Effects of August 1995 and July 1997 Storms in the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

INTRODUCTION

Floods that occurred in parts of the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, in August 1995 and again 2 years later in July 1997 were among the most severe and damaging on record. These floods were the result of excessive rainfall amounts from the remnants of Tropical Storm Jerry and Hurricane Danny, respectively. Flood insurance claims for the August 1995 flood totaled $4 million, and an additional $1 million was issued as loans to repair property damage. The more widespread flood of July 1997 caused as much as $60 million in property damage. Although property damage was extensive in July 1997, an even greater consequence was the tragic loss of three lives in flood waters caused by the storm.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, operates a dense hydrologic data-collection network within the city and county. In 1995, the network included 28 raingages and 12 streamflow gaging stations, mainly within the Charlotte city limits. By 1997, the network was expanded to 46 raingages and 16 streamflow gaging stations (fig. 1). This network provides valuable data for the documentation and interpretation of water-resources information, including flooding, for the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

This report presents selected hydrologic information associated with the August 1995 and July 1997 storms and addresses some commonly asked questions concerning these events. Information presented includes rainfall, streamflow, and water-quality conditions.