The 1938 Great Hurricane of New England: A Devastating Storm Forgotten
The 1938 hurricane, also known as the Great Hurricane of 1938 or the Long Island Express, was a disaster. It hit on September 21, 1938, causing huge damage on Long Island and Southern New England.
Anúncios
It started in the Cape Verde Islands and grew stronger, with winds up to 121 mph and gusts of 186 mph.
Over 700 people lost their lives, and about 63,000 were left without homes. This article aims to tell the story of the Great Hurricane of 1938. It will cover its meteorological history, the impact it had, and the lessons we can learn from it.
The storm’s impact was massive, with a storm surge of 17 feet in Rhode Island. It destroyed nearly 20,000 buildings. The legacy of this storm shows us the importance of good forecasting and being prepared for severe weather.
Introduction to the 1938 Hurricane
The 1938 hurricane started as a tropical depression near Africa’s west coast on September 9, 1938. It quickly grew into a powerful hurricane by mid-September. This storm was a Category 5 major hurricane with winds of 160 mph.
Anúncios
This storm was unlike any seen before in the northeastern United States. It was heading straight for the area.
On September 21, the hurricane hit Long Island at 47 mph. People were caught off guard, with too few warnings. The storm caused a lot of damage and loss of life in New England.
Between 682 and 800 people lost their lives in the disaster. Over 57,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. The damage was estimated at $306 million in 1938, or about $4.7 billion today.
The hurricane’s effects were felt for years after. It made people think more about how to prepare for and respond to storms. The 1938 hurricane showed us the power and unpredictability of nature.
Meteorological History of the 1938 Hurricane
The meteorological history of the 1938 Hurricane is quite remarkable. It started as a tropical depression off West Africa on September 9, 1938. It quickly grew into a Category 5 hurricane by September 19, with winds up to 160 mph. The storm moved fast, reaching speeds of up to 47 mph towards the East Coast.
As the 1938 storm evolution continued, it slightly weakened before hitting Long Island. It made landfall on September 21 at 2:30 PM as a Category 3 hurricane. The winds were strong, causing a lot of damage.
Here are some key facts about the hurricane:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Wind Speed | 260 km/h (160 mph) |
| Minimum Pressure | 938 mb |
| Landfall Location | Long Island, NY |
| Time of Landfall | September 21, 1938, at 2:30 PM |
| Forward Speed | 96 to 112 km/h (60 to 70 mph) |
| Travel Distance before Landfall | 960 km (600 mi) |
| Storm Surge Height | 4.3 – 7.6 m (14 – 25 ft) |
| Rainfall during Hurricane | Over 254 mm (10 in) |
| Estimated Damage | $306 million (1938 USD) |
Landfall on Long Island
On September 21, 1938, a powerful hurricane hit Suffolk County, Long Island. It was a Category 3 storm with winds of up to 120 mph. The storm caused widespread destruction, especially in areas east of Bellport.
The storm surge was incredibly high, reaching 17 feet above normal tide in some spots. This led to massive flooding, changing communities forever. About 60 people lost their lives on Long Island. The Great New England Hurricane took around 600 lives in total.
Survivors recall the chaos and fear. Children aged 4 to 6 were especially scared. Homes were destroyed, and cars were buried under fallen trees.
The storm changed the area’s landscape, creating the Shinnecock Inlet. Today, the Tuthill House Museum keeps the storm’s memory alive. It shows how the storm affected families for generations.
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Landfall Date | September 21, 1938 |
| Category | Category 3 |
| Maximum Sustained Winds | 120 mph |
| Lives Lost on Long Island | Approximately 60 |
| Total Fatalities | Approximately 600 |
| Estimated Damage Costs | Approximately $5 billion (2010 dollars) |
| Storm Surge Height | Up to 17 feet above normal high tide |
| Long-Term Impact | Creation of Shinnecock Inlet |
Effects on Southern New England
The 1938 hurricane hit Southern New England hard, leaving a lasting mark. It was a Category 3 hurricane that made landfall in Connecticut. The storm brought strong winds and heavy rain, causing massive damage.
Thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed. About 600 people lost their lives. The storm also damaged the region’s infrastructure, leaving many without power and basic services for a long time.
Flooding made things worse, with rivers overflowing their banks. The Connecticut River and the Merrimack River saw record-high water levels. Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island saw a 14-foot storm surge. Coastal towns in Connecticut suffered from tides that rose 14 to 25 feet.
The economic damage was huge, with estimates of $306 million to $410 million in 1938 dollars. Adjusted for today, that’s nearly $5 billion. This disaster changed how New England prepares for hurricanes.
- Estimated fatalities: 600
- Homes affected: Over 57,000
- Fishing vessels destroyed: 2,600
- Total economic impact: $306-$410 million (1938 dollars)
- Maximum wind gust: 186 mph
The storm showed the power of nature, leading to big changes in how the region prepares for emergencies. The 1938 hurricane’s impact is a reminder of how severe weather can change lives and landscapes quickly.
Notable Characteristics of the 1938 Hurricane
The 1938 hurricane is famous for its strong weather features and the harm it caused on the East Coast. Its hurricane characteristics led to the destruction in Long Island and southern New England. The storm moved fast, at over 60 mph, giving people little time to get ready.
The intensity of the 1938 storm was extreme, with winds over 100 mph when it hit land. Wind gusts reached 186 mph at the Blue Hill Observatory in Massachusetts. These wind speeds caused a lot of damage, as trees were knocked down and buildings were destroyed.
The storm surge was also a big problem, reaching 12 to 15 feet in Narragansett Bay. This caused a lot of flooding, especially in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. The storm killed about 600 people in Long Island and southern New England. It also destroyed over 9,000 homes and buildings, and damaged about 15,000 more.
In total, the hurricane caused around 700 deaths and many injuries. Its effects were not just on the coast, but also in the sea. Almost 3,000 ships were sunk or wrecked because of the storm’s harsh conditions.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Wind Gust | 186 mph at Blue Hill Observatory |
| Wind Speeds on Landfall | Exceeding 100 mph |
| Storm Surge Height | 12 to 15 feet in Narragansett Bay |
| Total Fatalities | Approximately 700 |
| Homes Destroyed | Over 9,000 |
| Structures Damaged | About 15,000 |
| Ships Lost | Nearly 3,000 |
| Estimated Damages | $306 million (1938 equivalent) |
| Date of the Hurricane | September 21, 1938 |
Historical Context of the 1938 Hurricane
The 1938 hurricane was a major event in New England’s weather history. It was unlike any storm before it, showing great power and destruction. This storm’s impact was not just immediate but also changed how we forecast and prepare for weather.
After the storm, emergency plans got better. There were more efforts to warn people and improve weather forecasts. This helped communities get ready for future storms. It showed how important it is for people to be informed and ready during disasters.
Personal Accounts of the 1938 Hurricane
The 1938 hurricane left a lasting impact on those who lived through it. People remember the terror and chaos it brought. For example, children were rushed home from birthday parties as the winds grew stronger.
One memorable moment was the sudden darkness that fell over a local candy shop. The destruction happened fast and without warning.
Patricia Shuttleworth was just 10 years old when the storm hit. She says it changed her childhood forever. She notes how the storm’s impact was historically significant.
Milton Miller calls the hurricane the worst storm he’s ever seen. He compares it to the chaos of war, drawing from his time in the South Pacific.
- Patricia’s realization of the storm’s unprecedented nature.
- Milton equating the hurricane’s destruction to that of war.
- Elizabeth Ann Mills’s experience of being swept away by powerful waves.
Elizabeth was 12 when she saw homes being washed away. Furniture floated by her in the water. The waves were more intense than any she’d seen before.
Her story shows the emotional impact of the hurricane. It reminds us of the storm’s legacy and the memories it left in New England.
| Individual | Age During Hurricane | Key Memory |
|---|---|---|
| Patricia Shuttleworth | 10 | Realization of the hurricane’s unprecedented danger |
| Milton Miller | Adult | Comparison to wartime chaos |
| Elizabeth Ann Mills | 12 | Experience of being in deep water and floating debris |
Lessons Learned from the 1938 Hurricane
The 1938 hurricane was a tragic event that taught us a lot about disaster preparedness and how to respond to storms. It caused over 700 deaths and $306 million in damages. This showed us how important good communication and forecasting are.
The storm’s unexpected trajectory showed us how vulnerable we were. It made us realize we needed to improve our emergency plans. This was a wake-up call for better disaster management.
After the storm, changes were made to help people better. There were new weather warnings and education for the public. Training people on how to prepare for disasters became key.
Now, we have programs that help us deal with severe weather. These programs are based on what we learned from the 1938 hurricane. They help us stay safe during storms.
Looking back at storms like the 1938 hurricane, we can make better plans. This is thanks to historical records. These lessons help us today, showing how important they are.
Legacy of the 1938 Hurricane
The 1938 hurricane left a lasting mark on history. It caused widespread devastation and inspired a strong response. This storm is remembered in American history, shaping how we prepare for natural disasters today.
The storm killed about 700 people and destroyed 20,000 buildings. Its winds were over 150 miles per hour, and the tidal surges reached up to 30 feet. These extreme conditions changed how officials handle weather emergencies.
After the storm, new technologies and emergency plans were developed. The 1938 hurricane led to better communication systems to warn communities. This shows how the storm changed disaster management for the better.
The 1938 hurricane’s impact goes beyond numbers and destruction. It shows the strength of communities facing disasters. By learning from this event, we stay ready for the future.
| Impact Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fatalities | Approx. 700 confirmed deaths |
| Injuries | 1,754 injured |
| Property Damage | Estimated $250-$300 million (1938 prices) |
| Structures Affected | Over 20,000 homes and buildings destroyed |
| Wind Speeds | Recorded gusts over 150 mph |
| Households Impacted | Approximately 93,122 households |
| Storm Surge | Up to 30 feet |
| Community Response | Enhanced emergency preparedness and communication systems |
The Role of Media in Reporting the 1938 Hurricane
The 1938 hurricane was a turning point in storm reporting in the U.S. At first, media warnings didn’t show how bad it would be. They didn’t warn people enough, leading to a lack of readiness.
When the hurricane hit, media coverage changed. They reported on the huge damage and loss of life. This caught everyone’s attention and showed how important it is to report accurately during emergencies.
After the storm, reporters talked about the recovery efforts. They showed how strong the affected communities were. This reporting helped people understand the importance of being ready for disasters.
The media’s role in this disaster was huge. It showed how journalism helps in emergencies. The coverage from then has set new standards for hurricane reporting. It shows how crucial it is to report quickly and accurately.
Continued Relevance of the 1938 Hurricane
The 1938 hurricane is more than just a memory. It’s a key lesson for today’s weather experts and disaster planners. The storm’s winds over 100 miles per hour and damage in 904 towns show us why we need to stay alert about hurricanes.
Over 15 million acres were hit, showing the impact on future storms. Schools teach about this storm to help us prepare for others. They teach us how fast things can change and why we need quick warnings.
Rebuilding efforts showed how strong communities can be. Thousands worked together to recover timber, showing the power of teamwork. This work laid the groundwork for better disaster management and forestry recovery in the future.
If you want to learn more about this important event, this film offers deep insights. It explores how the hurricane changed society and the environment.
Conclusion
The 1938 hurricane reminds us of nature’s power and New England’s strength. This storm had winds up to 120 mph and killed 682 people. It also destroyed around 275 million trees and damaged important buildings like Lillard Hall.
This event teaches us the value of being ready for disasters. It shows how important it is to communicate well during emergencies. We learn to improve our ways of dealing with storms.
The storm’s damage, worth about $2 million today, highlights the need for better responses. We must always work on making our communities safer. The 1938 hurricane’s story teaches us to be prepared and work together.
Remembering the 1938 hurricane, we should stay ready for future storms. Let’s use these lessons to make better choices. The story of the 1938 hurricane is a call to action for protecting our communities.
FAQ
What was the 1938 hurricane also known as?
When did the 1938 hurricane make landfall?
What was the maximum wind speed recorded during the hurricane?
How did the 1938 hurricane impact Long Island and Southern New England?
What was the estimated loss of life due to the 1938 hurricane?
How did the media report on the hurricane?
What lessons were learned from the 1938 hurricane?
Why is the 1938 hurricane considered a pivotal event in meteorological history?
What was the economic impact of the 1938 hurricane?
How does the legacy of the 1938 hurricane endure today?
