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| Press Section 2010 |
| Press inquiries regarding Mid-Atlantic hurricane history are welcome. Contact the author by e-mail: ricschwartz@yahoo.com |
| Ten Hurricanes That Offer Cautionary Tales by Rick Schwartz |
Which is the worst hurricane to strike the Middle Atlantic states during the past 400 years?
There is no one storm that has brought the most destructive wind and rain in a single
package. Instead, various hurricanes have caused the most severe effects.
The last few decades have included historic flood events like hurricanes Agnes in 1972
and Floyd in 1999. Hurricane Isabel caused record levels in some interior tidal sections of
the Chesapeake Bay region during 2003. However, to locate the most destructive wind
producers and the most devastating coastal hurricanes, one must look to the distant past.
The following have no equal during recent years:
1667 On September 6, a severe hurricane tracked through the Chesapeake Bay
region. 1667 became known as the "Year of the Hurricane" to those who endured its
extreme violence. An official report noted, "A mighty wind on (Sept. 6) destroyed four-fifths
of (our) tobacco and corn and blew down in two hours fifteen thousand houses in Virginia
and Maryland."
"The nearest computation is at least 10,000 houses blown down ..." according to
another account. The valuable tobacco crop was largely destroyed. This hurricane
remained a benchmark for generations.
"The tide (at Norfolk) rose 15 feet perpendicular," according to the Virginia Gazette. Many
ships were lost in the vicinity. Waterfronts were devastated in the lower Chesapeake Bay
region. The highest tide of the 20th century was just under 10 feet above normal, making a
15-foot rise seem extreme. But forecasters say a Category 3 or stronger hurricane making
landfall at or near the mouth of the bay could cause such an event. It would displace about
500,000 of the 1.5 million residents who live in the Hampton Roads area, according to area
emergency management officials.
destructive storms. On Sept. 7-8, it caused tremendous property losses on water and land.
Winds were likely of hurricane force on the lower two-thirds of the bay. Immense crop
damage occurred during a period when agriculture ruled the local economy.
1821 On September 3, the Norfolk and Long Island Hurricane tracked over the North
Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey shore. It produced hurricane-force winds along
the coast and a destructive storm wave that inundated many barrier islands of the
Delmarva Peninsula.
The eye of the Norfolk and Long Island Hurricane tracked along what is today the Garden
State Parkway in New Jersey. Hurricane and storm-force gusts caused widespread crop
and property losses throughout much of the state. The eye passed near New York City,
with the storm causing widespread, mostly minor, structural damage but significant
waterfront losses.
tracked north near the Chesapeake Bay and into Pennsylvania. It brought Philadelphia's
most destructive windstorm. Hurricane-force winds severely damaged or destroyed about
700 buildings. Considerable structural damage throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.
Gusts in some places peaked at around 100 mph.
The hurricane caused widespread wind damage throughout southeastern Virginia,
eastern Maryland,Delaware and western New Jersey. The Chesapeake Bay steamship
Express capsized, with the loss of 16 passengers and crew members, a victim of high winds
and waves. A storm wave inundated the Delaware Bay region along 30 miles of shoreline.
In some places, the water advanced inland for more than a mile. Broadsides of hurricane
force claimed 100 roofs in Wilmington, Del.
1889 From October 8-11, a hurricane stalled and dissipated offshore. Tremendous
damage occurred along the entire Mid-Atlantic coast, as steady, strong winds built
increasing tides. It remains one of the region's most destructive coastal storms, in the same
league as the Ash Wednesday Storm of March 1962.. This event offers a lesson on the
power of persistence from stalled or slow-moving hurricanes (and nor'easters).
1896 A hurricane made landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast before devastating the eastern
United States on September 29. It ranks among interior sections of the Eastern Seaboard's
most destructive hurricane-related windstorms. Hurricane-force gusts swept a 50-mile east-
west corridor, from northeastern Florida to New York. Thousands of homes were seriously
damaged and a vast number of trees uprooted. A covered bridge at Columbia, Pa., more
than a mile long, succumbed to two hours of tremendous gusts. A dam breach and
avalanche of water through Staunton, Va., wrecked sections of the downtown.
1933 The Chesapeake and Potomac Hurricane tracked through the Mid-Atlantic on
August 23. It brought tidal sections of the Chesapeake Bay region erosive, record, flooding
and caused extensive inundations from heavy rainfall. Storm and gale-force winds battered
much of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania. Surging tides cut an inlet at Ocean
City, Md.
1944 The Great Atlantic Hurricane, a Category 3-borderline Category 4 storm, tracked
about 40 to 50 miles off the Mid-Atlantic shore on September 14. Gusts of 80 to 100 mph
blasted coastal areas. The eye tracked very near Cape Hatteras, bringing a record low
barometric pressure of 27.97 inches to the weather station. A. A series of huge storm
waves, estimated to be 30 to 50 feet high, caused catastrophic oceanfront damage along
nearly the entire length of the New Jersey coast. At Cape Henry, Va. a peak sustained wind
of 134 mph was recorded, with gusts estimated at 150 mph.
1954 Hurricane Hazel on October 15 made landfall at the North Carolina-South
Carolina border before racing north to Canada. Winds gusted from 75 to more than 100
mph throughout eastern sections of North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania,
as well as in part of Delaware and New Jersey. The extreme winds brought a large-scale
pruning of trees and widespread minor to moderate structural damage to interior sections.
Rainfall of 4 to 6 inches caused extensive flash flooding west of Hazel's track.
A storm similar to these hurricanes would cause losses in the billions of dollars.
Before the current active hurricane cycle has finished, expect one or more events of
the magnitude on this list to occur in the Mid-Atlantic region.
There is no one storm that has brought the most destructive wind and rain in a single
package. Instead, various hurricanes have caused the most severe effects.
The last few decades have included historic flood events like hurricanes Agnes in 1972
and Floyd in 1999. Hurricane Isabel caused record levels in some interior tidal sections of
the Chesapeake Bay region during 2003. However, to locate the most destructive wind
producers and the most devastating coastal hurricanes, one must look to the distant past.
The following have no equal during recent years:
1667 On September 6, a severe hurricane tracked through the Chesapeake Bay
region. 1667 became known as the "Year of the Hurricane" to those who endured its
extreme violence. An official report noted, "A mighty wind on (Sept. 6) destroyed four-fifths
of (our) tobacco and corn and blew down in two hours fifteen thousand houses in Virginia
and Maryland."
"The nearest computation is at least 10,000 houses blown down ..." according to
another account. The valuable tobacco crop was largely destroyed. This hurricane
remained a benchmark for generations.
"The tide (at Norfolk) rose 15 feet perpendicular," according to the Virginia Gazette. Many
ships were lost in the vicinity. Waterfronts were devastated in the lower Chesapeake Bay
region. The highest tide of the 20th century was just under 10 feet above normal, making a
15-foot rise seem extreme. But forecasters say a Category 3 or stronger hurricane making
landfall at or near the mouth of the bay could cause such an event. It would displace about
500,000 of the 1.5 million residents who live in the Hampton Roads area, according to area
emergency management officials.
destructive storms. On Sept. 7-8, it caused tremendous property losses on water and land.
Winds were likely of hurricane force on the lower two-thirds of the bay. Immense crop
damage occurred during a period when agriculture ruled the local economy.
1821 On September 3, the Norfolk and Long Island Hurricane tracked over the North
Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey shore. It produced hurricane-force winds along
the coast and a destructive storm wave that inundated many barrier islands of the
Delmarva Peninsula.
The eye of the Norfolk and Long Island Hurricane tracked along what is today the Garden
State Parkway in New Jersey. Hurricane and storm-force gusts caused widespread crop
and property losses throughout much of the state. The eye passed near New York City,
with the storm causing widespread, mostly minor, structural damage but significant
waterfront losses.
tracked north near the Chesapeake Bay and into Pennsylvania. It brought Philadelphia's
most destructive windstorm. Hurricane-force winds severely damaged or destroyed about
700 buildings. Considerable structural damage throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.
Gusts in some places peaked at around 100 mph.
The hurricane caused widespread wind damage throughout southeastern Virginia,
eastern Maryland,Delaware and western New Jersey. The Chesapeake Bay steamship
Express capsized, with the loss of 16 passengers and crew members, a victim of high winds
and waves. A storm wave inundated the Delaware Bay region along 30 miles of shoreline.
In some places, the water advanced inland for more than a mile. Broadsides of hurricane
force claimed 100 roofs in Wilmington, Del.
1889 From October 8-11, a hurricane stalled and dissipated offshore. Tremendous
damage occurred along the entire Mid-Atlantic coast, as steady, strong winds built
increasing tides. It remains one of the region's most destructive coastal storms, in the same
league as the Ash Wednesday Storm of March 1962.. This event offers a lesson on the
power of persistence from stalled or slow-moving hurricanes (and nor'easters).
1896 A hurricane made landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast before devastating the eastern
United States on September 29. It ranks among interior sections of the Eastern Seaboard's
most destructive hurricane-related windstorms. Hurricane-force gusts swept a 50-mile east-
west corridor, from northeastern Florida to New York. Thousands of homes were seriously
damaged and a vast number of trees uprooted. A covered bridge at Columbia, Pa., more
than a mile long, succumbed to two hours of tremendous gusts. A dam breach and
avalanche of water through Staunton, Va., wrecked sections of the downtown.
1933 The Chesapeake and Potomac Hurricane tracked through the Mid-Atlantic on
August 23. It brought tidal sections of the Chesapeake Bay region erosive, record, flooding
and caused extensive inundations from heavy rainfall. Storm and gale-force winds battered
much of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania. Surging tides cut an inlet at Ocean
City, Md.
1944 The Great Atlantic Hurricane, a Category 3-borderline Category 4 storm, tracked
about 40 to 50 miles off the Mid-Atlantic shore on September 14. Gusts of 80 to 100 mph
blasted coastal areas. The eye tracked very near Cape Hatteras, bringing a record low
barometric pressure of 27.97 inches to the weather station. A. A series of huge storm
waves, estimated to be 30 to 50 feet high, caused catastrophic oceanfront damage along
nearly the entire length of the New Jersey coast. At Cape Henry, Va. a peak sustained wind
of 134 mph was recorded, with gusts estimated at 150 mph.
1954 Hurricane Hazel on October 15 made landfall at the North Carolina-South
Carolina border before racing north to Canada. Winds gusted from 75 to more than 100
mph throughout eastern sections of North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania,
as well as in part of Delaware and New Jersey. The extreme winds brought a large-scale
pruning of trees and widespread minor to moderate structural damage to interior sections.
Rainfall of 4 to 6 inches caused extensive flash flooding west of Hazel's track.
A storm similar to these hurricanes would cause losses in the billions of dollars.
Before the current active hurricane cycle has finished, expect one or more events of
the magnitude on this list to occur in the Mid-Atlantic region.
| Seven Risky Assumptions Made About Mid-Atlantic Hurricanes by Rick Schwartz |
1. "We can relax. Forecasters are predicting fewer hurricanes this year."
In 1972, Hurricane Agnes devastated the Middle Atlantic states. There were only four named hurricanes that year. In
September 1896, a hurricane blasted its way along nearly the entire Eastern Seaboard, bringing many places, including
Richmond, Va., and Washington their most destructive windstorms. There were only six tropical cyclones that year. On
the other hand, some hurricane seasons have featured more than a dozen storms, yet none affected the Mid-Atlantic.
Quantity can be very misleading. Agnes, the first named tropical cyclone of 1972, was one too many.
2. The ocean is safe for swimming. After all, the sun is shining, the hurricane is 500 miles away, and it is not
expected to come here."
Hurricane generated swells can ripple out a thousand miles or more, creating deadly rip currents. The storm's circulation
is not indicative of the range of related surf. More people have died on Mid-Atlantic beaches from hurricane-related rip
currents during fair weather than have been lost while the elements raged.
3. The National Weather Service usually gets it wrong. The hurricane won't be that bad. We will not evacuate
from our lovely oceanfront home."
Big hurricanes have been nearly absent from the Mid-Atlantic coast during the past 50 years. However, historically, they
occur several times each century. So far during the current active North Atlantic cycle, which began in 1995, no
hurricane has ravaged the entire Mid-Atlantic coast. However, a storm capable of inundating large sections of the
region's barrier islands remains historically due and will likely come as a shock to those unaware of hurricane history.
4. "The only real threat from a hurricane to interior sections is heavy rain. Actual hurricanes--hurricane force
winds--don't happen around here."
While rare, tropical cyclones have brought hurricane-force winds well inland, causing vast losses over large geographic
areas. For example, the highest recorded winds in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, Pa., occurred with the passage
of hurricanes. Most sections in the eastern third of the Mid-Atlantic region have experienced hurricane-force winds from
at least one hurricane during the past 150 years.
5. "Everyone outside a potential flood area should shelter in place. Hunker-down in your house."
Perhaps. But if a high wind event is anticipated and the shelter has large trees or power lines within reach, some will
topple during the storm. Hurricanes are one of nature's tools for periodically pruning trees of the Eastern Seaboard.
Also, a high wind event brings the possibility of falling chimneys or shattered windows. Before sheltering in place,
consider the type of risks (flooding, wind, etc.) and whether a shelter is secure.
6. "Nothing like this has ever happened here before."
The corollary: "This was the most violent storm in the memory of the oldest inhabitant." Big hurricanes are rare visitors
to the Mid-Atlantic, but they always return. After an absence of decades, many denizens assume extreme hurricane
events are someone else's problem. It's as if nature delights in playing such tricks. About the time an event is
considered impossible, it happens. The Middle Atlantic states are historically due for storms with extreme winds and
coastal flooding. No doubt, when one occurs, comments like the aforesaid will be heard again.
7. "We never thought the water would get that high."
Flooding is a hallmark of hurricanes. Torrential rains stretch the limit of known floodplains and sometimes go beyond.
Debris or landslides may create artificial dams that collect water, then suddenly give way. Extensive pavement in urban
areas may create streams that funnel water to normally dry places. Properties near tidal waterways face increasing
vulnerability because of rising seas and erosion. About 25 percent of claims related to flood insurance come from areas
considered fairly safe.
In 1972, Hurricane Agnes devastated the Middle Atlantic states. There were only four named hurricanes that year. In
September 1896, a hurricane blasted its way along nearly the entire Eastern Seaboard, bringing many places, including
Richmond, Va., and Washington their most destructive windstorms. There were only six tropical cyclones that year. On
the other hand, some hurricane seasons have featured more than a dozen storms, yet none affected the Mid-Atlantic.
Quantity can be very misleading. Agnes, the first named tropical cyclone of 1972, was one too many.
2. The ocean is safe for swimming. After all, the sun is shining, the hurricane is 500 miles away, and it is not
expected to come here."
Hurricane generated swells can ripple out a thousand miles or more, creating deadly rip currents. The storm's circulation
is not indicative of the range of related surf. More people have died on Mid-Atlantic beaches from hurricane-related rip
currents during fair weather than have been lost while the elements raged.
3. The National Weather Service usually gets it wrong. The hurricane won't be that bad. We will not evacuate
from our lovely oceanfront home."
Big hurricanes have been nearly absent from the Mid-Atlantic coast during the past 50 years. However, historically, they
occur several times each century. So far during the current active North Atlantic cycle, which began in 1995, no
hurricane has ravaged the entire Mid-Atlantic coast. However, a storm capable of inundating large sections of the
region's barrier islands remains historically due and will likely come as a shock to those unaware of hurricane history.
4. "The only real threat from a hurricane to interior sections is heavy rain. Actual hurricanes--hurricane force
winds--don't happen around here."
While rare, tropical cyclones have brought hurricane-force winds well inland, causing vast losses over large geographic
areas. For example, the highest recorded winds in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, Pa., occurred with the passage
of hurricanes. Most sections in the eastern third of the Mid-Atlantic region have experienced hurricane-force winds from
at least one hurricane during the past 150 years.
5. "Everyone outside a potential flood area should shelter in place. Hunker-down in your house."
Perhaps. But if a high wind event is anticipated and the shelter has large trees or power lines within reach, some will
topple during the storm. Hurricanes are one of nature's tools for periodically pruning trees of the Eastern Seaboard.
Also, a high wind event brings the possibility of falling chimneys or shattered windows. Before sheltering in place,
consider the type of risks (flooding, wind, etc.) and whether a shelter is secure.
6. "Nothing like this has ever happened here before."
The corollary: "This was the most violent storm in the memory of the oldest inhabitant." Big hurricanes are rare visitors
to the Mid-Atlantic, but they always return. After an absence of decades, many denizens assume extreme hurricane
events are someone else's problem. It's as if nature delights in playing such tricks. About the time an event is
considered impossible, it happens. The Middle Atlantic states are historically due for storms with extreme winds and
coastal flooding. No doubt, when one occurs, comments like the aforesaid will be heard again.
7. "We never thought the water would get that high."
Flooding is a hallmark of hurricanes. Torrential rains stretch the limit of known floodplains and sometimes go beyond.
Debris or landslides may create artificial dams that collect water, then suddenly give way. Extensive pavement in urban
areas may create streams that funnel water to normally dry places. Properties near tidal waterways face increasing
vulnerability because of rising seas and erosion. About 25 percent of claims related to flood insurance come from areas
considered fairly safe.