Floods of July 29 and 30, 1961, in Eastern Kentucky

Two thunderstorms occurred during late July 29 and early July 30, 1961, in eastern Kentucky. These storms were brief but extremely intense and produced unusually high flood flows in many streams in Johnson, Morgan, and Magoffin Counties.

Many dwellings and outbuildings were damaged or destroyed, crop damage was high, and many secondary highways and bridges were damaged in the flood area.

The opportunities for securing data during the storms and floods were extremely limited because of the short duration of the storm and the rapid recession of the peaks. Therefore, the data presented are the results of subsequent surveys. No rain gages were in the areas of intense precipitation; however, local residents furnished rainfall information at several locations, including the time of occurrence and depth of water found in suitable containers. Indirect measurements of peak discharge were made at one stream-gaging station and at five other sites in the area of extreme flooding.