DOC The 1972 Flood in New York's Southern Tier (Images of America) by Kirk W. House in Arts-Photography

Description

Tropical Storm Agnes; along with the unprecedented flooding which resulted from it; is arguably the most significant event to have transpired in the Harrisburg area in the last 150 years. Over the course of June 21 and June 22; 1972; Agnes drenched the region with more than a foot of rain. As a result; the Susquehanna River rose to record-breaking levels and backed into the already overwhelmed feeding creeks and streams. In Harrisburg; armed National Guardsmen patrolled the vacant streets and set up checkpoints to enforce a curfew and deter looting. Surrounded by floodwaters; row homes near the governor�s mansion burned; and firefighters waded through chest-high water as they attempted to reach the blaze. Entire neighborhoods in both Shipoke and Steelton were ultimately lost due to the high waters entering homes. To this day; Agnes continues to serve as the measuring stick by which all storms since have been judged.