100 Years of Hurricanes
Florida's History of Hurricanes since 1921
Florida's History of Hurricanes since 1921
According to NASA:
Hurricane Irma
Hurricanes are a type of tropical cyclone – a rapidly rotating storm
system with a low-pressure center, closed low-level atmospheric
circulation, strong winds, and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms. In
order for a hurricane to form, four main ingredients are needed:
1. Pre-existing weather disturbance
2. Warm ocean waters
3. High humidity
4. Light winds high in the atmosphere
Hurricane formation begins when warm tropical water evaporates and
rises. Cool air rushes in to fill the gap and the process repeats. Warm,
moist air in the atmosphere condenses into huge storm clouds that spiral
around a central column of wind. If there is enough warm water to
continue fueling the process and no strong winds to break the system
apart, a cyclone forms.
Hurricanes in Florida will most likely occur during the period of June 1 through November 30.
Prior to the 1950s, hurricanes would be named after significant events (ex. Labor Day), or the location in which they had the greatest effect (ex. Okeechobee). In the early 1950s, the World Meteorological Association creating six lists of names that will be rotated throughout the years. However, if a hurricanes causes a significant amount of damage, the name will be permanantly retired.
Floridians are well aware of how hurricanes can have devastating effects on people's lives and personal belongings. But how have these hurricanes affected Floridians when there were less resources and weaker infrastructure?
One hundred years ago in 1921, a hurricane swept through Tampa Bay causing 5 deaths and $5 million ($60 million) in damage.
In the 1920s, Florida faced many torrential hurricanes. The worst of which being the Okeechobee Hurricane of 1928 causing over 2500 casualties and approx. $25 million ($315 million) in damage. This will be the deadliest hurricane experienced in Florida to this day.
In 1935, another category 5 hurricane made landfall in the area of Miami. The Labor Day hurricane would come to cause 413 casualties and approx. $5.5 million ($87 million) in damages.
Florida in the mid century would not face such harsh natural disasters as they had in the past. While hurricanes were still passing through, damage was minimal and Florida kept moving forward.
The next major hurricane Florida would face is Hurricane Andrew. This well known hurricane would bring 200 mph winds devastating the town of Dade City, FL. Causing 65 deaths and $26.5 billion in damage, hurricane Andrew would become the second costliest hurricane in US history.
In more recent history, we have Hurricane Irma. This category 5 hurricane in 2017 would be the fifth costliest hurricane in history causing $50 billion in damage and taking 84 lives in Florida.
This video contains a variety of perspective on the most recent category five hurricane to impact Florida. With the amount of damage and devastation caused in this video, it is not difficult to imagine the amount of rebuilding people had to do to the community one hundred years ago.
Hurricane Irma damage | Video compilation
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
Looking back at the past 100 years of hurricanes in Florida, not many had impacted the lives of the people in Tampa Bay directly quite like 1921 Tampa Bay hurricane. Due to the region still being built and transformed for the new settlers of Florida, much was unknown about the area. With the limited skills and material, the people of Tampa Bay were beginning to create a nice place to call home. However, due to many peoples inexperience with the local terrain and weather, the people of Tampa Bay in the turn of the century were not prepared for what they were about to face. When the hurricane made landfall in Tarpon Springs on the afternoon of October 25, 1921, things would soon take a dangerous turn. The high speed winds, 10 inches of rainfall, and 6 feet tides would quickly destroy homes, business and churches throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Church destroyed by hurricane in New Port Richey
This major event to Florida was going to be detrimental to the economy as dozens of towns were now needing to be rebuilt and a large number of local farms and businesses were now out of work and product. This hurricane was going to bring the land boom of the bay to a halt. People were not wanting to move into areas that have faced such destruction and the people who were already living in the area had the difficult task of having to essentially start over. While the land boom of the Tampa Bay area was put on hold, the people began to rebuild. During this time, there were not relief groups that would come to support those put out by the storm. People relied on their community and others generosity in order to get by. By building a great sense of community among each other, people were able to rebuild, survive, and save themselves. The rebuilding of farms and small towns would drive people back into the area and the land boom of Tampa Bay would quickly begin again.
Boats in Tarpon Springs
The Anna Maria Island Sun Newpaper
Dunedin before the storm
Dunedin after the storm
Seminole bridge destroyed by strong winds
Other devastating hurricanes similar to the 1921 Tampa Bay hurricane would occur over the years. The 1928 Okeechobee hurricane would have very similar devastation among the buildings and homes, but would cause a significantly higher rate of mortality. Due to the location and terrain of Okeechobee, flash floods would occur, catching people in its wake before having the chance to escape to safety. Another significant hurricane happened soon after in Miami in 1935. The Labor Day Hurricane would destroy Miami, West Palm Beach, and the Florida Keys. Being on such small islands, those who lived on the keys did not have much of a chance to make it to safety. Many would come up missing as a result of high tides and flood waters.
Following a natural disaster, there are many relief groups that will come forward and help the community. In the more recent years, groups such as the Red Cross and the National Guard have had a prominent position in hurricane relief efforts in Florida.
Red Cross after Hurricane Irma
The American Red Cross is a prominent group in reliefs efforts across the country. When the Red Cross enters an area that has been devastated by natural disaster, they will use their teams of volunteers to help the community. Some of the services offered by the Red Cross include meals, shelter, and connecting displaced individuals with their families or to spiritual support.
Meal relief in Florida after Hurricane Irma
The National Guard following Hurricane Irma
The National Guard has often brought in teams to aid in relief efforts following national disasters. These teams will help to distribute supplies, aid in communication, and maintain order among the people.
If there is ever a time you are faced with a hurricane, it is important to know how to prepare. According to the CDC, making sure you have emergency supplies and a plan are a top priority before the start of any hurricane season.