Flooding has caused a wide-range of disasters in the state of New York. Not only has the city seen some major property damage and even death, but also the surrounding suburbs. Just this month, a water main break in Niagara Falls caused major flood damage to over 30 homes in the Lasalle neighborhood. With it's close proximity to a variety of water sources, potential for inclement weather and historic buildings, it is no wonder that water has been the cause of so much destruction in the area. Our team has put together a summary of what we consider the top 5 worst flood damage events in the last 200 years of New York history.
1889: Winter Weather Storm
On January 10, 1889, a winter storm caused major flooding from Buffalo to Brooklyn. Most of the destruction was centered around Niagara Falls where rising water and strong winds destroyed businesses around the Falls. Extensive property restoration was needed to salvage wet photographs at the Dotterich's Photography Gallery after the storm.
1913: Spring Storm
In March of 1913, Luthem, Fort Edwards and several other New York cities were overcome with as much as 10 feet of water after a spring storm swept through the state. Two people were reported to drown during the ordeal. The storm caused power outages, closed schools and businesses and a halt to public transportation. Roadways connecting towns were underwater stranding residents in their homes. The rescue efforts were incredibly difficult for law enforcement and police officers who were forced to use boats to get to stranded citizens.
1938: The Great Hurricane
When the Great Hurricane of 1938 hit in mid-September, the heavy rains pushed rivers and streams past flood-stage for two full days. Unfortunately, the severity of the storm was downplayed even as it neared the area. New York residents as well as other parts of the Northeast were unprepared for the hurricane and suffered tremendous loss and damage because of it. The hurricane ultimately became a category 4 storm with winds of 38 mph. The East River overflowed, flooding several blocks and causing steam pipes under the city to burst.
2006: June Flooding
Heavy rains hit New York and the Mid-Atlantic States in June 2006 causing area rivers, lakes and streams to flood. The Susquehanna River crested at 14 feet above the flood-stage. As many as 5,000 residents in certain areas were evacuated and two lives were lost. Roads, homes, and businesses flooded, causing a large number of companies to close their doors for good. Flood damage restoration technology, however, was utilized heavily after this storm to restore important business documents and personal property, a service not as readily available during earlier major disasters. All total, the flood cost the state over $100 million dollars.
2007: August Torrential Rain
The transit system in New York City was brought to a near standstill when torrential rains hit in August of 2007. The subway stations were flooded with water as it poured in from the city streets. The resulting affect on business was not damage to documents and technology but rather to productivity. Employees were unable to get to work for a couple of days as commuters were stranded in their homes and at various subway stations. The storm pointed to a severe vulnerability in the transit system of the Big Apple.
Over time, New York businesses and residents have gotten smarter about preparing for natural disasters and water damage prevention. Major disasters like these have taught valuable lessons about listening to weather reports, preparing for rising waters and developing disaster recovery plans.
~Flora Richards-Gustafson, 2009
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