1843 Philadelphia Cloudburst

We’ll be seeing a more active pattern shape up for the second half of our week, allowing for some greater rain chances to arrive to the region. However, the rainfall we’ll be seeing is nothing compared to the 1843 Philadelphia cloudburst, which happened 171 years ago tomorrow.

This is by far the most intense report of rainfall I have ever come across. It’s pretty reminiscent of the late April flooding across the Gulf Coast. Check the following excerpt from weatherforyou.com.

“A spectacular cloudburst near Philadelphia turned the small creeks and streams entering the Delaware River into raging torrents. As much as sixteen inches of rain fell in just three hours. Flooding destroyed thirty-two county bridges, and caused nineteen deaths. It is believed that several small tornadoes accompanied the torrential rains, one of which upset and sank more than thirty barges on the Schuylkill River. “

I could not imagine the amount of devastation 16 inches of rainfall in 3 hours could cause. However, flash flood safety has come a long way since then. Remember when you come to a flooded roadway turn around, don’t drown.

To learn more about the 1843 Philadelphia cloudburst, Philly H2O has a great, detailed article on the weather event. You should check it out if interested.