The November 1977 eastern United States floods were floods that caused numerous fatalities and extensive damage across several East Coast states.
Background edit
Impacts edit
Georgia edit
The Carolinas edit
Heavy rainfall began to affect North Carolina on November 4, reaching amounts of 5–7 inches (127–177.8 millimeters) across the state's mountain region, and up to 11 inches (279.4 millimeters) in some locations within two days. Significant flooding was reported in Mitchell County near the intersection of Cane Creek and the North Toe River, damaging multiple buildings. Six bridges in the area were washed away, while many more were blocked by landslides or partially washed out.[1] The French Broad River crested at 18.5 feet (5.6 meters), inundating the town of Marshall, nearby Hot Springs was also affected by the overflow of a local creek causing a mobile home to be swept away and damage to a grocery store and cafe. Tourists were reported trapped in Polk County after the floods dismantled bridges and power lines, damaged a high school, and submerged homes. Local authorities called it the worst floods in the area since 1947 and estimated damage to be in the millions.[2] In the aftermath of the floods, a damage survey of five counties found the worst damage to be in Yancey County; the floods left more than 1,000 households displaced.[3]
Mid-Atlantic states edit
Heavy rainfall affected New Jersey on November 8, accumulating to about 8.5 inches (215.9 millimeters) in Newark. Evacuations were forced onto hundreds of households in Bergen and Passaic counties. Slick roads caused a fatal automobile incident in South Brunswick. Flooding left highways impassible in Mahwah and Englewood. A mudslide resulted in a vehicle fire on Interstate 80 while another mudslide covered a roadway in Hawthorne. Disruptions in railway travel between New Jersey and New York were experienced due to track blockage, affecting thousands of commuters. A janitor suffered minor injuries after being struck by a collapsing roof at an elementary school in Hillside. Strong winds were observed across the state amidst the heavy rains. Wind gusts of 62 mph (99 km/h) were measured from Cape May to Long Beach. These strong gusts toppled antennas, chimneys, trees and signs. A large radio tower in Northfield was blown over, costing $10,000 in damage. High tides at 6 feet (1.8 meters) caused counter erosion at Gateway National Recreational Area resulting in the loss of more than half of the 150,000 cubic yards (114,683 cubic meters) of sand that had been recently added to beaches in the park.[4]
Elsewhere edit
In New York, fallen trees delayed hundreds of Long Island Rail Road passengers in Port Jefferson, a similar incident occurred in Port Washington. More than 100 customers across Long Island experienced power cuts due to fallen trees. An apartment complex suffered water damage in Suffern, forcing the evacuation of residents. A beach home in Stratford, Connecticut was toppled into Long Island Sound by rough waves; the Connecticut River rose about 2.5 feet (0.7 meters), however, only minor damage was reported in Connecticut.[4]
Aftermath edit
Following the floods in North Carolina, President Jimmy Carter declared sixteen counties as disaster areas and Yancey County was designated as the priority of the disaster zones.[1]
References edit
- ^ a b "November Rain: Remembering the Flood of 1977", Mitchell County Historical Society, December 26, 2020, retrieved July 28, 2023
- ^ "1977 Hot Springs flood", Asheville Citizen Times, November 7, 1977, retrieved July 28, 2023
- ^ "Eleventh Victim of Flood Is Found In North Carolina Mountain Area", New York Times, November 10, 1977, retrieved July 28, 2023
- ^ a b "Jersey Is Hardest Hit —1 Death Reported", New York Times, November 9, 1977, retrieved July 28, 2023