On this day in 1985, the Potomac River swelled to its 11th highest crest on record because of a prolonged heavy rainstorm, fueled by moisture from Hurricane Juan, which made landfall in Louisiana in late October.
The Potomac crested about five feet above flood stage in Georgetown, according to the front page of The Washington Post on Nov. 8. Numerous low-lying roads were flooded, The Post reported, causing “massive traffic tie-ups” and closing businesses along K Street. Floodwaters partly submerged Hains Point.
The flooding was more severe to the south. It was Roanoke’s deadliest weather event; 22 people died in the region and $200 million in damage occurred. Extensive flooding, some of the worst on record, occurred in Richmond.
Here are other notables from this date:
- Average high: 61
- Average low: 44
- Record high: 81 (2022)
- Record low: 27 (1930)
- Record rainfall: 2.00 inches (1997)
- Record snowfall: 0.1 inches (1953)
