Flood in Gallatin County, Illinois

Much of the flooding was due to a combination of backwater from the Ohio River and tremendous runoff from inland areas. The emergency management director reported that flooding in Old Shawneetown was the worst since 1964. All but the eastern part of town was flooded. About 20 families evacuated flooded parts of the county. Near Ridgway, firefighters rescued three children who were boating in floodwaters. The boat was taking on water, and the children were bailing water. Sandbagging was done to protect property in Equality and Junction. The Saline River was the primary cause of flooding there. A State of Emergency was declared for the county. Old Shaweetown was closed to all traffic except emergency local traffic.

Moderate flooding continued on the Ohio River from late February. At the Shawneetown river gage, the river crested at 52.10 feet on March 4. Flood stage there is 33 feet. This flood crest was within a couple of inches of the January, 2005 flood. Isolated evacuations of some lowland residents were conducted. The community of Old Shawneetown was threatened, resulting in sandbagging and levee patrols. Very little if any structural flooding was reported in Old Shawneetown. A tributary of the Ohio River, the Saline River, experienced major backwater flooding extending across Gallatin County to Saline County. Isolated homes were accessible only by boat in areas around Junction, Equality, and New Haven. Isolated barns and outbuildings were flooded in the Junction and Equality areas. The Junction post office was temporarily moved to Shawneetown. About 40 roads were closed in Gallatin County, including Illinois Route 1 south of Route 13.

Sandbagging operations and some evacuations were conducted in Old Shawneetown, Equality, Junction, and New Haven. These communities are all affected by the Ohio River or its backwater coming up the Saline River. Pumps in Old Shawneetown were overwhelmed by rainwater runoff collecting on the dry side of the levee. This was responsible for considerable flooding in Old Shawneetown even before the Ohio River crested. A number of roads were closed, including the main road into Junction and Route 1. All roads into Old Shawneetown were blocked by authorities to prevent looting and interference from sightseers. A Red Cross shelter was opened in Shawneetown.