Event narrative (NOAA)
Tropical Storm Irene deposited 3 to 7+ inches of rainfall to Essex county during the morning and afternoon hours. The greatest rainfall amounts and impact were across central and northern Essex county along the eastern slopes of the Adirondacks. Severe flash flooding occurred within the Keene and AuSable River valleys with numerous roads (local and State including Route 3, 9N, 73, 28N), bridges, homes and businesses washed out in towns like Lake Placid, Jay, Keene, AuSable, Wilmington. Local EMs have determined this is the greatest natural disaster in the county.
Other notable flash flood events in New York
Source: NOAA/NCEI Storm Events Database. Deaths and injuries are those NOAA classifies as direct. Damage is the reporting office's estimate at the time and is not inflation-adjusted. This is a catalogue record, not a forecast.