Johnstown flood of 1936
| Date | March 17, 1936 to March 18, 1936 |
|---|---|
| Location | Johnstown, Pennsylvania area |
| Deaths | 25 |
| Property damage | US$43 million |
The Johnstown flood of 1936, also collectively with other areas referred to as the Saint Patrick's Day Flood, was a devastating flood in Cambria County, and Johnstown, Pennsylvania proper, referred to as "Greater Johnstown".
The flood was preceded by rains from March 9 that did not stop until March 22, 1936. The storms brought warmer 50 degree weather that was a cause of one stage of flooding and the continuous rains a second cause of flooding. The natural run-off of 1 to 3 inches was far surpassed by the deluge of from 10 to 30 inches of water in the region. The flood came before pending flood control legislation was enacted or any significant flood control measures implemented. The narrowness of the valleys and encroachment of buildings on the river banks contributed to record flooding. By the time nightfall came one-third of the city was under 17 feet of water and by the time flooding was over twenty-five people lost their lives. The damages, estimated at $43 million, made it the worst flood since the flood of 1889 and the event is chronicled at the Johnstown Flood Museum
After the flood, sweeping nationwide flood control laws were enacted and from 1938 to 1943 Johnstown saw many projects completed. These measures gave the people the feeling that the area was now "flood free", and it was touted as such until the flood of 1977.
On June 7, 1906, Johnstown experienced major flooding that reached 17 feet on the Franklin street bridge. On March 14, 1907, there was flooding that was bested only by the one in 1898. There was talk of flood control but nothing was accomplished. Talks had finally determined that something needed to be done and the legislature was working on a bill by 1935. On March 15 and 16 heavy rains hit the Johnstown area. Warmer weather began to melt the snow in the mountains and the grounds became flood soaked. On March 17 the rivers reached flood stage and rose 18 inches an hour. The raging streams merged and entered Johnstown. At Locus street and Lee Place the water level was within five feet of the high water mark of the flood of 1889. In the section known as Cambria City the stone bridge did not get obstructed as it did in 1889 and the flood level was around 18 inches higher.
On the 18th whistles and sirens screamed as word spread that the Quemahoning Reservoir dam had broken and people rushed for the hills. The report was false and people started descending back into town. Robert Bondy, the American Red Cross national director of disaster relief arrived to start relief efforts. The Works Progress Administration sent 7000 men and 350 to report to Mayor Shields. 1724 enlisted and 114 officers were mobilized by Governor George H. Earle effectively placing the area under martial law. 80 members of the Highway Patrol and 81 members of the State Police (These two were merged on June 29, 1937.) arrived to help restore and maintain order. The gauge on the Poplar Street Bridge showed 15 feet above flood level and the 14 feet above flood stage at the "Point".
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