1821 Norfolk and Long Island Hurricane
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| Unknown strength hurricane (SSHS) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Formed | September 1, 1821 | |
| Dissipated | September 4, 1821 | |
| Highest winds |
|
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| Lowest pressure | Unknown | |
| Damage | $200,000+ (1821 USD)
$2.6+ million (2005 USD) |
|
| Fatalities | 200 direct | |
| Areas affected |
Guadeloupe, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, New England | |
| Part of the 1821 Atlantic hurricane season |
||
The 1821 Norfolk and Long Island Hurricane is the only hurricane in recorded history to directly strike what is now modern New York City (however, other storms have made landfall within the city as strong tropical storms just under Category 1 strength, most notably Hurricane Agnes in 1972, Hurricane Bertha in 1996 and Hurricane Floyd in 1999). The hurricane struck the city on September 3, 1821; it is estimated to have made landfall at Jamaica Bay. The hurricane occurred just 6 years after the destructive Great September Gale of 1815.
Contents |
[edit] Storm History
The 1821 Norfolk and Long Island Hurricane was first seen on September 1 when it struck Guadeloupe. Likely having originated from a tropical wave, the hurricane moved very rapidly to the northwest, a motion it would keep throughout its lifetime. That night, after passing through the Greater Antilles near Puerto Rico, the hurricane approached the Bahamas, and hit the Turk Islands.
As the hurricane turned to the north after passing the Bahamas, it was very intense, likely a Category 4 and possibly even a Category 5. Late on September 2, the hurricane made landfall near Wilmington, North Carolina, and turned to the northeast to cross the Pamlico Sound. Early on the 3rd, it passed directly over Norfolk, Virginia, where the water rose 10 feet due to the strong storm surge.
After crossing Norfolk, the hurricane paralleled the Delmarva Peninsula coastline. Continuing its rapid northeast movement, the hurricane traversed the Delaware Bay, and hit near Cape May, New Jersey later on September 3, one of only three hurricanes to hit the New Jersey coastline. The large hurricane moved through the state just inland, bringing strong winds as far west as Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Norfolk and Long Island Hurricane exited New Jersey into Lower New York Bay, and made landfall on New York City late on September 3. This makes it the only hurricane in recorded history to make a direct hit on the city, with another hurricane coming close in 1893. Because of its fast forward motion, the hurricane caused a storm surge of 13 ft in only one hour, causing the Hudson River and the East River to converge over lower Manhattan. On September 4, the storm came through New England, and finally became extratropical over Maine.
[edit] Impact
While crossing the Lesser and Greater Antilles, the hurricane caused wind damage and few deaths, due to its fast motion. Reports are unavailable from the Bahamas.
In North Carolina and Virginia, the hurricane caused extensive crop and wind damage. 76 houses were destroyed there, causing at least $200,000 in damage. Strong storm surge and flooding was seen.
When the storm hit Cape May, a five foot storm surge was observed, causing great damage to the small town. Damage was light in New Jersey, due to the sparse population of the coastline at the time. The hurricane's large wind field also brought heavy precipitation to Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.
When finally the storm reached New York City, it caused widespread flooding as far north as Canal Street. Few deaths were reported due to the affected neighborhoods having far fewer homes than they do today.
There were also jewels and shards of glass found in New York Bay. This points to the possibility that there was once an island in the bay that was swept away. However, records don't show any evidence of an island there. This could mean the evidence found was a result of people being swept out to sea. [citation needed]
The storm caused an estimated 200 deaths.
[edit] Scientific discovery
As an interesting note, this storm was studied by William C. Redfield, who, by observing the path of destruction and the way that trees fell, had determined that hurricanes were circular, and rotated around a center.
[edit] See also
- List of notable tropical cyclones
- List of notable Atlantic hurricanes
- List of New England hurricanes
