Question: What is the worst weather in Augusta's history?

Answer: Although the idea of which weather event is worst is somewhat subjective, I would have to say that the worst weather ever recorded in our area was the flood of 1908.

The flood of 1908 is without equal. Over 25 square miles of land were submerged, with not a square foot of dry land downtown. The canal was submerged from the Locks to Rae’s creek. As the fast moving water swept away the SC Railroad bridge – it wrecked the 5th street bridge. With the other two bridges severely damaged, there was no way across the river for several days.

The 1908 flood inundated downtown, with much of Broad St. under at least waist-deep water. Total damage in today’s dollars was 28 million – 18 people drowned.

The immense destruction finally compelled city leaders to build a levee – and since the levee – floods have never been as destructive.

Since the Clarks Hill (Thurmond) Dam was build back in the 1950s, only minor flooding has occurred on the river.