FLOODING

There's talk of flooding tonight here in the area, as the higher daytime temperatures melt snow and the runoff swells creeks and rivers. However, it is not expected to be the major flooding that occurred in Johnstown, Pennsylvania way back in 1889. The latter is well documented in this Bullis book:

History of the Johnstown Flood

by Willis Fletcher Johnson, 

published in Philadelphia by Edgewood Publishing Co., 1889

The author skillfully describes the May 31, 1889 event that killed 2,209 people and caused monetary damage equivalent to $425 million in today's dollars.  Flooding followed several days of heavy rain which caused the breaking of the South Fork Dam, situated on the Little Conemaugh River. 

The destruction was unbelievable to those who lived through it as well as relief workers from the American Red Cross. In fact, this was the first major disaster relief effort handled by the new organization. Support for victims also came from all over the United States and 18 foreign counties.

We don't expect to see this magnitude of flooding in this area. However, this account can make us aware of the causes of the Johnstown Flood and perhaps an ounce of prevention will serve us well. We recommend you stop by the Bullis Room and spend some time with Mr. Johnson's book.