August 19, 1955 Hurricanes Connie and Diane

The summer of 1955 had begun with near drought conditions. That all changed in August. Dewitt records two hurricanes that came through over a period of ten days.

Thursday, August 11, 1955 Temperature 60, foggy and steady rain falling this morning. Hurricane Connie off the coast of Carolinas is affecting our weather.

We got several showers but is clear again this evening. Everything is greening up after the June and July drought.

August 13, 1955 Temperature 64 Rain. The hurricane Connie has brought 8 inches of rain to New York City. We have about an inch here this morning. Expect heavy rain today and maybe hurricane winds. Rain strong at noon. The high winds are expected this evening.

The hurricane petered out around here also the rain about 4 o’clock. We had a total of at least 2 ½ inches of rain since last evening.

August 14, 1955 Temperature 80 to 90, warm and mostly sunny. Lake was very rough today from the south. Grass and lawns sure look funny after the brown of June and July.

August 15, 1955 Temperature 70 at breakfast time. South breeze. Another hurricane, Diane, is coming up the Carolina coast.

August 17, 1955 Temperature 72, Humid and hot this morning. Hurricane Diane is expected to do much damage and bring rain tomorrow.

August 18, 1955 Temperature 70. Warm and muggy. Light rain almost all day. Hurricane Diane has mostly petered out.

Dewitt’s Diary, Friday, August 19, 1955

Partly cloudy, temperature 70 at breakfast time. Very wet and I guess it’s clearing off. Picking sweet corn for stores in town every day.

Hurricane Diane produced a terrific rain along the eastern seaboard causing bad floods. Radio report says the worst floods ever. 56 drowned. Some places 12 inches of water. Affected Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.