New England, situated in the northeastern United States, has a rich history of hurricanes, encompassing Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Although many tropical cyclones veer away into the sea due to upper-level steering patterns like the jet stream, some have made landfall, resulting in significant damage and loss of life.
The Impactful Hurricane of 1938
Considered one of the deadliest and most destructive tropical cyclones to hit the United States, the Great Hurricane of 1938, a Category 3 storm, claimed nearly 600 lives and caused over 1,700 injuries in New England. Some areas experienced wind gusts reaching Category 5 strength, exceeding 180 mph, leading to extensive flooding, especially in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
Hampshire’s Experience with the 1938 Hurricane
In New Hampshire, the 1938 hurricane was a worst-case scenario. With no computers to track tropical systems, the hurricane caught many off guard. Some regions received 10 inches of rain, comparable to the catastrophic flood just two and a half years earlier. Wind gusts exceeding 100 mph toppled hundreds of trees onto homes and power lines.
Recent Hurricane Impact
More recently, Hurricane Bob in 1991, the latest tropical cyclone to make landfall in New England at hurricane strength, caused $1.5 billion in damage, with Massachusetts alone accounting for $1 billion.
Conclusion
While hurricanes infrequently make landfall in New England, their impact can be severe when they do. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, it is crucial for residents in these areas to remain informed and prepared for potential hurricanes. The history of hurricanes in New Hampshire serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness.
READ MORE
This Amish Buffet Has Some of the Best Fried Chicken in All of Maryland