July 15 was the last straw as water began to pour into the Fairfax District. In anticipation of such a break, a second levee had been started in order to protect the Quindaro Utility Plant in the northwest corner of the district. The plant supplied water and electricity to more than 130,000 customers in Kansas City, Kansas. Shutting down the plant would have been disastrous as water hitting the boilers would lead to a devastating explosion. Workers virtually removed a nearby clay hill in their efforts to build up and support the dike. By 4 AM Saturday, the dike was within of being topped as the flood had crested. By Monday, waters were receding as fast as they had come up. The flood caused more than one billion dollars (1951 dollars) and claimed 41 lives in the Midwest. In Kansas City only three persons drowned, but property damage was $870 million. Of the five industrial districts only North Kansas City was completely saved. The airport and the Quindaro plants were also spared from the worst. California flood – 1955 The storm affected the Central Sierra and South Bay areas. The Eel River on the North Coast saw the greatest flow of record to that time, while Central Valley rivers saw near-record flows. A statewide disaster was declared, and the storm resulted in 74 deaths and $200 million in economic losses. The heaviest 24-hour rainfall was recorded on December 20 when fell in Shasta County. New England floods – 1955 Flooding of the Connecticut River and Westfield River in August 1955 killed at least 87 people. The flood produced $8 million in damages, or over $100 million by today's standards. Decade of the 1960s Michigan flood – April/May 1960 Widespread heavy rains fell across the upper peninsula of Michigan in two time periods; April 24 to 26 and May 7 until 12. The two rain events led to of rain falling across northern Michigan over this three-week period. Residual snowpack in forested areas added to its effects. It was considered a once in 25–50 year event for much of the area, although many of the records set during this event stand today. Damage totaled US$575,000 (1960 dollars). New Hampshire flood – April 1960 This flood struck the Merrimack and Piscataquog rivers. It was the third highest flood on record in these areas. California flood – 1962 The Columbus Day storm brought