"Three major floods have occurred in this area." 1952 US Geological Survey about Erie County. Last ones the most interesting. August 3, 1915: The most destructive flood of record on Mill Creek at Erie occurred on this date. Twenty three lives were lost and property damage was estimated at more than two million dollars. The total rainfall was 5. 40 in. in less than 24 hr. Elaborate protective structures have been built as a result of this flood. Mill Creek waters are now carried through Erie in closed conduits. The peak discharge during this flood was measured at two sites by the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters. The results are given with the records of Mill Creek on page 18. (100 years anniversary next year, going to have to plan a trip!) March 16, 1942: A local storm occurred in the vicinity of North East. The result of a slope-area measurement of the peak flow of Sixteen mile Creek is given on page 2 6. July 22, 1947: The U. S. Weather Bureau reported that 10.42 in. of rain fell in a 19-hr period at their Erie city office. Of this amount, 6.32 in. fell in 3 hr and 8.90 in. in 5 hr. Although the official records show that the total was by far the greatest ever recorded in a 24-hr period at this place, unofficial records indicate that the Weather Bureau office was outside the focal point of the storm. A maximum of 24 in. was measured in a 50-gal oil drum located in Lawrence Park Township on U. S. Highway 20 between Parker Drive and Maple The storm was concentrated over a relatively small area. The rainfall at Port Erie airport 6 miles from the center of Erie was only 3.70 in. and less than 2 in. was recorded beyond a 20-mile radius. No lives were lost. The severe flooding was confined to the vicinity of lower Sixteenth and. Franklin Streets and caused property damage estimated at $250,000. The greatest damages resulted where sewers and drainage structures could not carry the flow. About 6 in. of rain fell on the Mill Creek area near the entrance to the conduit. However, water was confined within the conduit and no damage in that area.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Jul 2013 07:58:50 +0000