Flood of September 1971 in southeastern Pennsylvania

Record-breaking floods on Sept. 13, 1971, occurred in some urbanized basins of southeastern Pennsylvania. This flooding resulted from heavy, intermittent thunderstorms on Sept. 11-13, 1971, which produced 8 to 12 inches of rainfall in the basins of Skippack, Stony, and Chester Creeks. Rain was heaviest during mid-day of the 13th.

Damage to homes, businesses, and public property amounted to many millions of dollars. Twelve persons lost their lives and more than 400 families were driven from their homes. The Chester and Norristown areas were declared Flood Disaster Areas by the Federal and State Governments.

Peak stages and discharges are given for 25 gaging staions and 4 miscellaneous sites.

Flood profiles are shown for Chester Creek, West Branch Chester Creek, and Stony Creek.