Today in Severe Weather History for August 5

On this date in 1843, a severe thunderstorm hammered Philadelphia, PA.  The storm was reported to have produced over 16 inches of rain in just 3 hours, sending the Delaware River into a raging torrent.  Over 32 county bridges were destroyed and it is believed that 19 people died.  Some reports indicate that at least one tornado also took place, which in combination with the heavy rains sank more than 30 barges on the Schuylkill River.