89 Years Ago: Hartford's Great Flood of 1936

Hartford Remembers 1936's Devastating Flood: A Look Back at the Connecticut River's Highest Recorded Levels Hartford, CT – Eighty-nine years ago, on March 21st, 1936, the Connecticut River in Hartford reached its highest recorded level, causing widespread flooding across the region. Archival photographs reveal the extent of the devastation, with water submerging streets and buildings. The winter of 1935-36 brought heavy snow, followed by significant rainfall in March, leading to the catastrophic flood. "The snowmelt combined with the heavy rains in March created a perfect storm," explains Alexis Clemons, a meteorologist at NBC Connecticut. "The river levels were unlike anything seen before or since." The video illustrates the impact of the flood, showing images of homes and businesses under water. Residents were forced to use canoes to navigate the flooded streets of downtown Hartford. While the river typically rises in March due to snowmelt, the 1936 event was exceptionally severe, setting a record that still stands today. Today, the Connecticut River is at a much lower level. The contrast between the historical images and the current state of the river serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness during severe weather events.