AccuWeather.com

Description: The Conemaugh viaduct was a solid stone arch over the Old Portage Railorad considered to be the most graceful Railroad arch in America. It was swept away, reduced to atoms and here is being replaced by a wooden trestle 1000 feet long and 100 ft. high. Completed in 3 days. At the Conemaugh Viaduct, a 78-foot high railroad bridge, the flood temporarily was stopped when debris jammed against the stone bridge`s arch. But after around seven minutes, the viaduct collapsed, allowing the flood to resume its course. Because of this, the force of the surge would gain strength periodically, resulting in a stronger force hitting Johnstown than otherwise would be expected. The small town of Mineral Point, one mile 1.6 km below the Conemaugh Viaduct, was hit with renewed force. About 30 families lived on the village`s single street. After the flood, only a bare rock remained. About 16 people were killed.