The 1886 Atlantic hurricane season was an active and record breaking Atlantic hurricane season that ran through the early summer and the first half of fall in 1886. Out of the ten known hurricanes, seven of them struck the United States at that intensity;[1][2] an all-time record. The season also had the most active June, and reached the modern seasonal average of hurricanes by mid-August.[3] This occurred once more in 1893, and has remained a distant record since. Four of the hurricanes also reached major hurricane status. However, with the absence of modern satellites and other remote-sensing technologies, only storms that affected populated land areas or encountered ships at sea were documented. The actual total is likely higher with an average under-count bias estimate of zero to six tropical cyclones per year between 1851 and 1885 and zero to four per year between 1886 and 1910.[4] Several studies have also suggested that the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa may have played a significant role in the unusual and enhanced activity.[5][6]Hurricane Seven and Tropical Storm Eleven were recently documented in 1996 by Jose Fernandez-Partagas and Henry Diaz, in which they also proposed alterations to other known tracks of several other 1886 storms.[7]
The 1886 Atlantic hurricane season commenced at 06:00 UTC on June 13.[8] The season was approximately average, featuring 12 tropical storms compared to the more modern 1981–2010 annual average of 12.1.[9] The number of hurricanes, however, was well above average, with 10 forming compared to the latest 1991–2020 annual average of 7.2.[10] The number of major hurricanes—defined as Category 3 or higher on the modern Saffir–Simpson scale—was four; also above average compared to an average of 3.2. Owing to deficiencies in surface weather observations at the time, the total number of tropical storms in 1886 was likely higher than 12. A 2008 study indicated that about three storms may have been missed by observational records due to scarce marine traffic over the open Atlantic Ocean.[11] All but two of the storms in 1886 affected land at some point in the tropical stages of their life cycles.[8] Of these, four hurricanes struck the island of Cuba, a record unsurpassed in any Atlantic hurricane season since at least 1851.[12] According to the Cuban Meteorological Society, 1886 coincided with a highly active period (1837–1910) in which one hurricane struck the island every 9.25 years.[13] Additionally, seven hurricanes made struck in the United States, establishing another record for the number of hurricane strikes in a single season. The years 1886–1887 also featured 9 U.S. hurricane landfalls; an unsurpassed total for consecutive seasons that remained distant until 2004–2005.[2][14] Hurricane activity centered on the Gulf of Mexico: all six landfalls in 1886 (and 3 in 1887) occurred on the U.S. Gulf Coast, with no hurricanes making landfall along the Atlantic Seaboard.[15]
Although other storms may have gone undetected, tropical activity first began on June 13 with the formation of the first named storm over the western Gulf of Mexico. Two other storms formed before the end of the month and also reached the Gulf of Mexico. All three of the storms each attained hurricane intensity and eventually made landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast with sustained winds of 100mph (160km/h).[8] About 2 weeks later in mid-July, another storm formed over the western Caribbean moved northward before striking the west coast of Florida as a hurricane. This is after two earlier stronger storms had already done so in the state. Never before or since have so many hurricanes struck Florida in the same season before the month of September.[16] Three storms, all of which attained major hurricane intensity, formed in close succession, over a span of eight days, in August. The first of these, the Indianola hurricane, was the strongest and most intense tropical cyclone of the season, striking multiple islands in the Greater Antilles before rapidly strengthening over the western Gulf of Mexico. It struck the U.S. state of Texas on August 20 with sustained winds of 150mph (240km/h), tying it with the 1932 Freeport hurricane for the strongest storm to do so.[15] It was also one of the most intense to have struck the continental U.S., and the strongest in Texas measured solely by central pressure. September was a less active than August, featuring two hurricanes in the later half of the month. Both reached Category 2 intensity, while hurricane eight struck Texas at peak intensity about a month after the Indianola hurricane. Around the same time hurricane nine formed out to sea, and impacted several ships. About 2 weeks later, the final hurricane formed in early October and struck western Louisiana with winds of 120mph (190km/h). The hurricane then moved on to strike Texas shortly after, being the 4th and final to do so that year. Since records began in 1851, only 2 hurricanes have struck the state later into the season. Two additional tropical storms occurred in October, with no further activity confirmed afterward.[8]
Early in June, unsettled weather prevailed over the western Caribbean Sea, causing heavy rain and strong winds over Jamaica as early as June 7–8.[17] However, ship reports and data from weather stations first confirmed that a low-pressure area formed off the coast of South Texas.[18][19] Based on the data, HURDAT analyzed that a tropical storm formed about 140mi (225km) east-southeast of La Pesca, in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, on the morning of June13.[8] Moving generally northward at first, the cyclone quickly intensified through the day as it gradually turned to the north-northeast, paralleling the Texas coast. By 06:00UTC on June14, the cyclone already attained hurricane status, and its parabolic path increasingly bent to the northeast. Around 16:00UTC, the cyclone attained its peak intensity of 100mph (155km/h), equivalent to a modern-day Category2 hurricane, and made landfall just east of High Island, Texas. The cyclone rapidly weakened as it headed inland to the east-northeast, crossing south-central Louisiana as a tropical storm on Juney15. Reanalysis in the 1990s determined that it dissipated about 20mi (30km) east-southeast of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, by 18:00UTC on June 15.[8][17]
As it passed just offshore, the hurricane produced strong winds from the east and northeast in Galveston, Texas, generating very high tides. Observers suggested that only the shifting of the winds prevented severe flooding, possibly the worst since a hurricane in 1875; even so, small boats sustained significant damage. Waterfront structures, a tramway, and a railroad were destroyed.[19] Galveston recorded peak winds of 50mph (85km/h), and a barometer in town registered a minimum pressure of 997mbar (29.43inHg);[19] as these conditions were recorded outside the storm's radius of maximum wind, the cyclone was likely stronger.[15] Upon making landfall, the hurricane brought a 7-to-8ft (2.1-to-2.4m)storm tide and major flooding to Sabine Pass and its environs.[20] Numerous structures and wharves were destroyed by wind or water,[19] and winds tore roofs from houses. Fruit trees in the area lost much of their fruit.[20] Saltwater intrusion extended several miles inland, imperiling livestock for want of freshwater.[19] Across the state border in adjourning Louisiana, widespread flooding occurred at Calcasieu Pass, where a barge stranded and schooners were wrecked. Half of the corn crop in southwest Louisiana was damaged.[20] While losing intensity so rapidly after landfall that forecasters lost track of it,[19] the storm generated prolific rainfall in its path across Southeast Texas and Louisiana,[17][19] peaking at 21.4in (544mm) in Alexandria, Louisiana.[20]
Hurricane Two
Category 2hurricane(SSHWS)
Duration
June17– June24
Peak intensity
100mph (155km/h) (1-min);
Little more than a day after the dissipation of the previous hurricane, a broad area of low pressure over the western Caribbean Sea developed into a tropical storm while centered about 180mi (290km) east-southeast of Punta Allen, Quintana Roo, Mexico.[8][17] Over the next two days, the storm meandered toward and through the Yucatán Channel, gradually intensifying as it proceeded to the north-northwest and north. Late on June18, the system attained hurricane status off the western tip of Pinar del Río Province, Cuba. The following day, the cyclone turned to the north-northeast, producing "severe gales" (47–54mph, 76–87km/h) over the waters off Cuba and Jamaica, as reported by ships.[19] At 00:00UTC on June20, the storm reached its peak intensity of 100mph (155km/h), and shortly afterward its forward speed accelerated. At 11:00UTC on June21, the cyclone made landfall near St. Marks, Florida, as a Category2 hurricane. The storm gradually decreased in intensity over the next day and a half as it crossed the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. By 18:00UTC on June23, the system passed about 70mi (115km) southeast of New York City and curved to the east before dissipating a day later.[8]
Over a six-day period, a long duration of heavy rainfall from the storm caused severe flooding over parts of western Cuba, killing an undetermined number of people in flash floods. Winds over the island were apparently modest, however,[17] though the rain over Vuelta Abajo was the heaviest over a one-week span in 29 years. Several locations were underwater following the deluge.[21] As it passed west of Key West, Florida, the cyclone produced strong southerly winds there. At Cedar Key, gusts of 75–90mph (121–145km/h) toppled trees, signage and communications wires, but caused little structural damage.[21] Between there and Apalachicola, above-normal tides covered low-lying streets and pushed ships onshore. Heaviest damages were concentrated in and near Apalachicola and Tallahassee.[16] The storm produced minimal effects in the Jacksonville area, as hurricane-force winds were confined to the west of the Gainesville–Lake City area.[22] The strongest sustained winds measured in Florida were below hurricane force—only 68mph (109km/h) at Cedar Key[21]—but "high tides" affected much of the coastline near the point of landfall.[23] Outside Florida, heavy rains, peaking at 5.44in (138mm), inundated streets in Lynchburg, Virginia, producing the then-wettest June on record at that place. A daily record for the month, 4.16in (106mm), also occurred in Washington, D.C.[24]
In a 1949 report by meteorologist Grady Norton, the U.S. Weather Bureau—later the National Weather Service—considered the storm a "Great Hurricane", implying winds of at least 125mph (201km/h),[16][25] though reassessments could find no evidence that the cyclone ever reached major hurricane status.[23]
Closely following the dissipation of the previous storm, yet another tropical storm developed about 90mi (145km) west of Negril, Jamaica, at 12:00UTC on June27. The system quickly strengthened as it headed north-northwest, acquiring hurricane intensity early the next day. Sharply turning to the west-northwest, the cyclone continued to intensify, reaching its first peak intensity of 90mph (145km/h) at 18:00 UTC on June28. Maintaining force, it struck Pinar del Río Province, Cuba, later that day.[8] On June29, the cyclone weakened as it crossed western Cuba, but began restrengthening over the eastern Gulf of Mexico as its path turned northwestward. Early on June30, the hurricane attained its second and strongest peak of 100mph (155km/h) as its path began curving to the north. Veering and accelerating to the northeast, the storm struck the Florida Panhandle near Indian Pass around 21:00 UTC that day. The cyclone weakened as it headed inland, losing its identity near Cedartown, Maryland, late on July 2.[8]
In Jamaica, "at least" 18 deaths were attributed to the effects of the storm,[26] and a ship west of the island experienced hurricane-force winds.[21] While described as being of only "moderate intensity", the hurricane caused considerable damage to western Cuba, where homes were destroyed or lost their roofs and trees were prostrated; flooding was reportedly severe as well.[27] Damage was concentrated in and near Batabanó and across Pinar del Río Province. Trece de la Coloma reported a minimum pressure of 999mbar (29.49inHg). Two drownings occurred when a ship capsized,[21] and an unknown number of fatalities occurred on land in Cuba.[26] In Florida, the eye of the cyclone passed over Apalachicola, which reported top winds of 70mph (110km/h). Homes in town lost their roofs, frame buildings collapsed, and several craft in the bay sank, killing some people.[21] At Cedar Key, high tides undermined roadways, and winds of 47–54mph (76–87km/h) removed a warehouse from its foundation. Winds gusting to 80mph (130km/h) uprooted large trees and moved railroad cars in Tallahassee; one person perished in Jefferson County.[16] "Considerable" destruction of crops occurred in parts of North Florida and adjacent Georgia.[21] Farther north, in North Carolina, winds of 42–44mph (68–71km/h) affected Kitty Hawk and Fort Macon, respectively.[28] Copious rains affected southeast Virginia over a two-day span, destroying railroad trestles and embankments. The James River crested 10ft (3.0m) above flood stage, flooding waterfront structures in Richmond and prompting evacuations.[24]
After nearly two quiet weeks, the fourth tropical storm of the season developed about 105mi (170km) west-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands, at 06:00UTC on July14. For two more days, the system drifted west-northwest, gradually strengthening. On July16, the cyclone began turning to the northeast and accelerated. It reached hurricane status at 12:00UTC on July17 and passed just west of Cuba later that day.[8] Its path then bent to the north-northeast, and early the next day, the storm attained winds of 80mph (130km/h) as its eye neared the west coast of the Florida peninsula. Around 01:00UTC on July19, the hurricane made landfall near Ozello, at that intensity. The storm soon lost hurricane status as it swiftly turned to the east-northeast, briskly crossing North Florida en route to the Atlantic. At 00:00UTC on July20, the storm recovered hurricane status while centered about 140mi (225km) south-southeast of Cape Lookout, North Carolina, and six hours later attained its second and strongest peak of 85mph (140km/h). The storm acquired extratropical characteristics early on July23, and after curving to the northeast over the far north Atlantic, it dissipated at 18:00UTC on July24.[8]
Although it bypassed the island to the west, the cyclone generated heavy rains over western Cuba throughout July16–17,[29] causing rivers to overflow their banks.[30] An anemometer in Key West measured top winds of 52mph (84km/h) during the passage of the hurricane, with no damage to shipping in the harbor. A few schooners were forced to shelter in safe harbor overnight.[30] Overall damage near the point of landfall in Florida was slight, as the area was thinly inhabited. Off the Atlantic coast of the Southeastern United States, the storm interrupted maritime traffic.[16] Multiple ships in the path of the storm recorded hurricane-force winds; the lowest pressure reported dipped to 990mbar (29.23inHg).[31]
HURDAT begins the track of this system as a tropical storm just east of Trinidad and Tobago on August12,[8] the day before the Windward Islands first observed stormy conditions.[32] Early on August13, the cyclone passed through the Grenadines and entered the eastern Caribbean, where it intensified into a hurricane several hours later. Further strengthening occurred as the storm moved northwestward, becoming a Category2 hurricane prior to striking the Dominican Republic near Barahona on August15. After crossing the south of Hispaniola as a Category1 hurricane, it struck southeastern Cuba on August16 as a Category2 hurricane. The storm briefly weakened whilst over land and entered the Gulf of Mexico near Matanzas on August18 as a Category1 storm. As the hurricane crossed the Gulf of Mexico it strengthened further, becoming a 150mph (240km/h) Category4 hurricane on August20 while approaching Texas. Around 13:00UTC, the hurricane struck southern Matagorda Island at that wind speed and with a barometric pressure of 925mbar (27.3inHg),[8] both based on storm surge values and San Antonio observing a barometric pressure of 965mbar (28.5inHg).[33] After making landfall, the storm weakened and dissipated late on August21 near Lubbock.[8]
Winds on Barbados uprooted trees. The island, as well as on Dominica and Guadeloupe, reported abnormally high tides on the coast. On Martinique, the storm severely damaged banana, breadfruit, and cassava crops. One sailor drowned on Guadeloupe after a ship capsized at the port in Saint-François.[34] On August20, it made landfall as a Category4 hurricane at that strength with catastrophic results. At Indianola, Texas, a storm surge of 15ft (4.6m) overwhelmed the town. Every building in the town was either destroyed or left uninhabitable. When the Signal Office there was blown down, a fire started which took hold and destroyed several neighboring blocks. The village of Quintana, at the mouth of the Brazos River was also destroyed.[35] At Houston the bayou rose between 5 and 6ft (1.5 and 1.8m) on August19. Bridges were overrun by flood water and trees blown over at Galveston. Offshore several ships were wrecked there.[35] Since the town of Indianola was destroyed, it was abandoned and never rebuilt.
The Cuba Hurricane of 1886 A steamer first encountered this cyclone about 90mi (145km) northeast of Barbados on August15,[36] leading the Atlantic hurricane reanalysis project to begin the track as a tropical storm about 340mi (545km) east-northeast of the island. Intensifying into a hurricane later that day, the storm passed over Saint Vincent and just north of Grenada as Category2 hurricane on August16 while moving west-southwestward. Entering the Caribbean, the hurricane turned westward and passed just north of the ABC islands on August18, shortly before curving northwestward. The cyclone struck Jamaica early on August20, also as a Category2 hurricane.[8] A ship known as Claribel recorded a barometric pressure of 977mbar (28.9inHg), the lowest in relation to the storm.[37] Early on August22, the system made landfall in Cuba west of Júcaro as a Category3 hurricane with winds of 120mph (195km/h), based on a reanalysis by meteorologist Ramón Pérez Suárez.[33] Turning northward, the cyclone weakened to a Category1 hurricane before emerging into the Atlantic near Morón later that day. However, it re-intensified into a Category2 just prior to curving northeastward and striking Grand Bahama early on August23. Traveling parallel to the East Coast of the United States, the cyclone remained a Category2 hurricane until August26 and was last noted about 210mi (340km) south of Newfoundland on the following day as a tropical storm.[8]
Barbados observed up to 7.26in (184mm) of precipitation. The cyclone uprooted trees and demolished some homes. Similarly, trees fell on Martinique, while the Macé River overflowed at Marigot.[38] On Saint Vincent, the hurricane destroyed thousands of trees, three-hundred dwellings, and five churches. Some 1,500people became destitute.[39] At least five people were killed and approximately thirty others suffered injuries.[39][38]Curaçao reported major damage.[39] Extensive agricultural damage occurred in Jamaica, including reportedly the loss of all pimento and nearly all coffee crops.[40] Accounts from the island also note widespread damage to homes, churches, schools, stores, wharves, and public property,[41] while some ships wrecked in Kingston harbor.[40] In Cuba, the storm destroyed hundreds of homes, uprooted many trees, flooded some areas, especially in Ciego de Ávila, Júcaro, Manzanillo, and Morón.[42] Additionally, Sagua La Grande alone reported about $100,000 in damage. One death and several injuries occurred in Santa Clara.[43] In the Bahamas, several sailing ships were blown ashore, including at Nassau, Andros, and the Berry Islands. The Monthly Weather Review also noted "some loss of life" in the country.[42]
The bark Argyll first detected this storm west of Bermuda on August20,[7] with the official track beginning about 360mi (580km) west-southwest of the island. The cyclone moved in a semicircle around the south side of Bermuda and intensified significantly during that time, becoming a hurricane around 06:00UTC on August20 and then a major hurricane just 12hours later,[8] based on the bark Edwin Reed recording a barometric pressure of 962mbar (28.4inHg).[7][33] That day, the storm turned northwestward and headed away from Bermuda, before turning northeastward on August23. Striking the Burin Peninsula of Newfoundland early the next day, the system transitioned into an extratropical cyclone just east of the island around 12:00UTC. The extratropical remnants moved eastward and dissipated well north of the Azores on August25.[8]
A tropical storm formed north of Puerto Rico on September16. It traveled west, passing north of Hispaniola on September17 and crossing Cuba in the Las Tunas region on September18. The next day the storm passed just south of Isla de la Juventud and continued westward before curving north into the Gulf of Mexico. As the storm traveled north, parallel to the east coast of Mexico, it intensified to a 100mph (155km/h) Category2 hurricane. The hurricane maintained this intensity until it made landfall just south of the Mexico–United States border early on September 23. After crossing into Texas, the system quickly weakened and dissipated the next day to the southeast of Austin.[8]
The storm dropped heavy rainfall in Tamaulipas as it moved slowly just offshore and inland, leading to flooding. In Matamoros, the hurricane destroyed approximately 300homes and inundated about 30streets. Floods also impacted rural areas surrounding Matamoros and left railroads inaccessible in and around Matamoros and Monterrey. Roughly 500families were rendered homeless as a result of the storm.[44] Similar, Texas recorded heavy rainfall, including about 26in (660mm) at Brownsville between September 21 and September 23. Two hundred houses were blown down there.[7] Only five weeks after the devastation brought by Hurricane Five, Indianola was again flooded by rainwater and storm surge from Matagorda Bay. The remaining residents were evacuated. Following this storm the post office at Indianola was shut down, marking the official abandonment of the town.[35]
On September22, the bark Mary encountered this storm north of Puerto Rico.[7] Early the next day, the tropical storm intensified into a hurricane as it headed northeastward and then into a Category2 on September24. The system peaked with winds of 100mph (155km/h),[8] based on the Mary recording an atmospheric pressure of 990mbar (29inHg).[7][33] on September25, the brigantine Pearl recorded sightings of ball lighting and "St. Elmo's light at the yard-arms" September25.[7] The storm turned northwestward by September26 and maintained this intensity until September30, when it weakened to a Category1 hurricane. Shortly thereafter, the system weakened to a tropical storm and was last noted about 305mi (490km) west of Bermuda.[8]
A steamship known as Professor Morse encountered a tropical storm over the northwestern Caribbean on October8.[7] Early the next day, the storm struck the Guanahacabibes Peninsula of Cuba, likely as a Category1 hurricane,[8] based on the amount of damage in the area and reports from nearby ships.[33] Weakening to a tropical storm, the cyclone re-intensified into a hurricane later on October9. Turning west-northwest on October11 over the northern Gulf of Mexico, the storm strengthened into a Category3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120mph (195km/h),[8] based on tide measurements along the coast of Louisiana. Late on October12, the hurricane made landfall near Cameron with an estimated barometric pressure of 955mbar (28.2inHg).[33] The cyclone rapidly weakened, falling to Category1 status early on October13 and then a tropical storm several hours later. Around 18:00UTC that day, the system dissipated over southern Arkansas.[8]
It caused between 126 and 150 deaths in the East Texas area.[45] due to the heavy rainfall and storm surge, with $250,000 in damage occurring. Port Eads, Louisiana, and parts of New Orleans were reported to be flooded.[7]Sabine Pass, Texas, was all but destroyed. On the afternoon of October12 wind speeds there reached 100mph (155km/h) and waves from the gulf were 20ft (6.1m). Most buildings in the town were destroyed and ten miles of railroad track damaged. Numerous vessels were washed miles inshore and wrecked. At Johnson Bayou, Louisiana, most buildings in the town were destroyed, and many residents drowned, by the impact of a seven-foot storm surge which extended twenty miles inland. At least 196 people died as a result of the storm.[46]
Father Benito Viñes reported the first indications of the existence of this storm on October10.[7] Accordingly, the Atlantic hurricane database begins the track on that date about 340mi (545km) southeast of Bermuda. The storm drifted northeastward for the next few days and slowly intensified, peaking with maximum sustained winds of 50mph (85km/h),[8] based a ship observing a barometric pressure of 999mbar (29.5inHg).[7] Beginning an eastward turn on October14, the storm was last noted about 1,000mi (1,600km) west-southwest of the Azores.[8]
Several ships reported a large, but weak, tropical storm in the Caribbean Sea, south of Haiti on October22,[7] although the official Atlantic hurricane database indicated that development occurred on the previous day. After crossing Haiti that day, the storm continued moving northeastward into the Atlantic.[8] Based on the steamship L. & W. Armstrong recording a barometric pressure of 992mbar (29.3inHg),[7][33] the cyclone nearly reached hurricane status, peaking with maximum sustained winds of 70mph (110km/h). The system gradually moved more west-northwestward later in its duration and was last noted about 600mi (965km) east-southeast of Bermuda.[8]
Other storms
Climate researcher Michael Chenoweth listed one other storm not currently listed in HURDAT:[47]
September 5 to September 11, peaked as a tropical storm
The 1942 Atlantic hurricane season was one of seven seasons to feature multiple hurricane landfalls in Texas. The season officially lasted from June 16, 1942, to October 31, 1942. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. A total of 11 tropical storms from 1943 are listed in the Atlantic hurricane database, with two additional tropical depressions. The first system of the year, a tropical depression, developed over the central Gulf of Mexico on June 3, while the last system, the Belize hurricane, dissipated over the Yucatán Peninsula on November 11. After the depression dissipated on June 3, the season remained dormant until the next system developed two months later. In mid-August, a hurricane struck Texas, causing about $790,000 (1942 USD) in damage.
The 1917 Atlantic hurricane season featured nine known tropical cyclones, four of which became tropical storms. The first system appeared on July 6 east of the Windward Islands. After crossing the islands and traversing the Caribbean Sea, the storm struck Honduras, Belize, and Mexico, before dissipating on July 14. After more than three weeks without tropical cyclogenesis, another tropical storm developed west of Bermuda. As the storm brushed eastern New England, four ships sank near Nantucket, causing 41 fatalities. The same cyclone brought damaging winds to Nova Scotia before transitioning into an extratropical cyclone on August 10.
The 1909 Atlantic hurricane season was an average Atlantic hurricane season. The season produced thirteen tropical cyclones, twelve of which became tropical storms; six became hurricanes, and four of those strengthened into major hurricanes. The season's first storm developed on June 15 while the last storm transitioned into an extratropical cyclone on November 14. The most notable storm during the season formed in late August, while east of the Lesser Antilles. The hurricane devastated the Lesser Antilles, the Greater Antilles, and Mexico, leaving around 4,000 fatalities and more than $50 million (1909 USD) in damage.
The 1904 Atlantic hurricane season featured no tropical cyclones during the months of July and August. The season's first cyclone was initially observed in the southwestern Caribbean on June 10. After this storm dissipated on June 14, the next was not detected until September 8. The sixth and final system transitioned into an extratropical cyclone offshore South Carolina on November 4. Two of the six tropical cyclones existed simultaneously.
The 1903 Atlantic hurricane season featured seven hurricanes, the most in an Atlantic hurricane season since 1893. The first tropical cyclone was initially observed in the western Atlantic Ocean near Puerto Rico on July 21. The tenth and final system transitioned into an extratropical cyclone well northwest of the Azores on November 25. These dates fall within the period with the most tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic. Six of the ten tropical cyclones existed simultaneously.
The 1899 Atlantic hurricane season featured the longest-lasting tropical cyclone in the Atlantic basin on record. There were nine tropical storms, of which five became hurricanes. Two of those strengthened into major hurricanes, which are Category 3 or higher on the modern day Saffir–Simpson scale. The first system was initially observed in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico on June 26. The tenth and final system dissipated near Bermuda on November 10. These dates fall within the period with the most tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic. In post-season analysis, two tropical cyclones that existed in October were added to HURDAT – the official Atlantic hurricane database. At one point during the season, September 3 through the following day, a set of three tropical cyclones existed simultaneously.
The 1894 Atlantic hurricane season included four major hurricanes, one of the highest totals in the second half of the 19th century and behind only the previous year. Additionally, the season featured a total of seven tropical storms, five of which strengthened into a hurricane. However, in the absence of modern satellite and other remote-sensing technologies, only storms that affected populated land areas or encountered ships at sea were recorded, so the actual total could be higher. An undercount bias of zero to six tropical cyclones per year between 1851 and 1885 and zero to four per year between 1886 and 1910 has been estimated.
The 1893 Atlantic hurricane season featured the only known instance of more than one tropical cyclone causing at least 1,000 deaths in the United States. It was a fairly active season, with 12 tropical storms forming, 10 of which became hurricanes. Of those, five became major hurricanes. The season is considered hyper-active in terms of accumulated cyclone energy, achieving a total of 231 units, which remains the third-highest ever recorded in the Atlantic basin. Additionally, 1893 became one of two seasons on record to see four Atlantic hurricanes active simultaneously, along with 1998. In the absence of modern satellite and other remote-sensing technologies, only storms that affected populated land areas or encountered ships at sea were recorded, so the actual total could be higher. An undercount bias of zero to six tropical cyclones per year between 1851 and 1885 and zero to four per year between 1886 and 1910 has been estimated. The first system was initially observed on June 12 in the Bay of Campeche, while the twelfth and final storm transitioned into an extratropical cyclone on November 9 over the northwestern Atlantic.
The 1884 Atlantic hurricane season was one of only three Atlantic hurricane seasons, along with 1852 and 1858, in which every known tropical cyclone attained hurricane status. Overall, four tropical cyclones developed, three of which made landfall. The first system was initially observed over the northwestern Atlantic Ocean on September 1. It struck Newfoundland the following day, but impact there is unknown. On September 3, the next hurricane developed, though it did not affect land in its duration. The third hurricane struck Georgia, accompanied by damaging waves in north Florida.
The 1880 Atlantic hurricane season ran through the summer and fall of 1880. This is the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. In the 1880 Atlantic season there were two tropical storms, seven hurricanes, and two major hurricanes (Category 3+). However, in the absence of modern satellite and other remote-sensing technologies, only storms that affected populated land areas or encountered ships at sea were recorded, so the actual total could be higher. An undercount bias of zero to six tropical cyclones per year between 1851 and 1885 and zero to four per year between 1886 and 1910 has been estimated. Of the known 1880 cyclones, Hurricane Six was first documented in 1995 by José Fernández-Partagás and Henry Díaz. They also proposed large changes to the known tracks of several other storms for this year and 're-instated' Hurricane Ten to the database. A preliminary reanalysis by Michael Chenoweth, published in 2014, found thirteen storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes.
The 1887 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active Atlantic hurricane season on record at the time in terms of the number of known tropical storms that had formed, with 19. This total has since been equaled or surpassed multiple times. The 1887 season featured five off-season storms, with tropical activity occurring as early as May, and as late as December. Eleven of the season's storms attained hurricane status, while two of those became major hurricanes. It is also worthy of note that the volume of recorded activity was documented largely without the benefit of modern technology. Consequently, tropical cyclones during this era that did not approach populated areas or shipping lanes, especially if they were relatively weak and of short duration, may have remained undetected. Thus, historical data on tropical cyclones from this period may not be comprehensive, with an undercount bias of zero to four per year between 1886 and 1910 estimated. The first system was initially observed on May 15 near Bermuda, while the final storm dissipated on December 12 over Costa Rica.
The 1888 Atlantic hurricane season was significantly less active compared to the previous season, with two tropical storms, four hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. However, in the absence of modern satellites and other remote-sensing technologies, only storms that affected populated land areas or encountered ships at sea are known, so the actual total could be higher. An undercount bias of zero to six tropical cyclones per year between 1851 and 1885 and zero to four per year between 1886 and 1910 has been estimated.
The 1885 Atlantic hurricane season ran through the summer and the first half of fall in 1885. This is the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. In 1885 there were two tropical storms and six hurricanes in the Atlantic basin. However, in the absence of modern satellite monitoring and remote-sensing technologies, only storms that affected populated land areas or encountered ships at sea were recorded, so the actual total could be higher. An undercount bias of zero to six tropical cyclones per year between 1851 and 1885 and zero to four per year between 1886 and 1910 has been estimated.
The 2008 Atlantic hurricane season was an event in the annual tropical cyclone season in the north Atlantic Ocean. An above-average Atlantic hurricane season, it was the first on record to have a major hurricane in every month from July to November.
The 1882 Atlantic hurricane season ran through the summer and early fall of 1882. This is the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. In the 1882 Atlantic season there were two tropical storms, two Category 1 hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. However, in the absence of modern satellite and other remote-sensing technologies, only storms that affected populated land areas or encountered ships at sea were recorded, so the actual total could be higher. An undercount bias of zero to six tropical cyclones per year between 1851 and 1885 and zero to four per year between 1886 and 1910 has been estimated. Of the known 1882 cyclones, Hurricane One and Hurricane Five were both first documented in 1996 by Jose Fernandez-Partagas and Henry Diaz, while Tropical Storm Three was first recognized in 1997 and added to HURDAT in 2003. Partagas and Diaz also proposed large changes to the known track of Hurricane Two while further re-analysis, in 2000, led to the peak strengths of both Hurricane Two and Hurricane Six being increased. In 2011 the third storm of the year was downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm.
The 1879 Atlantic hurricane season ran from the summer to near the end of autumn in 1879. In 1879 there were two tropical storms, four hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. However, in the absence of modern satellite and other remote-sensing technologies, only storms that affected populated land areas or encountered ships at sea were recorded, so the actual total could be higher. An undercount bias of zero to six tropical cyclones per year between 1851 and 1885 and zero to four per year between 1886 and 1910 has been estimated. Of the known 1879 cyclones, Hurricane One were first documented in 1995 by Jose Fernandez-Partagas and Henry Diaz. They also proposed large changes to the known tracks of Hurricanes Two, Three, Seven and Eight. Later one storm was deemed not to be a tropical cyclone at all and was dropped from the database.
The 1878 Atlantic hurricane season lasted from the summer through much of the fall. Records show that 1878 featured a relatively active hurricane season. A total of twelve storms were observed during the year. There were twelve tropical storms, eight hurricanes and two major hurricanes. However, in the absence of modern satellite and other remote-sensing technologies, only storms that affected populated land areas or encountered ships at sea were recorded, so the actual total could be higher. An undercount bias of zero to six tropical cyclones per year between 1851 and 1885 and zero to four per year between 1886 and 1910 has been estimated. Of the known 1878 cyclones, both Hurricane Three and Hurricane Four were first documented in 1995 by Jose Fernandez-Partagas and Henry Diaz, who also proposed large changes to the known tracks of Hurricanes Two, Seven and Eight. Further analysis from 2000 onwards extended the duration of Hurricane Three by one day and identified major track changes for Hurricane Five.
The 2002 Atlantic hurricane season was an average Atlantic hurricane season in which twelve named storms formed. Although Tropical Storm Arthur formed on July 14, the season officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30, dates that conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones develop in the Atlantic basin. The season's final storm, Tropical Depression Fourteen, dissipated on October 16.
The 1871 Atlantic hurricane season lasted from mid-summer to late-fall. Records show that 1871 featured two tropical storms, four hurricanes and two major hurricanes. However, in the absence of modern satellite and other remote-sensing technologies, only storms that affected populated land areas or encountered ships at sea were recorded, so the actual total could be higher. According to a study in 2004, an undercount bias of zero to six tropical cyclones per year between 1851 and 1885 and zero to four per year between 1886 and 1910 is possible. A later study in 2008 estimated that eight or more storms may have been missed prior to 1878.
The 1859 Atlantic hurricane season featured seven hurricanes, the most recorded during an Atlantic hurricane season until 1870. However, in the absence of modern satellite and other remote-sensing technologies, only storms that affected populated land areas or encountered ships at sea were recorded, so the actual total could be higher. An undercount bias of zero to six tropical cyclones per year between 1851 and 1885 has been estimated. Of the eight known 1859 cyclones, five were first documented in 1995 by Jose Fernandez-Partagás and Henry Diaz, which was largely adopted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Atlantic hurricane reanalysis in their updates to the Atlantic hurricane database (HURDAT), with some adjustments. HURDAT is the official source for hurricane data such as track and intensity, although due to sparse records, listings on some storms are incomplete.
↑ Landsea, C. W. (2004). "The Atlantic hurricane database re-analysis project: Documentation for the 1851–1910 alterations and additions to the HURDAT database". In Murname, R. J.; Liu, K.-B. (eds.). Hurricanes and Typhoons: Past, Present and Future. New York: Columbia University Press. pp.177–221. ISBN0-231-12388-4.
↑ Elsner, J. B. & Kara, A. B. Hurricanes of the North Atlantic: climate and society. Chapter 10, 240–278 (Oxford University Press, New York, NY, 1999).
↑ Yan Q, Zhang Z, Wang H (2018) Divergent responses of tropical cyclone genesis factors to strong volcanic eruptions at different latitudes. Clim Dyn 50:2121–2136.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Partagas, J.F. and H.F. Diaz, 1996a "A reconstruction of historical Tropical Cyclone frequency in the Atlantic from documentary and other historical sources Part III: 1881–1890" Climate Diagnostics Center, NOAA, Boulder, Colorado
↑ Pérez Suárez, R.; Vega, R.; Limia, M. (2000). Los ciclones tropicales de Cuba, su variabilidad y su posible vinculación con los Cambios Globales (Report) (in Spanish). Instituto de Meteorología.
1 2 3 4 Roth, David M. (January 13, 2010). Louisiana Hurricane History(PDF) (Report). National Weather Service Camp Springs, Maryland. pp.23–24. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
1 2 3 Roth, David M. (February 4, 2010). Texas Hurricane History(PDF) (Report). National Weather Service Camp Springs, Maryland. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
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