The following pages do not attempt to document every single flood that has ever occurred in the
northeast United States. However, it does provide a broad overview of most of the record
breaking flooding that has occurred. In addition, it becomes apparent upon reviewing this, that in
this part of the country not all flooding is alike. Flooding can occur at any time of year, and can
result from many different types of meteorological events. In general, a single large
rainfall event may be sufficient to cause minor to moderate flooding. However, the largest
floods in the northeast have generally been caused by two large storms falling in a 7 day
period. It should also be remebered that all 6 inch rainstorms are not equal. A six inch rain
in April, accompanied by snowmelt and wet soil conditions will have a much larger impact on
the rivers than a 6 inch rain in August when soil conditions are normally much dryer and
the vegetative cover consumes a large portion of the precipitation. In addition, following
the disastrous floods in the early part of this century, a large number of flood control
projects have been developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. These have successfully
reduced many flood peaks. However, the entire area obviously cannot be controlled and more
floods are sure to come.
November 1996
Record flooding occurred just west of Lake Champlain following a 5-8 inch rainfall
March/April 1987
Heavy rains combined with snowmelt resulted in major flooding throughout New England
June 1982
Up to 16 inches of rainfall resulted in major flooding throughout Connecticut
June 1972
Hurricane Agnes moved up the East Coast. While the most significant damages were along the
Susquehanna River basin, major flooding was also reported along the Genesee River in Western
New York
March 1968
Heavy rain combined with snowmelt caused small river flooding in southeast New England
August 1955
Hurricanes Connie and Diane came a week apart to batter most of New England with the most
significant flooding recorded at many locations.
January 1949
A New Years Day storm resulted in flooding principally in the Hudson Valley
September 1938
Widespread 10 inch rainfall caused by a hurricane resulted in major flooding throughout the
Connecticut River valley
March 1936
Heavy Rain and melting snow caused major flooding throughout the Northeast and Middle
Atlantic states
November 1927
A late season tropical system produced record flooding in Vermont.