🏞️ Historical Hump Day: Living Through the 1985 Cheyenne Flood!💧

I’m a Cheyenne resident on the night of August 1, 1985, when the sky unleashed a torrent that transformed my quiet street into a raging river. The rain started as a typical summer shower, but by midnight, it had dumped over 6 inches in hours, overwhelming Crow Creek and shattering the city’s peace. Water surged into my home, toppling furniture as I clutched my children, their cries merging with the wind’s howl. Outside, headlights cut through the chaos as neighbors waded through chest-high water, shouting warnings and aiding the vulnerable, like the elderly neighbor whose trembling hands I steadied. The power failed, plunging us into darkness, and I could only pray for dawn as the floodwaters rose.

By morning, the devastation was stark—my neighborhood a sodden wreck, cars upended, and sirens piercing the air as rescue teams arrived. I joined a line passing sandbags, my body weary but my spirit lifted by the community’s resolve. We shared blankets and coffee from a Red Cross truck, the camaraderie a lifeline amid the ruin. Those hours taught me survival hinges on preparation and unity, lessons that echo in our annual Compass and Courage class each September, where we hone navigation and resilience skills to face such disasters head-on, just as Cheyenne did that fateful night.

The flood took a heavy toll, claiming 12 lives and injuring 70, while leaving behind $65 million in damages—over $112 million in today’s dollars—making it Wyoming’s deadliest natural disaster and a stark reminder of nature’s power.

Lessons Learned:

- Flash floods can strike with little warning; always have an evacuation plan and monitor weather closely.

- Community teamwork, like passing sandbags or aiding neighbors, is critical during a crisis.

- Preparedness, such as elevating homes or keeping emergency supplies, can mitigate future losses.

Wyoming Patriots, connect with the Wyoming Patriots Check-In Group to share your flood stories! Community Challenge: Post a photo of your emergency prep gear or a Cheyenne landmark—bonus for a 1980s vibe! 💬 How would you ready yourself for a flash flood? 📸

Big thanks to TeamWyoCity, our next sponsor, for supporting our preparedness journey! Message us to get involved! 💪 #WyomingPatriots #HistoricalHumpDay #CheyenneFlood #ThankYouTeamWyoCity