It was 40 years ago that rain from the remnants of Hurricane Agnes stalled over New York and Pennsylvania, dropping rain for four straight days.More than any other, this single event defines who we are in the Twin Tiers to this very day.
On June 22, the Chemung, Susquehanna, Tioga, Conhocton, Canisteo, and Cowanesque Rivers all began to swell.
Thousands of evacuations began in communities throughout the Twin Tiers.
By day three, the devastation grew and so did the death toll, mostly in the Corning area, to 22.
Schools and churches served as evacuation centers.
The National Guard and Army Reserve arrived to help keep order.
On day four, mud and debris could be seen everywhere.
No one knew when evacuees could go home, or even if their homes still stood.
Communication, power and utilities were sporadic.
Food and volunteers began to arrive.
Massive clean-up efforts began.
For those of you who lived through this, it is something you'll never forget.
