September 19, 2008

 

Governor Carcieri, National Weather Service and Local Officials

Commemorate 70th Anniversary of the 1938 Hurricane by Showcasing

High Water Marks from Deadly Storm that Killed Over 400 Rhode Islanders

STATEWIDE EVENTS UNDERSCORE THE CURRENT THREAT FROM STORM SURGE AND

WIDESPREAD LACK OF FLOOD INSURANCE PROTECTION FOR RHODE ISLAND HOMEOWNERS

 

Providence, RI - Governor Donald L. Carcieri joined today with the National Weather Service

and local emergency managers in the lobby of the Providence Biltmore to commemorate the

70th anniversary of the deadly 1938 hurricane, which struck on September 21, 2008. The

Category 3 hurricane killed over 400 Rhode Islanders and caused massive storm surge

flooding of Kennedy Plaza, with water rising up the steps of City Hall and covering much of

the Biltmore Hotel's entrance doors.

 

The cornerstone of today's commemoration was a series of high water mark designations

around the state in which special ribbons were placed on telephone poles and street signs

marking the height of the 1938 hurricane's deadly storm surge.

The Get Hurricane Ready Rhode Island initiative wishes to thank the following sponsors
for making the 1938 Hurricane High Water Mark events possible: