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WEATHER

Remembering Hurricane Agnes and its lasting US impact — Photos

May 27, 2026, 10:31 a.m. ET
Two weeks in to the 1972 hurricane season, a tropical depression formed near the Yucatán Peninsula. When it moved ashore in the Florida Panhandle just four days later as a weak Hurricane Agnes, it became – and remains – one of the costliest storms ever to strike the U.S. mainland. A strong El Niño was developing in the Pacific Ocean when Agnes formed. The memories from Agnes lives on in the memories of communities in Pennsylvania and New York even after 50-plus years. Look back at its impact. Cars were tossed around like toys in Elmira, NY, by Agnes.
Two weeks in to the 1972 hurricane season, a tropical depression formed near the Yucatán Peninsula. When it moved ashore in the Florida Panhandle just four days later as a weak Hurricane Agnes, it became – and remains – one of the costliest storms ever to strike the U.S. mainland. A strong El Niñowas developing in the Pacific Ocean when Agnes formed.
The memories from Agnes lives on in the memories of communities in Pennsylvania and New York even after 50-plus years. Look back at its impact.

Cars were tossed around like toys in Elmira, NY, by Agnes.
Elmira Star-Gazette File Photo
Damage to the shoreline in the aftermath of Hurricane Agnes in Florida, U.S., in June 1972.
Damage to the shoreline in the aftermath of Hurricane Agnes in Florida, U.S., in June 1972.
State Library And Archives Of Florida HANDOUT, REUTERS
The corncrib at Wyldwyn Farm on Carpenter Road in Big Flats, NY, was turned on its side by flood waters. The little red hand-operated pitcher pump in front of the corncrib was what the family used to get the cleanup started in the house. It was the only source of water until the power was turned on a couple of weeks later.
The corncrib at Wyldwyn Farm on Carpenter Road in Big Flats, NY, was turned on its side by flood waters. The little red hand-operated pitcher pump in front of the corncrib was what the family used to get the cleanup started in the house. It was the only source of water until the power was turned on a couple of weeks later.
Carol Christian
The McDonald's in Riverside, near Corning, NY, was less than 1 year old when it was washed away by Agnes.
The McDonald's in Riverside, near Corning, NY, was less than 1 year old when it was washed away by Agnes.
Elmira Star-Gazette File Photo
Raging waters flow through Elmira's Franklin Street and South Avenue during the flood of 1972.
Raging waters flow through Elmira's Franklin Street and South Avenue during the flood of 1972.
Elmira Star-Gazette File Photo
This photo provided by Ken Cooper was taken from the Harris Hill overlook.
This photo provided by Ken Cooper was taken from the Harris Hill overlook.
Provided Photo
St. Joseph's Hospital in Elmira and other health care facilities in the path of Agnes were forced to evacuate patients by helicopter in some cases.
St. Joseph's Hospital in Elmira and other health care facilities in the path of Agnes were forced to evacuate patients by helicopter in some cases.
Elmira Star-Gazette File Photo
Agnes washed away part of Pennsylvania Avenue at the old Erie Railroad bridge looking toward the old Southside High School.
Agnes washed away part of Pennsylvania Avenue at the old Erie Railroad bridge looking toward the old Southside High School.
Elmira Star-Gazette File Photo
The American Uniform Center on South Main Street in Elmira was in the path of Agnes. This photo was taken during the week after the flood.
The American Uniform Center on South Main Street in Elmira was in the path of Agnes. This photo was taken during the week after the flood.
Elmira Star-Gazette File Photo
Water Street in Elmira.
Water Street in Elmira.
Jay Barrett
Looking east on West Clinton Street in Elmira.
Looking east on West Clinton Street in Elmira.
Julius A. Carozza
From Cappy's, looking south on Park Place in Elmira.
From Cappy's, looking south on Park Place in Elmira.
Julius A. Carozza
Looking south on North Main Street in Elmira.
Looking south on North Main Street in Elmira.
Julius A. Carozza
Looking west on West Clinton Street in Elmira.
Looking west on West Clinton Street in Elmira.
Julius A. Carozza
Much of the contents of the house and barns at Wyldwyn Farm on Carpenter Road in Big Flats were hauled out onto the lawn and driveway. The ladder against the house roof was how Carol Christian got into the house on the Saturday morning after the water receded. The doors were all swollen shut and couldn’t be opened. She got in through a bedroom window her parents had left open when they departed by boat the morning before.
Much of the contents of the house and barns at Wyldwyn Farm on Carpenter Road in Big Flats were hauled out onto the lawn and driveway. The ladder against the house roof was how Carol Christian got into the house on the Saturday morning after the water receded. The doors were all swollen shut and couldn’t be opened. She got in through a bedroom window her parents had left open when they departed by boat the morning before.
Carol Christian
Another view of items hauled out of the house and barns at Wyldwyn Farm on Carpenter Road in Big Flats. The hay on the ground had to be removed from the barn where it had become a fire hazard.
Another view of items hauled out of the house and barns at Wyldwyn Farm on Carpenter Road in Big Flats. The hay on the ground had to be removed from the barn where it had become a fire hazard.
Photo Provided By Carol Christian
Flooding of the Walnut Street Bridge in Elmira.
Flooding of the Walnut Street Bridge in Elmira.
Photo Provided By George Skillman
An image of Seneca Lake by the Showboat Motel. The photo was provided by Ronna Best of Binghamton. She was 6, and her sister, Robin, was 3 1/2, (both in photo) when they stayed in the cottages with parents, Ron and Rita Shetler, and grandparents, Foster and Mary Brewer.
An image of Seneca Lake by the Showboat Motel. The photo was provided by Ronna Best of Binghamton. She was 6, and her sister, Robin, was 3 1/2, (both in photo) when they stayed in the cottages with parents, Ron and Rita Shetler, and grandparents, Foster and Mary Brewer.
Elmira Star-Gazette File Photo
Agnes washed away part of Pennsylvania Avenue at the old Erie Railroad bridge looking toward the old Southside High School.
Agnes washed away part of Pennsylvania Avenue at the old Erie Railroad bridge looking toward the old Southside High School.
Elmira Star-Gazette File Photo
A look at 312 Lormore St. in Elmira on the day of the flood.
A look at 312 Lormore St. in Elmira on the day of the flood.
Photo Provided By Madelynne Kankus
Hoffman Street, looking south from West Second Street in Elmira.
Hoffman Street, looking south from West Second Street in Elmira.
Photo Provided By Julius A. Carozza Of Horseheads.
This photo provided by Ken Cooper was taken June 23, 1972 on Hoffman Street at West Second Street, looking south.
This photo provided by Ken Cooper was taken June 23, 1972 on Hoffman Street at West Second Street, looking south.
Provided
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