Flood of 1955

Although flooding had occurred for decades along the Delaware River Basin, it was the historic flood of 1955 that brought attention to the threat to human life and property. Between August 10th and 18th, back-to-back hurricanes hit the Delaware River Valley. Hurricanes Connie and Diane dropped more than 13 inches of rain into the relatively narrow river basin. Over 100 lives were lost due to the flooding. Cities and towns from the Delaware Water Gap south toward Burlington, New Jersey saw substantial flood damage. Over 2000 homes and 350 commercial and industrial buildings were severely damaged. Easton, Pennsylvania, as well as Trenton and Burlington, New Jersey, were particularly hard hit.

"Delaware River Flood of 1955 - The Record Setter"

 

The State Bridge, spanning the Brodhead Creek between Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg, floated downstream during the flood. Monroe County Historical Association.

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