Nevada Appeal at 150: Dec. 23, 1955: Western cities flooded by worst storm in history

Raging coastal and mountain streams overflowed their banks in three western states today, bringing death and destruction and driving thousands from their homes in the wake of week long drenching rains, the worst in the regional weather bureau’s history.

At least 12 persons were known dead, scores were reported missing, eight towns were flooded out, and more than 15 others were inundated as the streams rushed to the sea and made more than 15,000 homeless.

Property damage in northern California, western Oregon and Nevada was estimated in the millions. One estimate placed the loss at more than $12,000,000, but no accurate check could be made.

The unusual weather caused mountain highways, usually blanketed by snow, to be flooded as the rain melted the snow pack and poured this burden of water down the mountains.

This continues the Appeal’s review of news stories and headlines during its Sesquicentennial year.