Extreme Rain in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, 2 to 3 inches of rain in just 24 hours is considered an extreme rainfall event. Thats enough to overwhelm storm drains, erode soil, and flood gardens.

About 65% of daily rainstorms in PA bring less than one inch in 24 hours.

About 95% of storms are less than 3 inches

Major storm benchmarks - like 100-year events - are closer to 5" in 24 hours in cities like Pittsburgh

2 to 3 inches means the rain was significantly heavier than average - not typical everyday rainfall. This has a high potential to cause garden flooding and erosion.

For statewide flood records, true, "extreme" starts closer to 5" in 24 hours.

For gardeners and farmers, this heavy rain can wash away topsoil and steal nutrients spread invasive seeds cause root rot in some plants.