This Day in Weather History: May 19th

Weather History - May 19th

May 19th, 1982:

With the ground in the Black Hills already saturated from heavy rains the previous week, developing thunderstorms were not a welcome sight. The thunderstorms produced additional heavy rains, including 3.58 inches at Spearfish, 3.32 inches at Cheyenne Crossing, and 0.82 of an inch in twelve minutes at Hot Springs. With Flash Flood Warnings in effect, much of the area water came out of the banks of many streams, causing widespread damage in the Hills. A diversion Dam broke at Spearfish, causing a mudslide to cover some roads. In Deadwood, the main water line broke, leaving the city temporarily without water. Homes were evacuated at Nisland, Hot Springs, and Bridger. Damage throughout the Black Hills included washed-out bridges, flooded basements, several breached dams, and roads thoroughly washed away.