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Posted in New Hampshire Nature March 12, 2019 by Michelle

In 2006, A Massive Flood Swept Through New Hampshire That No One Can Ever Forget

New Hampshire is no stranger to dramatic weather. Mount Washington is known to have some of the most severe in the world, after all. But, despite how often we’ve seen blizzards, rain and storms the effects of some of the worst storms still stay with us. Surprisingly, one of the worst storms in the history of the state didn’t take place during the winter. It was actually a rain storm and it caused some of the worst flooding the state has ever seen. Do you remember it?

The Mother's Day Flood, also known as the New England Flood of May 2006, was one of the worst in New Hampshire's history.

When an unusually strong low pressure system stalled while over the Atlantic Ocean, moisture was picked up.

The majority of this moisture was held right over New England.

This produced heavy rain that went on for days, causing many of the rivers in the region to flood.

The flooding seen in 2006 was described as having been almost as bad as that in 1938 - a storm that was known to be one of the worst in history.

Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire all declared a state of emergency.

In New Hampshire, the worst damage was seen by folks living along the Merrimack River.

Nearly 600 roads were completely shut down.

In Manchester, the Merrimack River was a whopping 10 feet above what is considered "flood stage."

The worst flooding was reported in Concord, Merrimack, Hooksett, Fremont and Raymond.

Dozens of homes were so impacted by the rising water, that entire rooms flooded.

After the rain was finished, devastation was left.

The damage in the state cost a reported tens of millions of dollars to repair.

Today, some signs of the wreckage can still be seen. But, for the most part, New Hampshirites have continued. Of course, there was another flood just 11 months later. But, the 2006 storm still goes down as one of the worst in memorable history.

New Hampshire has also seen some pretty terrible winter weather, including this blizzard that hit the state in 1978.

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Michelle

Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.