On this date in 1935, a calendar-day record 4.45 inches of rain fell. The torrents were related to the devastating Labor Day Hurricane, rated Category 5, that struck Florida and the Southeast, killing more than 400 people. Rains began Sept. 1 as humid, tropical air ahead of the hurricane moved over the region. Then, on Sept. 4, 2.03 inches of rain fell as the remnants of the hurricane arrived. Between Sept. 1 and 6, 7.09 inches of rain fell.
The deluge on Sept. 5 was accompanied by a tornado in Southern Maryland that brought at least $100,000 in damage, according to The Washington Post. Rainfall was particularly heavy in the southern two-thirds of Delaware and southern third of Maryland, causing severe agriculture damage. Totals over a foot of rain were widespread, including 16.63 inches in Easton, Maryland.
And on this day in 1979, the center of Tropical Storm David passed through western Virginia. “Damage was quite widespread and caused by wind-fallen trees, local flooding and high tides, and about a half-dozen small tornadoes,” the National Weather Service wrote. D.C. area damage was estimated at $8 million; floodwaters caused property and road damage in Rock Creek Park.
Here are other notables from the day:
- Average high: 84
- Average low: 68
- Record high: 99 (2023)
- Record low: 50 (1902)
- Record rainfall: 4.45 inches (1935)
