History Remembered

On the eve of a potential stormy tomorrow, I thought I would take some time to look back at some past events that took place on this date.

122 years ago today the Johnstown Flood occurred that killed over 2,200 people.  After days of heavy rain, some totals exceeding ten inches in 24 hours, the South Fork Damn, located 14 miles above the city gave way sending 20 million tons of water towards the town.  By the time the water had reached the city, having already passed through other smaller towns and woods, the water and debris in parts was 60 feet high.  Members of the South Fork Club tried digging spillways when seeing the height of the water in the damn but had no success.  Orders were to be sent to authorities in Johnstown but were never passed along due to the frequency of similar events before.  One hour after the damn broke, the water hit a very unexpected Johnstown. 

Since the devastating flood, Johnstown has continuously dealt with flooding problems that have done significant damage to the town.  Built in a low valley, at the point of two intersecting rivers, surrounded by rollings hills, Johnstown has experienced constant decline in population in large part due to flooding related issues.  While the city will never deal with a disaster as bad as the one they faced 122 years ago, flooding will always be a major concern for residents.

Also on this date 13 years ago a strong tornado came through Berks County.  A late May outbreak across much of the U.S. caused by a fast moving derecho led to violent storms popping up across much of Pennsylvania and New York.  Multiple tornadoes were reported with what ended up being the most violent line of thunderstorms to hit the earth that year according to the National Weather Service.  The derecho, bow echoed thunderstorms with sustained winds of over 58 mph, ended up producing extremely unusual meteorological events and the system lasted another week before fading out in Norway.  Produced amongst the many storms was an F3 tornado that rolled across farmland in central Berks before hitting the town of Lyons.  The very town I work in today.  Most homes in the small town were damaged or destroyed with an estimated damage total of close to 1.5 million dollars. 

Goes to show you can never let your guard down.  My radar will be scanning tomorrow as we appear to be in the target zone.

Speaking of historic events, 62 years ago today depending on when this is being read, a little boy was born.  He has since grown up, somewhat, and produced a fine young gentleman who developed a strong passion for weather.  I'm sure his day will feature a dip in the pool during a sunny and hot afternoon, a bottle of white wine during dinner and a comfy seat in front of the TV for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals.  Or something along those lines.  Either way, Happy Birthday Dad.