View source for Hurricane Diane

{{Short description|Category 2 Atlantic hurricane in 1955}}
{{Hatnote group|
{{Distinguish|Hurricane Diana}}
{{Other hurricanes|List of storms named Diane|the 1955 Atlantic hurricane}}
}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox weather event
| image = Hurricane Diane weather map (high quality), August 17, 1955.jpg
| caption = [[Surface weather analysis|Weather map]] of Hurricane Diane on August&nbsp;17 as it approaches landfall in North Carolina
| formed = August 7, 1955
| extratropical = August 21, 1955
| dissipated = August 23, 1955
}}{{Infobox weather event/NWS
| winds = 90
| pressure = 969
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| year = 1955
| fatalities = ≥184
| damage = 831700000
| areas = [[North Carolina]], [[Mid-Atlantic states]], [[New England]]
| refs = 
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season = [[1955 Atlantic hurricane season]]
}}

'''Hurricane Diane''' was the first [[Atlantic hurricane]] to cause more than an estimated $1 billion in damage (${{Inflation|US|1|1955}} billion in {{Inflation-year|US}}){{Inflation-fn|US}}, including direct costs and the loss of business and personal revenue.{{refn|All damage totals are in 1955 [[United States dollar]]s unless otherwise noted.|group=nb}}  It [[tropical cyclogenesis|formed]] on August&nbsp;7 from a [[tropical wave]] between the [[Lesser Antilles]] and [[Cape Verde]]. Diane initially moved west-northwestward with little change in its intensity, but began to [[rapid deepening|strengthen rapidly]] after turning to the north-northeast. On August&nbsp;12, the hurricane reached peak [[maximum sustained winds|sustained winds]] of 105&nbsp;mph (165&nbsp;km/h), making it a [[tropical cyclone scales|Category 2 hurricane]]. Gradually weakening after veering back west, Diane made [[landfall]] near [[Wilmington, North Carolina]], as a strong tropical storm on August&nbsp;17, just five days after [[Hurricane Connie]] struck near the same area. Diane weakened further after moving inland, at which point the [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|United States Weather Bureau]] noted a decreased threat of further destruction. The storm turned to the northeast, and warm waters from the Atlantic Ocean helped produce record rainfall across the northeastern United States. On August&nbsp;19, Diane emerged into the Atlantic Ocean southeast of New York City, becoming [[extratropical]] two days later and completely dissipating by August&nbsp;23.

The first area affected by Diane was North Carolina, which suffered [[coastal flooding]] but little wind and rain damage. After the storm weakened in Virginia, it maintained an area of moisture that resulted in heavy rainfall after interacting with the [[Blue Ridge Mountains]], a process known as [[orographic lift]]. Flooding affected roads and low-lying areas along the [[Potomac River]]. The northernmost portion of Delaware also saw freshwater flooding, although to a much lesser extent than adjacent states. Diane produced heavy rainfall in eastern Pennsylvania, causing the worst floods on record there, largely in the [[Pocono Mountains|Poconos]] and along the [[Delaware River]]. Rushing waters demolished about 150&nbsp;road and rail bridges and breached or destroyed 30&nbsp;dams. The swollen [[Brodhead Creek]] virtually submerged a summer camp, killing 37&nbsp;people. Throughout Pennsylvania, the disaster killed 101&nbsp;people and caused an estimated $70&nbsp;million in damage (${{Inflation|US|70|1955}} million in {{Inflation-year|US}}).{{Inflation-fn|US}} Additional flooding spread through the northwest portion of neighboring New Jersey, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate and destroying several bridges, including one built in 1831. Storm damage was evident but less significant in southeastern New York.

Damage from Diane was heaviest in Connecticut, where rainfall peaked at 16.86&nbsp;in (428&nbsp;mm) near [[Torrington, Connecticut|Torrington]]. The storm produced the state's largest flood on record, which effectively split the state into two by destroying bridges and cutting communications. All major streams and valleys were flooded, and 30&nbsp;[[stream gauge]]s reported their highest levels on record. The [[Connecticut River]] at [[Hartford, Connecticut|Hartford]] reached a water level of 30.6&nbsp;ft (9.3&nbsp;m), the third highest on record there. The flooding destroyed a large section of downtown [[Winsted, Connecticut|Winsted]], much of which was never rebuilt. Record-high tides and flooded rivers heavily damaged [[Woonsocket, Rhode Island]]. In Massachusetts, flood water levels surpassed those during the [[1938 New England Hurricane]], breaching multiple dams and inundating adjacent towns and roads. Throughout New England, 206&nbsp;dams were damaged or destroyed, and about 7,000&nbsp;people were injured. Nationwide, Diane killed at least 184&nbsp;people and destroyed 813&nbsp;houses, with another 14,000&nbsp;homes heavily damaged. In the hurricane's wake, eight states were declared federal disaster areas, and the name Diane was [[List of retired Atlantic hurricane names|retired]].

==Meteorological history==
{{storm path|Diane 1955 track.png}}
Hurricane Diane originated in a [[tropical wave]] first observed as a tropical depression on August&nbsp;7 between the [[Lesser Antilles]] and [[Cape Verde]].<ref name="mwr">{{cite journal|author=Gordon E. Dunn|author2=Walter R. Davis|author3=Paul L. Moore|title=Hurricanes of 1955|pages=315, 318&ndash;320, 323&ndash;326|publisher=United States Weather Bureau|access-date=2013-02-13|date=December 1955|url=http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/083/mwr-083-12-0315.pdf|journal=Monthly Weather Review|volume=83|issue=12|doi=10.1175/1520-0493(1955)083<0315:HO>2.0.CO;2|bibcode = 1955MWRv...83..315D|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071026210422/http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/083/mwr-083-12-0315.pdf|archive-date=2007-10-26|url-status=dead}}</ref> The system moved generally to the west-northwest, intensifying into a tropical storm on August&nbsp;9.<ref name="bt">{{cite report|author=Hurricane Research Division |author2=National Hurricane Center |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=2013-08-03 |date=2013-06-18 |title=Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2) |url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/hurdat/hurdat2-atlantic-1851-2012-060513.txt |format=TXT |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801162008/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/hurdat/hurdat2-atlantic-1851-2012-060513.txt |archive-date=2013-08-01 }}</ref> By the time the [[National Weather Service|Weather Bureau]] first classified the storm on August&nbsp;10, Diane was south of the [[Azores High|Bermuda high]], a semi-permanent [[ridge (meteorology)|ridge in the jet stream]] just east of [[Nova Scotia]]. Ships in the region of the storm reported winds of {{convert|45|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. During the next day, the [[Hurricane Hunters]] reported no increase in strength, and Diane initially remained disorganized.<ref name="mwr"/> The storm interacted with [[Hurricane Connie]] to its northwest in a process known as the [[Fujiwhara effect]], in which Diane turned toward the north. Quick intensification ensued, potentially due to interaction with a [[cold-core low]] that increased [[atmospheric instability]].<ref name="mwr"/> On August&nbsp;12, the storm [[rapidly intensified]] into a hurricane.<ref name="bt"/> The intensification was so quick that a ship southeast of the center believed Diane was undergoing a loop due to a steady drop in [[atmospheric pressure|barometric pressure]], despite moving away from the hurricane.<ref name="mwr"/>

At its peak, Diane developed a well-defined [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] about {{convert|30|mi|km|abbr=on}} in diameter, described by [[reconnaissance aircraft]] as taking the shape of an "inverted teacup". The strongest winds were located in the northeast quadrant, where there was a secondary pressure minimum located {{convert|62|mi|km|abbr=on}} northeast of the eye.<ref name="mwr"/> After moving to the north for about a day, Diane resumed its westward motion on August&nbsp;13, after Hurricane Connie to the northwest had weakened. That day, Diane reached its lowest pressure of {{convert|969|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}},<ref name="mwr"/> and peak winds of 105&nbsp;mph (170&nbsp;km/h); originally the hurricane was analyzed to reach peak winds of 120&nbsp;mph (195&nbsp;km/h), although the large size and slow forward speed suggested the lower winds. It maintained its peak winds for about 12&nbsp;hours,<ref name="meta">{{cite report|author=Chris Landsea |date=May 2015 |title=Documentation of Atlantic Tropical Cyclones Changes in HURDAT |publisher=Hurricane Research Division |access-date=2015-07-20 |url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/metadata_master.html#1955_3 |display-authors=etal |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604063810/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/metadata_master.html |archive-date=2011-06-04 }}</ref> after which it weakened due to cooler air in the region. By August&nbsp;15, the eye had become poorly defined, and winds steadily weakened. As it approached land, its center deteriorated, with minimal precipitation near the center; the eye was observed on a radar installed in July 1955. On August&nbsp;17, Diane made [[landfall]] on the coast of [[North Carolina]] near [[Wilmington, North Carolina|Wilmington]].<ref name="mwr"/> Pressure at landfall was estimated at {{convert|986|mbar|inHg}}, accompanied by winds just under hurricane intensity.<ref name="hrd">{{cite report|publisher=Hurricane Research Division |title=Chronological List of All Continental United States Hurricanes: 1851 &ndash; 2012 |date=June 2013 |access-date=2013-08-03 |url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/All_U.S._Hurricanes.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140210221648/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/All_U.S._Hurricanes.html |archive-date=2014-02-10 }}</ref> Diane struck the state only five days after Hurricane Connie struck the same general area.<ref name="bt"/><!--about 150&nbsp;miles southwest of Connie's landfall only 5&nbsp;days before.-->

Diane quickly weakened as a tropical storm over the mountainous terrain of central North Carolina.<ref name="meta"/> The associated area of precipitation expanded and spread away from the center to the north and northeast.<ref name="grossman">{{cite journal|author=Gerald Grossman|author2=Rodenhuis|journal=Monthly Weather Review|date=June 1975|title=The Effects of Release of Latent Heat on the Vorticity of a Tropical Storm over Land|publisher=American Meteorological Society|pages=490, 495|volume=103|issue=6|doi=10.1175/1520-0493(1975)103<0486:TEOROL>2.0.CO;2|bibcode = 1975MWRv..103..486G |doi-access=free}}</ref> The weakening system turned to the north and recurved toward the northeast through Virginia after a ridge built in from the west.<ref name="paths">{{cite journal|journal=Monthly Weather Review|author=William T. Chapman|author2=Young T. Sloan|publisher=United States Weather Bureau|title=The Paths of Hurricanes Connie and Diane|access-date=2013-02-03|volume=83|issue=5|url=http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/083/mwr-083-08-0171.pdf|pages=171, 173|doi=10.1175/1520-0493(1955)083<0171:TPOHCA>2.0.CO;2|year=1955|bibcode=1955MWRv...83..171C|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821113942/http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/083/mwr-083-08-0171.pdf|archive-date=August 21, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> It did not interact much with the non-tropical [[westerlies]], and as a result it remained a distinct tropical cyclone over land. Convection redeveloped as the storm approached the Atlantic coast once again.<ref name="grossman"/> Diane passed through the [[Mid-Atlantic states]], exiting New Jersey on August&nbsp;19 into the Atlantic Ocean southeast of New York City. Paralleling the southern coast of [[New England]], the storm later accelerated east-northeastward, becoming [[extratropical]] on August&nbsp;21. Passing south and east of [[Newfoundland (island)|Newfoundland]], the remnants of Diane accelerated and restrengthened slightly while moving to the northeast. Late on August&nbsp;23, the storm dissipated between Greenland and Iceland.<ref name="meta"/>
{{Clear}}

==Preparations and background==
[[File:Diane 1955 rainfall.gif|right|thumb|Rainfall totals from Hurricane Diane]]
Late on August&nbsp;14, more than two days before Diane made landfall, the [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|United States Weather Bureau]] issued a hurricane alert from Georgia through North Carolina. On August&nbsp;15, the agency issued a [[tropical cyclone warnings and watches|hurricane warning]] from [[Brunswick, Georgia]] to Wilmington, North Carolina, although the warning was later extended to the south and north to [[Fernandina, Florida]] and [[Cape Hatteras, North Carolina]], respectively. The agency also issued storm warnings southward to [[Saint Augustine, Florida]] and northward to [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], including the [[Chesapeake Bay|Chesapeake]] and [[Delaware Bay|Delaware]] bays. Throughout the warned region, small ships were advised to remain at port.<ref name="prelim"/> Before Diane made landfall, the North Carolina National Guard assisted in evacuating people near the [[Pamlico River]], and 700&nbsp;residents left their homes near [[New Bern, North Carolina|New Bern]]; thousands of tourists also evacuated.<ref name="up817">{{cite news|agency=United Press|date=1955-08-17|title=Hurricane 'Diane' Sweeps into North Carolina|newspaper=Greensburg Daily Tribune|access-date=2013-02-13|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AaJWAAAAIBAJ&pg=1963,4755773&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429000211/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AaJWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=qUENAAAAIBAJ&pg=1963,4755773&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-date=April 29, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The threat of the hurricane forced the planned retirement ceremony for [[Admiral]] [[Robert Carney]] to be transferred from an aircraft carrier in [[Norfolk, Virginia]] to an academy dormitory.<ref>{{cite news|title=Booming Guns Herald Burke as Navy Chief|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Miami Daily News|date=1955-08-17|access-date=2013-02-13|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33497602/|page=8A|issue=95|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> All aircraft at [[Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point]] were flown to safer locations further inland.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hurricane Diane Barreling Toward Carolina Shoreline on 115 Mile an Hour Winds|agency=Associated Press|date=1955-08-16|newspaper=Schenectady Gazette|access-date=2013-02-13|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RnQuAAAAIBAJ&pg=977,2175022&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427192213/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RnQuAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pYAFAAAAIBAJ&pg=977,2175022&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-date=April 27, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

All hurricane warnings were dropped after Diane moved inland.<ref name="prelim"/> Forecasters downplayed the threat of Diane after it weakened over Virginia;<ref name="Schwartz"/> the Weather Bureau agreed they did not foresee the extent of the rain that would occur, instead calling for just "some local flooding".<ref>{{cite news|author=Roger D. Greene|newspaper=Eugene Register-Guard|date=1955-10-02|agency=Associated Press|title=Hurricane Experts Hold Differing Views; All Face Storm of Criticism from Public|access-date=2013-02-12|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zw9WAAAAIBAJ&pg=6707,193938&dq=hurricane+diane+1955&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527024326/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zw9WAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YuIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6707,193938&dq=hurricane+diane+1955&hl=en|archive-date=May 27, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The agency later admitted they "goofed" in downplaying the storm's destructive potential after weakening,<ref name="91mj"/> noting their lack of experience with extreme rainfall events.<ref>{{cite news|title=Flood Forecasting Science Wasn't Equal to Northeast Disaster|agency=Associated Press|date=1955-08-23|newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|access-date=2013-02-13|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=V31IAAAAIBAJ&pg=1724,4571266&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506211728/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=V31IAAAAIBAJ&sjid=A2wDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1724,4571266&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-date=May 6, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Once the storm moved ashore, the Weather Bureau transferred official forecasting duties to regional offices, and local newspapers also issued their own forecasts.<ref name="91mj">{{cite news|author=Irene Corbally Kuhn|newspaper=Meriden Journal|date=1955-09-01|title=Government Weather vs. Private Service|access-date=2013-02-13|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=g8NIAAAAIBAJ&pg=3503,38968&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160517010231/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=g8NIAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zgENAAAAIBAJ&pg=3503,38968&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-date=May 17, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[The Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts)|Springfield Daily News]] in Massachusetts noted that "moderate rains [were] possible" in its daily weather forecast ahead of the storm.<ref name="masslive">{{cite news|author=Stan Freeman|date=2005-08-14|title=Diane caught WMass off guard|newspaper=The Republican|access-date=2013-02-10|url=http://www.masslive.com/news/flood/081405flood.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821135831/http://www.masslive.com/news/flood/081405flood.html|archive-date=August 21, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Still, flood warnings were issued, with stream flooding forecasts of over 12&nbsp;hours in advance<!--wut?-->. Along smaller rivers, including the [[Lehigh River|Lehigh]], [[Schuylkill River|Schuylkill]], and [[Farmington River|Farmington]], forecasts were issued every few hours.<ref name="prelim"/>

In the summer of 1955, the eastern United States experienced generally hot and dry weather, leading to drought conditions and decreased water levels.<ref name="geo"/> When Hurricane Connie struck, its rainfall moistened the soil and heightened creeks throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New England.<ref name="prelim"/> Hurricane Diane struck North Carolina just five days later and affected the same general area.<ref name="geo"/> After floods in 1936, the United States federal government enacted plans to prevent future devastating floods, although they made no progress by the time Connie and Diane struck in 1955.<ref name="hc">{{cite news|author=Maryellen Fillo|newspaper=The Hartford Courant|title=Now, Dams And Reservoirs, Doppler And Satellites|date=2005-08-15|access-date=2013-02-09|url=http://www.courant.com/news/breaking/hc-stopflood0815.artaug15,0,154338.story|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130120010146/http://www.courant.com/news/breaking/hc-stopflood0815.artaug15,0,154338.story|archive-date=January 20, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Along the Delaware River in the 1930s, state legislatures in New Jersey and Pennsylvania had established a commission that worked to clean up polluted water, but the legislators and commission blocked federal help, comparing it to European [[socialism]]; this was in contrast to the federally funded [[Tennessee Valley Authority]], which mitigated flooding along the [[Tennessee River]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Drew Pearson|title=Washington Merry-Go-Round|date=1955-11-10|newspaper=The Lewiston Daily Sun|access-date=2013-02-12|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=k5M0AAAAIBAJ&pg=5445,5164383&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209004803/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=k5M0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=nmYFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5445,5164383&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-date=December 9, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Impact==
Hurricane Diane's path over the eastern United States brought heavy rainfall, fueled by unusually moist air resulting from abnormally high [[sea surface temperature]]s.<ref name="aug">{{cite journal|journal=Monthly Weather Review|publisher=United States Weather Bureau|title=The Weather and Circulation of August 1955|access-date=2013-02-04|date=August 1955|page=163|url=http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/083/mwr-083-08-0163.pdf|volume=83|issue=8|doi=10.1175/1520-0493(1955)083<0163:TWACOA>2.0.CO;2|last1=Namias|first1=Jerome|last2=Dunn|first2=Carlos R.|bibcode=1955MWRv...83..163N|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616160945/http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/083/mwr-083-08-0163.pdf|archive-date=June 16, 2012|url-status=live|doi-access=free}}</ref> The worst flooding was in eastern Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, southeastern New York, and southern New England.<ref name="prelim"/> Of the 287&nbsp;[[stream gauge]]s in the region, 129&nbsp;reported record levels during the course of the event. Many streams reported [[discharge (hydrology)|discharge]] rates of more than double the previous records.<ref name="geo">{{cite book|pages=15, 27|title=Floods of August &ndash; October 1955: New England to North Carolina|location=Washington, D.C.|publisher=United States Geological Survey|year=1960|access-date=2013-01-23|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wNAPAAAAIAAJ&q=hurricane+connie+1955&pg=PA1}}</ref> Most of the flooding occurred along small rivers that rose to flood stage within hours, largely impacting populated areas;<ref name="prelim"/> there were around 30&nbsp;million people in the region affected by the floods.<ref name="geo"/> Overall, 813&nbsp;houses were destroyed,<ref name="wrd"/> with 14,000 heavily damaged.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|date=1955-08-25|title=Flood Losses May Reach $1,600,000,000; Ike O.K.'s Big Program|newspaper=Spokane Daily Chronicle|access-date=2013-02-13|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9yBYAAAAIBAJ&pg=1662,6619446&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501034917/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9yBYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rfYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1662,6619446&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-date=May 1, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The storms damage caused over 35,000 families to re locate.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofhu00long_0|title=Encyclopedia of hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones|last=David.|first=Longshore|date=1998|publisher=Facts on File|isbn=0816033986|location=New York|oclc=36883906|url-access=registration}}</ref> The floods also severed infrastructure and affected several summer camps.<ref name="prelim">{{cite report|publisher=United States Weather Bureau|date=1955-08-25|title=Preliminary Report of Hurricane Diane and Floods in Northeast &ndash; August 1955|access-date=2013-02-04|url=http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/hurricanes/QC9452D53H81955a.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026144919/http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/hurricanes/QC9452D53H81955a.pdf|archive-date=October 26, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Damage to public utilities was estimated at $79&nbsp;million. Flooding in rural areas resulted in landslides in the mountains, while destroyed crops cost an estimated $7&nbsp;million. Hundreds of miles of roads and bridges were also destroyed, accounting for $82&nbsp;million in damage.<ref name="wrd"/> Damage from Diane's winds were generally minor.<ref name="geo"/> The hurricane caused $831.7&nbsp;million in damage,<ref>{{cite report|title=The Deadliest, Costliest, and Most Intense United States Tropical Cyclones from 1851 to 2004 (and Other Frequently Requested Facts)|date=August 2005|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Eric S. Blake|author2=Edward N. Rappaport|author3=Jerry D. Jarrell|author4=Christopher W. Landsea|url=https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/nwstechmemos/TechMemoTPC%234.pdf|access-date=March 22, 2019|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20151105232148/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/nwstechmemos/TechMemoTPC%234.pdf|archive-date=November 5, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> of which $600&nbsp;million was in New England,<ref name="mwr"/> making it the [[List of costliest Atlantic hurricanes|costliest]] hurricane in American history at the time.<ref name="wrd">{{cite report|title=Floods of August 1955 in the Northeastern States|author=Howard Frederick Matthai|publisher=United States Geological Survey|pages=1–10|access-date=2013-02-09|year=1955|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MEo-AQAAIAAJ&q=hurricane+diane&pg=PA2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521071459/https://books.google.com/books?id=MEo-AQAAIAAJ&pg=PA2&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en&sa=X&ei=lX0WUaPHN6m50AHSk4GoDQ&ved=0CC0Q6AEwADgU#v=onepage&q=hurricane%20diane&f=false|archive-date=May 21, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Taking into account indirect losses, such as loss of wages and business earnings, Diane was described as "the first billion dollar hurricane."<ref name="mwr"/> This contributed to 1955 being the costliest [[Atlantic hurricane season]] on record at the time.<ref name="mwr"/> Overall, there were at least 184&nbsp;deaths, potentially as many as 200.<ref>{{cite report|author=Edward N. Rappaport|author2=Jose Fernandez-Partagas|author3=Jack Beven|date=1997-04-22|title=The Deadliest Atlantic Tropical Cyclones, 1492&ndash; 1996|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2013-02-03|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastdeadly.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100810022645/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastdeadly.shtml|archive-date=August 10, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Carolinas===
The strongest [[maximum sustained wind|sustained winds]] associated with Diane's landfall in North Carolina reached {{convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in [[Hatteras, North Carolina|Hatteras]], with gusts to {{convert|74|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in Wilmington. Any hurricane-force gusts were likely very sporadic and isolated in nature. Tides ran {{convert|6|to|8|ft|m|abbr=on}} above normal near Wilmington, and waves {{convert|12|ft|m|abbr=on}} in height struck the coast. The resultant [[storm surge]] damaged beach houses, flooded coastal roads, and destroyed seawalls damaged by Hurricane Connie a few days prior.<ref name="mwr"/><ref name="up817"/> The center of the storm passed over Wilmington without much of a decrease in winds, suggesting the eye had largely dissipated in the weakening tropical cyclone. Little precipitation fell in and around the city,<ref name="mwr"/> though precipitation was more substantial elsewhere in the state, peaking at {{convert|7.04|in|mm|abbr=on}} in New Bern. At [[Oakway, South Carolina|Oakway]] in neighboring South Carolina, rainfall amounted to {{convert|2.39|in|mm|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite report|author=David M. Roth|title=Tropical Cyclone Rainfall for the Southeast|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|date=2012-11-17|access-date=2013-02-03|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/tcsoutheast.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723225359/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/tcsoutheast.html|archive-date=July 23, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Mid-Atlantic===
[[File:Diane 1955 floods.png|thumb|right|Extent of flooding in the northeastern United States, caused by Diane]]
After Diane crossed into Virginia, it dropped heavy rainfall of over {{convert|10|in|mm|abbr=on}} in 24&nbsp;hours in the [[Blue Ridge Mountains]],<ref name="prelim"/> peaking at {{convert|11.72|in|mm|abbr=on}} in [[Big Meadows]].<ref name="midrain">{{cite report|author=David M. Roth|title=Tropical Cyclone Rainfall in the Mid&ndash; Atlantic|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|date=2013-03-06|access-date=2013-08-03|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/tcmidatl.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203053004/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/tcmidatl.html|archive-date=February 3, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> There, the rains were enhanced by moist air rising over the mountain peaks and condensing, a process known as [[orographic lift]].<ref name="prelim"/> Rainfall of over {{convert|3|in|mm|abbr=on}} occurred throughout Virginia, as well as into the [[Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia]],<ref name="rain"/> where {{convert|5.71|in|mm|abbr=on}} was reported at [[Stony River Reservoir]]. Similar precipitation amounts fell through Delaware, including {{convert|3.27|in|mm|abbr=on}} at the [[United States National Arboretum|National Arboretum]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="midrain"/> Rivers across the region rose above flood stage, including the [[James River]] which crested at {{convert|30.4|ft|m|abbr=on}} in [[Columbia, Virginia]], which was {{convert|14.6|ft|m|abbr=on}} above flood stage.<ref name="prelim"/> High amounts of rainfall accrued in eastern Pennsylvania, peaking at {{convert|11.11|in|mm|abbr=on}} in [[Big Bushkill Creek|Pecks Pond]] in the northeast portion of the state.<ref name="midrain"/><ref name="rain"/> As with Virginia, the heaviest rainfall occurred due to orographic lift near a mountain.<ref name="prelim"/> In neighboring New Jersey, the highest precipitation was {{convert|8.10|in|mm|abbr=on}} near [[Sussex, New Jersey|Sussex]]. Rainfall in New York peaked at {{convert|9.05|in|mm|abbr=on}} in [[Lake Mohonk]].<ref name="midrain"/>

In Virginia, severe flooding occurred near [[Richmond, Virginia|Richmond]] and along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Near the coast, Diane damaged large areas of farmlands due to slow-moving floods. In the state, 21&nbsp;gauges reported their highest levels on record.<ref name="geo"/> High levels along the [[Potomac River]] flooded low-lying portions of Virginia and Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|date=1955-08-19|title=Potomac Floods at Washington|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|access-date=2013-02-13|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=z2BSAAAAIBAJ&pg=4134,925481&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305000943/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=z2BSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=e3oDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4134,925481&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-date=March 5, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Wind gusts reached {{convert|62|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in [[Roanoke, Virginia|Roanoke]].<ref name="Schwartz"/> In the state, flooding covered several roads, prompting closures.<ref name="ap822"/> Due to the flat terrain, flooding in Delaware was described by the United States Geological Survey as "comparably mild". Flooding along the [[Brandywine Creek (Christina River)|Brandywine Creek]] was at least the fifth highest in 45&nbsp;years.<ref name="geo"/> Flooding was worst in the northernmost portion of the state.<ref name="sum">{{cite book|pages=215–217, 225, 471, 484|title=National Water Summary 1988&ndash;89|author=Richard W. Paulson|author2=Edith B. Chase|author3=Robert S. Roberts|author4=David W. Moody|publisher=United States Geological Survey|location=United States|access-date=2013-02-09|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tWfxAAAAMAAJ&q=hurricane+diane&pg=PA225|year=1991}}</ref>

Flooding began in many streams in eastern Pennsylvania on August&nbsp;18. The [[Delaware River]] crested at over {{convert|40|ft|m|abbr=on}} in [[Easton, Pennsylvania|Easton]], which was {{convert|4|ft|m|abbr=on}} above the previous record set in 1903. In [[Allentown, Pennsylvania|Allentown]], the Lehigh River crested at {{convert|23.4|ft|m|abbr=on}}, surpassing the previous record of {{convert|21.7|ft|m|abbr=on}} set in 1942.<ref name="prelim"/> The floods were the worst in record across eastern portions of the state, notably in the Poconos and along all tributaries of the Delaware River from [[Honesdale, Pennsylvania|Honesdale]] to Philadelphia. [[Lake Wallenpaupack]] and other reservoirs mitigated flooding. Floods destroyed 17&nbsp;bridges and {{convert|55|mi|km|abbr=on}} of track along the [[Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad]], which is the primary rail line in northeastern Pennsylvania.<ref name="geo"/> Damage to the line totaled several million dollars, and overall railroad damage in the state totaled $16&nbsp;million.<ref name="wrd"/> Hundreds of cars were damaged in the region.<ref name="geo"/> Damage extended into Philadelphia due to flooding along the Schuylkill River, but the damage was minor.<ref name="wrd"/> In the small village of [[Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania|Upper Black Eddy]], hundreds of people became homeless, and the post office was washed away.<ref name="811nj"/> Statewide, the floods destroyed or breached 30&nbsp;dams, and destroyed about 150&nbsp;road of rail bridges.<ref name="sum"/> Flooding left home and factory damage in the Allentown area.<ref name="Schwartz"/> In the [[Pocono Mountains|Poconos]] in Pennsylvania, the [[Brodhead Creek]] nearly destroyed a camp,<ref name="prelim"/> killing 37&nbsp;people, mostly children.<ref name="geo"/> Many people at the camp fled to a lodge that was ultimately destroyed.<ref name="Schwartz">{{cite book|author=Rick Schwartz|title=Hurricanes and the Middle Atlantic States|year=2007|location=United States|publisher=Blue Diamond Books|isbn=978-0-9786280-0-0|pages=215–220|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t5U1CYKwQxcC|access-date=October 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919103227/https://books.google.com/books?id=t5U1CYKwQxcC&printsec=frontcover|archive-date=September 19, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The Brodhead Creek also washed out a bridge along [[U.S. Route 209]] between [[Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania|Stroudsburg]] and [[East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania|East Stroudsburg]], flooding both cities.<ref name="geo"/> There were about 75&nbsp;deaths in the area,<ref name="prelim"/> and another 10&nbsp;deaths occurred in [[Greentown, Pennsylvania|Greentown]] due to flooding along the [[Lackawaxen River]].<ref name="wrd"/> Overall, there were 101&nbsp;deaths in the state,<ref name="geo"/> and damage totaled at least $70&nbsp;million.<ref name="wrd"/>

In New Jersey, flooding largely occurred north of [[Trenton, New Jersey|Trenton]] and west of [[Perth Amboy, New Jersey|Perth Amboy]];<ref name="geo"/> rainfall in the southern two&ndash;thirds of the state was less than {{convert|3|in|mm|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Schwartz"/> The three major rivers in the area - the Delaware, [[Passaic River|Passaic]], and [[Raritan River|Raritan]] - had severe flooding, and damage was widespread.<ref name="geo"/> When the [[Millstone River]] flooded, two teenagers drowned while canoeing, and a police officer drowned while attempting to rescue them. About 200&nbsp;families were evacuated in [[Oakland, New Jersey|Oakland]] along the [[Ramapo River]].<ref name="Schwartz"/> Damage in the state was heaviest along the Delaware from [[Port Jervis, New York]] to Trenton, where flooding inundated adjacent towns. Between the two towns, all but two bridges were damaged, including four that were destroyed.<ref name="geo"/> About 500&nbsp;children had to be rescued from camps on three islands in the Delaware River; they were airlifted to a high school in [[Frenchtown, New Jersey|Frenchtown]]. In that city, about 200&nbsp;people were forced to evacuate their houses along the water.<ref name="811nj">{{cite news|author=Nicholas DiGiovanni|date=2005-08-11|title=Back-to-back storms in 1955 unleashed havoc along Delaware River|publisher=[[New Jersey On-Line]]|access-date=2013-02-11|url=http://www.nj.com/news/hunterdon/stories/storms_081105.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224005305/http://www.nj.com/news/hunterdon/stories/storms_081105.html|archive-date=2007-02-24|url-status=dead}}</ref> In Trenton, workers used sandbags to prevent flooding from affecting government buildings.<ref name="Schwartz"/> Flooding destroyed the [[Portland–Columbia Pedestrian Bridge]], first constructed in 1831, after most of it was submerged. The center of the [[Northampton Street Bridge]] between Easton, Pennsylvania and [[Phillipsburg, New Jersey]] collapsed.<ref name="geo"/> A dam near [[Branchville, New Jersey|Branchville]] collapsed, flooding the town and causing heavy damage.<ref name="Schwartz"/><ref name="wrd"/> About 200&nbsp;homes were damaged or destroyed in [[Lambertville, New Jersey|Lambertville]].<ref name="Schwartz"/> Statewide, 93&nbsp;homes were destroyed. Damage was estimated at $27.5&nbsp;million.<ref name="wrd"/>

Flash floods occurred in mountainous regions of southeastern New York, including Port Jervis along the Delaware River. [[Wappinger Creek]] flooded to cause heavy damage. Most streams in the [[Rondout Creek]] basin left damage due to fast-moving waters,<ref name="geo"/> including heavy damage near [[Ellenville, New York|Ellenville]]. Damage in New York was largely limited to an area between Port Jervis and [[Poughkeepsie, New York|Poughkeepsie]]. Several bridges were destroyed along the [[Bash Bish Falls|Bash Bish Brook]], and portions of U.S. Route 209 were flooded. Damage totaled $16.2&nbsp;million, and there was one death in the state.<ref name="wrd"/>

===New England===
[[File:Hurricane Diane Connecticut flood damage.jpg|thumb|right|Flood damage in Winsted, Connecticut from Diane]]
{{See also|Flood of 1955 (Connecticut)}}
Diane produced heavy rainfall after recurving inland, setting rainfall records in several areas. [[Windsor Locks, Connecticut]] reported {{convert|12.05|in|mm|abbr=on}} in a 23‑hour period;<ref name="mwr"/> the station's total, located near [[Hartford, Connecticut|Hartford]], was {{convert|5.32|in|mm|abbr=on}} higher than the 24‑hour rainfall record in Hartford.<ref name="prelim"/> Some locations along the [[Housatonic River]] experienced {{convert|0.75|in|mm|abbr=on}} per hour over 24&nbsp;hours.<ref name="sum"/> The highest total in the state was {{convert|16.86|in|mm|abbr=on}} at a station near [[Torrington, Connecticut|Torrington]].<ref name="nerain">{{cite report|author=David M. Roth|title=Tropical Cyclone Rainfall in New England|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/diane1955.html|date=2013-03-06|access-date=2013-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921144738/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/diane1955.html|archive-date=September 21, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> This is the highest rainfall on record in the state.<ref name="statemaxima">{{cite report|author=David M. Roth|title=Maximum Rainfall caused by Tropical Cyclones and their Remnants Per State (1950&ndash;2012)|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/tcstatemaxima.gif|date=2013-03-06|access-date=2013-08-03|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304062504/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/tcstatemaxima.gif|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The highest rainfall in the United States related to the storm was {{convert|19.75|in|mm|abbr=on}} in [[Westfield, Massachusetts]],<ref name="rain">{{cite report|author=David M. Roth|title=Hurricane Diane &ndash; August 15&ndash;19, 1955|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/diane1955.html|date=2009-07-29|access-date=2013-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921144738/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/diane1955.html|archive-date=September 21, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> which was also the wettest known storm in the state's history as well as throughout New England.<ref name="statemaxima"/> Other statewide rainfall maxima in New England included {{convert|8.45|in|mm|abbr=on}} in [[Greenville, Rhode Island]], {{convert|4.34|in|mm|abbr=on}} in [[Essex Junction, Vermont]], {{convert|3.31|in|mm|abbr=on}} in [[Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire]], and {{convert|0.62|in|mm|abbr=on}} at [[Flagstaff Lake (Maine)|Long Falls Dam]] in Maine.<ref name="nerain"/> Throughout New England, 206&nbsp;dams were damaged or destroyed,<ref name="geo"/> mostly in the region south of [[Worcester, Massachusetts]].<ref name="erh">{{cite report|author=Northeast River Forecast Center |publisher=National Weather Service |title=The Floods of Hurricane Connie and Diane |access-date=2013-02-08 |url=http://www.erh.noaa.gov/nerfc/historical/aug1955.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321225853/http://www.erh.noaa.gov/nerfc/historical/aug1955.htm |archive-date=2012-03-21 }}</ref> About 7,000&nbsp;people were injured throughout New England, most of whom in Connecticut.<ref name="wrd"/>
[[File:Hurricane_Diane_weather_map,_August_19,_1955_(30075214).jpg|thumb|200x200px|Surface weather map of Diane as a tropical storm over the northeast United States on August 19]]
Damage was greatest in Connecticut, where floods affected about two-thirds of the state.<ref name="geo"/> It was the largest flood on record in the state's history.<ref name="sum"/> All major streams and valleys were flooded during the storm, including hundreds of tributaries, and 30&nbsp;gauges in the state reported the highest level on record.<ref name="geo"/> The [[Connecticut River]] at Hartford reached the third-highest level on record at the time, cresting at {{convert|30.6|ft|m|abbr=on}}, or {{convert|14.6|ft|m|abbr=on}} above flood stage.<ref name="prelim"/> Although there was rural damage, the city of Hartford was spared from flooding due to previously constructed dykes.<ref name="wrd"/> The [[Naugatuck River]] had significant flooding that damaged or destroyed every bridge across it and did extensive damage in Ansonia. In [[Waterbury, Connecticut|Waterbury]], the river washed buildings and railroad girders into a bridge.<ref name="geo"/> In the city, 30&nbsp;people were killed, including 26 in 13&nbsp;houses that were washed away in one block.<ref name="nyt814">{{cite news|newspaper=New York Times|date=2005-08-14|title=Memories of a Flood, 50 Years Later|page=6|author=Dick Ahles}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}}</ref> The [[Quinebaug River]] flooded the city of [[Putnam, Connecticut|Putnam]] at the same time that a major fire originated at a [[magnesium]] plant.<ref name="geo"/><ref name="ap823">{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|date=1955-08-23|title=Havoc of Floods Appears Worst in Connecticut|newspaper=The Free Lance-Star|access-date=2013-02-13|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HN5LAAAAIBAJ&pg=3056,3509670&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306125825/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HN5LAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3ooDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3056,3509670&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-date=March 6, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Much of the commercial district of [[Winsted, Connecticut|Winsted]] was destroyed by the Mad River, which reached {{convert|10|ft|m|abbr=on}} deep; the floods destroyed most buildings on the south side of the town's Main Street, and carried away several cars from a car dealership. The local newspaper reported that 95% of businesses were destroyed or severely damaged in Winsted.<ref name="nyt814"/> High rivers destroyed historical sites and buildings,<ref name="geo"/> and statewide Diane destroyed 563&nbsp;houses.<ref name="wrd"/> There were 77&nbsp;deaths in the state and $350&nbsp;million in damage.<ref name="erh"/> Most of the damage in the state was industrial or commercial damage.<ref name="wrd"/>

In Rhode Island, flooding was worst in the northern portion of the state, mostly along the [[Blackstone River]],<ref name="geo"/> which expanded to a width of about {{convert|1|mi|km|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Schwartz"/> The Horseshoe Dam was washed out, causing heavy damage in [[Woonsocket, Rhode Island|Woonsocket]].<ref name="geo"/> There, about 6,000 of its 50,000&nbsp;residents were left unemployed.<ref name="ap823"/> Record high tides were also reported. In Rhode Island, damage was estimated at $21&nbsp;million, mostly in Woonsocket, and there were three deaths.<ref name="sum"/>

Much of southern Massachusetts, from its border with New York toward Worcester and to the ocean, experienced flooding. Most streams in western Massachusetts overflowed their banks, and in southeastern Massachusetts, which is largely flat terrain, streams flooded large areas along their channels; these streams moved slowly, while other areas in New England sustained damage due to the fast-moving nature of the floods. Record flooding was reported along 24&nbsp;stream gauges in the state, including ones that surpassed the peak set by the [[1938 New England hurricane]].<ref name="geo"/> Both the [[Charles River|Charles]] and [[Neponset River|Neponset]] rivers were among those that flooded.<ref name="walpole"/> About 40% of the city of Worcester was flooded during Diane,<ref name="Schwartz"/> and in [[Russell, Massachusetts|Russell]], the state police forced many residents to evacuate.<ref name="masslive"/> In [[Weymouth, Massachusetts|Weymouth]], the floods were considered at least a [[return period|1 in 50 year]] event.<ref name="walpole">{{cite report|title=Flood Insurance Study: Norfolk County, Massachusetts|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|access-date=2013-02-12|year=2012|page=27&ndash;28, 31, 39|url=http://www.starr-team.com/starr/RegionalWorkspaces/RegionI/NorfolkCountyMAcoastal/Preliminary%20Maps/Preliminary%20Flood%20Insurance%20Study%20(FIS)/Norfolk_County_V001B.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822083859/http://www.starr-team.com/starr/RegionalWorkspaces/RegionI/NorfolkCountyMAcoastal/Preliminary%20Maps/Preliminary%20Flood%20Insurance%20Study%20%28FIS%29/Norfolk_County_V001B.pdf|archive-date=August 22, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Little River (Merrimack River)|Little River]] in [[Buffumville Lake|Buffumville, Massachusetts]] had a peak discharge of 8,340&nbsp;ft³/s (236&nbsp;m³/s), which was 6.2&nbsp;times greater than the previous peak and 28.5&nbsp;times the average annual flooding. Flooded rivers breached [[Run-of-the-river hydroelectricity|run-of-the-river dams]] and covered nearby roadways, although dams with reservoirs resulted in less flooding. Nearly all dams along the [[French River (Massachusetts)|French River]] were severely damaged or destroyed.<ref name="geo"/> One failed dam in [[Auburn, Massachusetts|West Auburn]] washed out a portion of [[U.S. Route 20 in Massachusetts|U.S. Route 20]], and the same route was washed out near [[Charlton, Massachusetts|Charlton]]. An overflown brook also damaged the [[Massachusetts Turnpike]].<ref name="wrd"/> A train on the [[Boston and Albany Railroad]] line plunged into a washed out portion along the [[Westfield River]].<ref name="geo"/> Along the same river, floods destroyed roads and tobacco farms.<ref name="wrd"/> In the state, 97&nbsp;houses were destroyed.<ref name="wrd"/> Damage in Massachusetts was second worst of the affected states,<ref name="geo"/> totaling $110&nbsp;million;<ref name="wrd"/> the damage was largely due to flooded basements.<ref name="walpole"/> There were 12&nbsp;deaths in the state.<ref name="wrd"/>
{{Clear|left}}

==Aftermath==
[[File:Hurricane Diane rainfall in New England.jpg|right|thumb|Rainfall totals in New England from Diane]]
In Diane's immediate aftermath, one of the first priorities in response was to distribute adequate inoculations for [[typhoid]] amongst the widespread areas left without clean drinking water. The United States Army assisted in search and rescue operations using helicopters.<ref name="milw">{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|date=1955-08-22|title=Death, Disease Stalk Ebbing Flood; 183 perish|newspaper=The Milwaukee Sentinel|access-date=2013-02-13|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=U6kkAAAAIBAJ&pg=3418,1145248&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502135302/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=U6kkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=bhAEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3418,1145248&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-date=May 2, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> After the floods of Hurricane Diane, more than 100,000&nbsp;people fled to shelter or away from their houses. The [[American Red Cross]] quickly provided aid to the affected residents,<ref name="Schwartz"/> using churches and public buildings to house homeless people.<ref name="ctf"/> In the two weeks after the storm, Americans donated about $10&nbsp;million to the Red Cross.<ref>{{cite news|title=Americans Open Their Hearts|date=1955-09-08|newspaper=Spokane Daily Chronicle|access-date=2013-02-13|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EfpXAAAAIBAJ&pg=2880,2062989&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505061228/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EfpXAAAAIBAJ&sjid=r_YDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2880,2062989&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-date=May 5, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The countries of Great Britain, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, France, Austria, and Venezuela offered aid to help the flood victims, sending emergency supplies.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Lodi News-Sentinel|date=1955-08-26|title=Lodi Asked to Help in Relief|access-date=2013-02-13|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dIkzAAAAIBAJ&pg=3606,5686796&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522100205/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dIkzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=fu4HAAAAIBAJ&pg=3606,5686796&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-date=May 22, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Additional flooding affected New England in September and October 1955, although neither was as major as those caused by Hurricane Diane.<ref name="geo"/> Following Diane, hundreds of companies affected by the flooding installed waterproof doors and windows to preempt similar disasters in the future.<ref name="up828">{{cite news|agency=United Press|date=1956-08-28|title=Prepare to Curb Losses via Storm|newspaper=The Times-News|access-date=2013-02-12|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=u7sbAAAAIBAJ&pg=7086,3145005&dq=hurricane+diane+1955&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520095411/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=u7sbAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PE4EAAAAIBAJ&pg=7086,3145005&dq=hurricane+diane+1955&hl=en|archive-date=May 20, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[President of the United States|President]] [[Dwight Eisenhower]] declared eight states as disaster areas, making them eligible for federal aid.<ref>{{cite news|date=1955-09-20|title=Eisenhower is Happy Man While Fishing and Cooking|newspaper=The Reading Eagle|agency=Associated Press|access-date=2013-02-13|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xjMjAAAAIBAJ&pg=4829,520396&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522101635/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xjMjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-ZkFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4829,520396&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-date=May 22, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Small Business Administration]] opened 18&nbsp;temporary offices in the eastern United States for people to take out disaster loan applications.<ref>{{cite news|author=Peter Edson|agency=National Newspaper Association|title=Individual Flood Victims Find Aid in Federal Loans|access-date=2013-02-13|date=1955-09-09|newspaper=The Victoria Advocate|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Y2NTAAAAIBAJ&pg=4945,890812&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521150833/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Y2NTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dYUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4945,890812&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-date=May 21, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In the months after the storm, both the United States federal government and the American Red Cross had difficulty raising enough funds for the storm victims; collectively, the Red Cross, the Small Business Administration, and [[Farmers Home Administration]] raised $37&nbsp;million, which was less than 8% of Diane's damage total. Throughout 1955, the Red Cross assisted about 10,000&nbsp;families in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states; some of the families received aid to move to a new house not in a flood zone. The Small Business Administration provided about 1,600&nbsp;loans, totaling $25&nbsp;million, for small businesses.<ref name="newburgh">{{cite news|author=Peter Edson|agency=National Newspaper Association|date=1955-11-25|title=Effort to Flood-Proof Disaster Victims Lags|access-date=2013-02-12|newspaper=The Newburgh News|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GrRFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4908,2826898&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428210352/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GrRFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Vb0MAAAAIBAJ&pg=4908,2826898&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-date=April 28, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> [[United States Senate|Senator]] [[Herbert H. Lehman]] proposed a $12&nbsp;billion [[National Flood Insurance Program|federal flood insurance program]].<ref>{{cite news|agency=United Press|date=1955-10-30|title=Federal Insurance Program Proposed|newspaper=Lodi News-Sentinel|access-date=2013-02-12|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NrUzAAAAIBAJ&pg=1597,7288971&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502160427/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NrUzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6u4HAAAAIBAJ&pg=1597,7288971&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-date=May 2, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1956, the [[United States Congress]] passed the Federal Flood Insurance Act, but the program was not enacted due to lack of funding.<ref>{{cite report|author=Elliott Mittler|author2=Leigh Morgan|author3=Marc Shapiro|author4=Kristen Y. Grill|title=State Roles and Responsibilities in the National Flood Insurance Program|publisher=American Institutes for Research|date=October 2006|page=16|format=PDF|url=http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2591|access-date=February 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224055412/https://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2591|archive-date=December 24, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> A nationwide flood program was not enacted until the passage of the [[National Flood Insurance Act of 1968]].<ref>{{cite report|date=September 1999|title=A Report to the United States Congress on Compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program|author=Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System|publisher=Federal Reserve Board|access-date=2013-02-12|url=http://www.federalreserve.gov/boarddocs/rptcongress/flood/default.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730115332/http://federalreserve.gov/boarddocs/rptcongress/flood/default.htm|archive-date=July 30, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> After the floods from Diane, the American federal government provided funding for the [[United States Army Corps of Engineers|Army Corps of Engineers]] to construct dams and reservoirs throughout New England to mitigate future flooding. In about 14&nbsp;years, the Corps built 29&nbsp;dams in Connecticut alone at the cost of $70&nbsp;million, including three along the Connecticut River.<ref name="ctf"/> The federal government restored plans from the 1930s to build dams along the Delaware River, one of which along [[Tocks Island]]. A [[Tocks Island Dam Controversy|controversy]] arose there due to the {{convert|40|mi|km|abbr=on}} long reservoir the dam would have created, causing 600&nbsp;families to be displaced. The project was canceled in 1975, and the acquired lands became the [[Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area]].<ref>{{cite report|publisher=National Park Service|title=Stories: Tocks Island Dam Controversy|date=2013-02-01|access-date=2013-02-13|url=http://www.nps.gov/dewa/historyculture/stories-tocks.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130415073436/http://www.nps.gov/dewa/historyculture/stories-tocks.htm|archive-date=April 15, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In Pennsylvania, washed-out rail lines prevented operation along the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad for several weeks,<ref name="geo"/> and lines reopened after about two months.<ref name="wrd"/> The expense of reopening, and the loss of being closed, led to the railroad merging with the [[Erie Railroad]] to become the [[Erie Lackawanna Railway]] in 1960.<ref>{{cite book|author=David Crosby|title=Scranton Railroads|access-date=2013-02-13|location=United States|year=2009|page=10|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s29REKqvYekC&q=Delaware%2C+Lackawanna+and+Western+Railroad+diane&pg=PA10|isbn=978-0-7385-6518-7}}</ref> One stranded train along the line prompted a helicopter to rescue 235&nbsp;people. Flooding along the Lehigh River destroyed 15&nbsp;industrial plants, which left more than 15,000&nbsp;people near Allentown, Pennsylvania without work temporarily. The mayor of [[Scranton, Pennsylvania|Scranton]] declared a state of emergency due to the floods, ordering all businesses to close. [[United States Army]] soldiers provided water to residents after the town lost its water supply. Elsewhere, the [[Pennsylvania National Guard]] was on duty on streets in damaged towns,<ref name="Schwartz"/> including 50 to prevent looting in Upper Black Eddy, which was one of the hardest hit towns.<ref name="811nj"/> Helicopters assisted in discovering bodies at Camp Davis, where many deaths occurred during the storm. Statewide, thousands of people were left homeless.<ref name="ap822">{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|date=1955-08-22|title=Losses Heavy in Eight States|newspaper=Lewiston Morning Tribune|access-date=2013-02-13|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IbdeAAAAIBAJ&pg=2950,2134263&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503203046/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IbdeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=aTAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2950,2134263&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-date=May 3, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In Stroudsburg, there was a food shortage, and officials enacted a curfew, after reports of looting.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pennsylvania Food Scarce; Typhoid Feared|agency=Associated Press|date=1955-08-22|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|access-date=2013-02-13|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0mBSAAAAIBAJ&pg=6472,2517869&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160515021438/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0mBSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=e3oDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6472,2517869&dq=hurricane+diane&hl=en|archive-date=May 15, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In the same city, water was shipped in milk cartons to the flood victims, which later inspired a [[Federal Civil Defense Administration]] proposal to use water packaged in milk containers in the event of a nuclear attack.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|date=1956-09-11|title=Packaged Water Urged During Time of Disaster|newspaper=Spokane Daily Chronicle|access-date=2013-02-11|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HvxXAAAAIBAJ&pg=2816,2720334&dq=hurricane+diane+1955&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506061135/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HvxXAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5fYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2816,2720334&dq=hurricane+diane+1955&hl=en|archive-date=May 6, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The state government implemented a tax on cigarettes to help pay for storm damage, which lasted for about two years;<ref>{{cite news|agency=United Press|date=1972-08-07|title=Shapp Scraps Proposal for Gasoline Tax|newspaper=Beaver County Times|access-date=2013-02-11|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xrIiAAAAIBAJ&pg=2811,1567571&dq=hurricane+diane+1955&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427065323/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xrIiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=abMFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2811,1567571&dq=hurricane+diane+1955&hl=en|archive-date=April 27, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> this was partially due to a lack of significant funding from the federal government.<ref name="shapp"/> Pennsylvania also enacted an increase in the gasoline tax that was later made permanent to pay for the [[Interstate Highway System]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ike's Doctrine Adopted|newspaper=The Washington Observer|date=1957-03-07|agency=Associated Press|access-date=2013-02-11|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=f9NdAAAAIBAJ&pg=2111,8787&dq=hurricane+diane+1955&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512190307/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=f9NdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=oV4NAAAAIBAJ&pg=2111,8787&dq=hurricane+diane+1955&hl=en|archive-date=May 12, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The two taxes, each an increase of 1&nbsp;[[U.S. penny|penny]], totaled $71&nbsp;million, a part of which was set aside for future disasters.<ref>{{cite news|author=Lloyd R. Rochelle|agency=United Press|date=1955-12-22|title=Tax Wrangle in Harrisburg Tops Political News in 1955|newspaper=The News-Dispatch|access-date=2013-02-12|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=L81WAAAAIBAJ&pg=1076,5591295&dq=hurricane+diane+1955&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512174158/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=L81WAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-UENAAAAIBAJ&pg=1076,5591295&dq=hurricane+diane+1955&hl=en|archive-date=May 12, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The experience of the storm's aftermath provided the basis for the aftermath for [[Hurricane Agnes]] in 1972.<ref name="shapp">{{cite news|title=Shapp Will Outline Shovel-Out Plans|agency=United Press|date=1972-06-28|newspaper=Beaver County Times|access-date=2013-02-11|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DrAiAAAAIBAJ&pg=4627,3192154&dq=hurricane+diane+1955&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429001905/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DrAiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FLMFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4627,3192154&dq=hurricane+diane+1955&hl=en|archive-date=April 29, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In New Jersey, [[List of Governors of New Jersey|Governor]] [[Robert B. Meyner]] declared the floods as at the time the state's worst natural disaster.<ref name="Schwartz"/>

After the Naugatuck River flood in Connecticut cut off communications and bridges, the state was effectively cut in two.<ref name="geo"/> The state's [[Connecticut National Guard|National Guard]] used helicopters to rescue people. Governor [[Abraham A. Ribicoff]] visited areas affected by the flooding, due to the damage, Connecticut was declared a federal disaster area on August&nbsp;20.<ref name="ctf">{{cite web|publisher=Connecticut State Library|year=2012|title=The Connecticut Floods of 1955: A Fifty-Year Perspective|access-date=2013-02-09|url=http://www.cslib.org/flood1955.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712205408/http://www.cslib.org/flood1955.htm|archive-date=2014-07-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|title=Connecticut Hurricane, Torrential Rain, Floods (DR-42)|url=https://www.fema.gov/disaster/42|access-date=February 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809172457/http://www.fema.gov/disaster/42|archive-date=August 9, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The declaration allocated $25&nbsp;million in assistance to the state. Governor Ribicoff requested $34&nbsp;million in funds to rebuild and produce future flood mitigation projects; the state's funding was paid by a combination of [[Bond (finance)|bonds]] and tax increases.<ref name="nyt814"/> Including subsequent storms, the 1955 floods cumulatively killed 91&nbsp;people and left 1,100&nbsp;families homeless. Flooding occurred in 67&nbsp;towns, resulting in damage to 20,000&nbsp;families. About 86,000&nbsp;people were left unemployed after the floods.<ref name="ctf"/> In Winsted, the buildings that were washed away along the south side of Main Street were never rebuilt.<ref name="nyt814"/>

Massachusetts Governor [[Christian Herter]] also issued a state of emergency, due to the widespread flooding damage. As a result, the state's National Guard and the Army Corps assisted in cleanup, and most roads took three weeks to clear.<ref name="masslive"/> Residents in areas affected by Diane's flooding were advised to boil water and not to use gas cooking equipment.<ref name="ap822"/> Diane's historic rainfall resulted in the wettest month on record in Boston with a total of {{convert|17|in|mm|abbr=on}}, a record that stands as of 2010;<ref>{{cite news|author=Patrick Johnson|newspaper=The Republican|title=Rain causes basement flooding|date=2010-03-31|access-date=2013-02-10|url=http://www.masslive.com/metrowest/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-25/1270019896315230.xml&coll=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822113320/http://www.masslive.com/metrowest/republican/index.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fnews-25%2F1270019896315230.xml&coll=1|archive-date=August 22, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Boston's 24‑hour total of {{convert|8.4|in|mm|abbr=on}} remained the highest daily total as of 1996.<ref>{{cite news|date=1996-10-22|newspaper=The News|title=Storm Sets Record in New England: Two Dead|access-date=2013-02-11|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CiNUAAAAIBAJ&pg=2087,1426423&dq=hurricane+diane+1955+-fabian+-ivan&hl=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513213228/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CiNUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=L44DAAAAIBAJ&pg=2087,1426423&dq=hurricane+diane+1955+-fabian+-ivan&hl=en|archive-date=May 13, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Following Diane's floods, cities in Massachusetts enlarged [[culvert]]s and improved draining systems, as well as constructing [[weir]]s; these systems helped mitigate against future flooding.<ref name="walpole"/>

Using a monetary [[deflator]] in 2010 United States dollars, the damage from Diane would be about $7.4&nbsp;billion, which would have been the 17th highest in the United States. Accounting for inflation, changes in personal wealth, and population changes, it is estimated Diane would have caused $18&nbsp;billion in damage in 2010, or the 15th highest for a United States hurricane.<ref>{{cite report|author=Eric S. Blake|author2=Ethan J. Gibney|date=August 2011|title=The Deadliest, Costliest, and Most Intense United States Tropical Cyclones from 1851 to 2010 (and Other Frequently Requested Hurricane Facts)|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2013-02-13|page=11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/nws-nhc-6.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221124852/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/nws-nhc-6.pdf|archive-date=December 21, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

Spurred by the impacts of the several major hurricanes along the U.S. Atlantic seaboard in 1954 and 1955, including Diane, the [[Congress of the United States|U.S.Congress]] authorized funding for the [[United States Weather Bureau]] to establish the [[National Hurricane Research Project]] to conduct research into hurricanes and hurricane forecasting. Out of this grew the [[National Hurricane Center]] in 1956.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hurricane Research Division History:The Beginning |url=https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hrd_sub/beginning.html |publisher=[[Hurricane Research Division]] [[AOML]] |location=Miami, Florida |access-date=March 27, 2024}}</ref>

=== Retirement ===
On account of the extensive damage and high death toll, the name ''Diane'' was [[List of retired Atlantic hurricane names|retired]] by the U.S. Weather Bureau after the 1955 season. The name will never again be used for an Atlantic basin tropical cyclone.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone Naming History and Retired Names|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames_history.shtml|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=March 27, 2024}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of wettest tropical cyclones in the United States#Massachusetts|List of wettest tropical cyclones in Massachusetts]]
* [[List of North Carolina hurricanes (1950–79)]]
* [[List of New England hurricanes]]
* [[Tropical Storm Doria]] (1971)
* [[Hurricane Agnes]] (1972)
* [[Hurricane Floyd]] (1999)
* [[Hurricane Irene]] (2011)

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=nb}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}
* McCarthy Earls, Eamon. "Twisted Sisters: How Four Superstorms Forever Changed the Northeast in 1954 & 1955." Franklin: Via Appia Press (www.viaappiapress.com), 2014. {{ISBN|978-0982548578}}

{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
{{Commons category}}

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{{succession box
  | before = [[Hurricane Carol|Carol]] (1954)
  | title  = [[List of costliest Atlantic hurricanes|Costliest Atlantic hurricanes on Record]] 
  | years  = [[1955 Atlantic hurricane season|1955]]
  | after  = [[Hurricane Donna|Donna]]  
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{{Category 2 Atlantic hurricanes}}
{{Retired Atlantic hurricanes}}
{{1955 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Diane (1955)}}
[[Category:1955 Atlantic hurricane season]]
[[Category:1955 natural disasters in the United States|Hurricane Diane]]
[[Category:Cape Verde hurricanes|Diane]]
[[Category:Category 2 Atlantic hurricanes]]
[[Category:Retired Atlantic hurricanes]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Virginia]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Delaware]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in New Jersey]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in New England]]
[[Category:August 1955 in North America]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in West Virginia]]