75th Anniversary of the St. Patrick's Day Flood

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Johnstown after 1936 flood
Today is the 75th anniversary of Johnstown, Pennsylvania's St. Patrick's Day Flood. The middle of three major floods to strike the community, it killed 25 and left 9,000 people homeless.  The flood was caused by a combination of three days of heavy rain that increased the runoff from melting ice and snow.

The St. Patrick's Day Flood occurred after the horrendous flood of May 31, 1889, that killed 2,209 and prior to the 1977 flood that killed 80 and left 50,000 homeless.

These floods occurred without adequate warning. I believe that would no longer be the case today with the advanced warning systems in place. And, coming soon, will be dual polarization weather radar that promises to do an even better job of warning of flash floods.

If you are in the area, there is a Johnstown Flood Museum. Information here.

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