  1. Daugherty on December 25th, 2009 8:32 am

    Does anyone know how long it will take to go back down??

  2. Jones on December 17th, 2009 5:29 pm

    Has the Escambia river ever flooded out to highway 29 in the McDavid area or others?

  3. Vickie Ellis Bolton on December 17th, 2009 2:01 pm

    When the river does flood, it floods my mom’s and step-dad’s house like it is now. They have water in there house now. They live down by the catfish ponds in McDavid. They have water in the back of the house. Just waiting to see if it reaches the livingroom and there bedroom. It is in the kitchen and back 2 rooms now. This is the 4th time that this has happened to the house. I grew up in that house and i hate to see it be tore down. They are not going to be able to live in it anymore. The flooring has concrete floor has cracked and it has settled so much that some of the rooms are off level. Me and my oldest son lived in it in 1990 when it flooded and all of my stuff was ruint. Lucky the last 3 times we have been able to get everything out before it happened again.

  4. Residente' on December 16th, 2009 2:44 pm

    I just love it when Good Morning America and Mobile news outlets reference your pictures and coverage of events in the North County areas! You’re website makes pnj.com look like something put together by a bunch of children! Thanks so much for your service and I greatly appreciate it, along with many coworkers, family members, and friends of ours!

  5. BamaMom on December 16th, 2009 1:23 pm

    I am EXTREMELY PROUD of all the volunteer (i.e., unpaid) firemen who responded to these emergencies. Our family has one young man who is with the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department, and they were out for hours helping rescue folks. I especially applaud him and his co-workers.

    Result of the response= no loss of life.
    Result of the exposure= sick with a cold.
    Result from the community= thankfulness.

    Cheers to all the fire departments, ambulance personnel, police, and citizens for going out in that nasty weather to help friends and neighbors.

  6. James E. Knotts on December 16th, 2009 4:50 am

    We are pleased to have this service available.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News