 The storm 's effects quickly spread northward . Winds at Philadelphia began to increase in the morning on July 18 , becoming severe by the evening hours . Air pressure fell to 993 millibars ( 29 @.@ 3 inHg ) early on July 19 as the hurricane 's center passed to the west , and the city received more than 4 inches ( 100 mm ) of rainfall . The storm wrought significant damage throughout the city , including to trees , signs , and structures . A number of houses were demolished , and many more — including a large brick building near Rittenhouse Square — suffered damage . Major freshwater flooding was observed in the area , especially along the Schuylkill River , which rapidly rose to its highest level since 1838 . A large quantity of lumber was swept away , and several docks were submerged . Their " worst apprehensions realized " , hundreds of residents worked hurriedly to mitigate damage from the flooding . Bridges over the river at Phoenixville were washed away , resulting in the deaths of four individuals . A lock of a dam upstream of Phoenixville gave way , destroying a boat and killing its occupants . Four men and a child reportedly drowned on the river 's banks near Conshohocken . Railways were covered with up to 3 feet of water in low @-@ lying spots . Numerous small craft capsized on the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers . Overall , 20 people died in various storm @-@ related tragedies along the Schuylkill . 
