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| Johnstown flood of July 20, 1977 |
Johnstown, PA (Cambria County) has an extensive history of major flooding. The "Great Johnstown Flood of May 1889" resulted in more than 2200 lives lost. The St. Patricks Day Flood from March 17-20th, 1936 also brought devestation to the region with 22 deaths in the Johnstown area.
History repeated itself in the early morning hours July 20th, 1977 when a thunderstorm complex stalled over the Johnstown area and Cambria County. Up to 12 inches of rainfall fell on the hills surrounding Johnstown, unleasing torrents of rainfall off the hillsides and into the Little Conemaugh River and smaller creeks. Similar to the 1889 event, a breach in a dam (Laurel Run Dam and Sandy Run Dam) sent a 10 foot high wall of water into town, sweeping away residents in their homes and cars.
When it was over, 77 lives were lost and damage was estimated at over $400 million dollars.
Below are a few of the many photos and images that we have saved in our archives of this event. |
| Solomon Run where major damage occurred |
| Street shot with high water mark |
| Building with high water mark |
| Elevated car in front of hospital |
| Johnnies Lounge and high water mark |
| Collapsed building on cars |
| 86 1/2 Gold Street. 1936 crest vs 1977 crest |
| House destroyed by flood waters |
| Example of a road washed away |
| Road to the flood memorial |
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