Hurricane Irene caused flooding and destruction along the east coast, but has been especially devastating in Vermont and parts of upstate New York. It was however not the first time.
The nearly forgotten Flood of 1927 caused havoc in parts of New England more than 80 years ago. It was especially bad in Vermont and upstate New York and may have brought on The Great Depression in parts of New England two years before the 1929 crash of the stock market.
The economic systems and infrastructure of upper New England were destroyed. The mill town economies of Vermont and upstate New York were finished. The recovery process was long, painful, and expensive and continued well into the 1950s.
The future has arrived
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has an interesting chart covering the major natural disasters in the U.S. since 1980 by state. See Billion Dollar Climate and Weather Disasters 1980-2010. As well, take a look at the Climate Prediction Center. By all indications the number and severity of these natural disasters will rise in the foreseeable future.
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Public screening for the film Mother: Caring for the 7 Billion will continue throughout the U.S. from 9/21-10/21, including Kansas City, KS on 10/4/11. Also see MOTHER caring for 7 billion.
Additional reading:
Hurriquake! Mudslami! Volnado!
Transition to a different system
New England Flood of 1927
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