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Today in History: Historic Flooding Hits Mississippi River, Breaks Levees

4/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On April 15, 1927, torrential rains caused the Mississippi River to breach its levee system at 145 locations, leading to the Great Mississippi Flood. This catastrophic event inundated 27,000 square miles, causing damage estimated between $246 million and $1 billion, making it the most destructive river flood in U.S. history.

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Story summary

On April 15, 1927, torrential rains caused the Mississippi River to breach its levee system at 145 locations, leading to the Great Mississippi Flood. This catastrophic event inundated 27,000 square miles, causing damage estimated between $246 million and $1 billion, making it the most destructive river flood in U.S. history.