1926 Havana-Bermuda Hurricane
| hurricane | |
|---|---|
| Formed | October 14, 1926 |
| Dissipated | October 29, 1926 |
The Havana-Bermuda hurricane was a strong Category 4 hurricane that cut a path of destruction across Cuba, Bahamas, and Bermuda.
Storm history
Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
Unknown
Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depressionThe Havana-Bermuda hurricane formed in the southwestern Caribbean Sea near Panama on October 14. It drifted to the north-northwest, and intensified into a hurricane as it brushed past Swan Island on October 18. The strengthening hurricane struck Isle of Youth, Cuba on October 20, bringing severe winds that leveled the Cuban town of Nueva Gerona. Bearing 120 mph winds the hurricane brought devestation to the captial of Havana. The rains and winds virtually leveled the Cuban army headquarters Camp Columbia. In Havana Harbor, numerous vessels ranging from warships to wooden schooners were wrecked by the relentless waves.
The hurricane recurved to the northeast, and on October 21 brought tropical storm force winds over Florida, an area still recovering from the Great Miami Hurricane. The hurricane crossed over the northern Bahamas, and after intensifying to a 135 mph Category 4 it passed directly over the island of Bermuda. It continued to the northeast and became extratropical on October 23.
Impact
The Havana Bermuda Hurricane killed 650 people and Cuba, while 88 died in Bermuda. There was over $100 million dollars (1926 USD) in damage.
When the hurricane passed over Bermuda, it sank two British warships; the Calcutta and the Valerian. 88 sailors and officers onboard the Valerian drowned.
Facts
The Havana-Bermuda hurricane did damage a monument, dedicated to the memory of the U.S. service members who perished when the battleship Maine exploded in 1898. The monument was later restored.
The Havana-Bermuda hurricane was the first hurricane to directly cross the island of Bermuda.
See also
Sources
- David Longshore. "Havana-Bermuda Hurricane." Encyclopedia of Hurricanes, Typhoons and Cyclones. David Longshore. New York: Facts on File, 1998, Pg; 161-162.
