What are the biggest hurricanes to hit Massachusetts? A look back at 8 storms
Editor's Note: With Hurricane Lee predicted to bring tropical storm winds and heavy rain to eastern Massachusetts as the eye looks like it might make landfall in Maine, we are bringing this story back from our archives.
Most of the time by the time a hurricane brings wind and rain to New England, it has lost a lot of its power because it has either traveled over land or into the cooler waters of the Atlantic Ocean. But that doesn't mean Massachusetts is immune from damaging storms.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Association reminds us, "it only takes one storm to make landfall and severely affect an area." MEMA reminded that hurricanes don't just impact coastal areas. This year is the 10th anniversary of Tropical Storm Irene, which in 2011 caused severe flooding damage throughout central and western Massachusetts.
Hurricane Lee Path: 'Preparation should be complete by Friday': Thursday's update on Hurricane Lee in MA
Here is a look back at eight notable hurricanes that hit New England, their impacts and aftermath.
The Great Hurricane of 1938
The Great Hurricane of 1938 was a Category 3 storm that caused close to 600 deaths and over 1,700 injuries in New England. It's considered the worst hurricane to hit New England in living memory.
Tremendous flooding occurred particularly in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, where several coastal communities were destroyed and Downtown Providence was inundated with 13 feet of water. In some places, wind gusts reached Category 5 strength at upwards of 180 mph.
Category 3: Great Hurricane of 1938 remembered on its 80th anniversary
Hurricane Donna – 1960
This hurricane didn't just hit New England, as detailed in a presentation by the National Weather Service. Hurricane Donna made landfall in the Florida Keys on Sept. 10, 1960. It then marched onward to South Carolina on Sept. 11 and by the evening of Sept. 12, it had reached Bangor, Maine.
Hurricane Donna was estimated to cost more than $6 billion in today's currency.
There were more than 360 direct deaths from the hurricane.
Donna was responsible for downing a French plane on its way to Senegal while the storm was still a tropical disturbance.
Hurricanes Carol and Edna – 1954
Hurricanes Carol and Edna, known as "the twins," made landfall in 1954 just 11 days apart. Carol, a Category 3, made landfall in Connecticut, with 90 mph winds reaching Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts. Water depths in Providence reached 12 feet. At least 68 people were killed.
Eleven days later, on Sept. 11, Edna made landfall on Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard as a Category 3 storm. Winds reached 125 mph on Martha's Vineyard.
Hurricane Gloria – 1985
Hurricane Gloria, though a Category 1 storm, caused major damage in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and coastal New Hampshire and Maine. Gloria was the first major-strength storm to hit the region since 1960.
Winds – reaching between 100 and 120 mph – destroyed trees, utilities and roofs. Eight people died and damage was estimated around $900 million.
Last season: 'Crazy' 2020 hurricane season matches 2005 in activity, but not storm intensity
Hurricane Bob - 1991
In August 1991, Hurricane Bob made landfall on Block Island, then Newport, Rhode Island, leaving behind $1.5 billion in damage, with $1 billion in Massachusetts alone. Brewster and North Truro experienced gusts of 125 mph, and 60% of southeastern Massachusetts lost power. The towns of Onset, Bourne, Mashpee, and Wareham saw the worst storm surge between 12 and 15 feet.
'I got Bobbed!': Tales of the hurricane that steamrolled Cape Cod 30 years ago
Hurricane Irene – 2011
By the time Hurricane Irene made landfall up north in August 2011, it had weakened to a tropical storm, but that did not stop the damage. Irene ultimately became one of the worst storms in the region's history. In western and central Massachusetts and Vermont, the storm brought high winds, heavy rains and flash flooding. At least 16 people died throughout the region, including 10 in Connecticut.
Hurricane Sandy – 2012
Parts of Connecticut's and Rhode Island's coastlines were devastated by Hurricane Sandy, which made landfall in New Jersey on Oct. 29, 2012, and became one of the costliest hurricanes to ever hit the country. Property damage when the storm was over was estimated at approximately $71.4 billion, and five people were killed in New England. Around 600,000 people in Connecticut were without power, and the region saw wind gusts over 70 mph.
Hurricane Henri – 2021
Hurricane Henri, was a tropical storm by the time it came ashore around 12:15 p.m. Aug. 22 in Rhode Island. The eye of the storm made landfall near Westerly. It brought significant rain and wind to western Massachusetts.
How to prepare for a hurricane
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency says people should know their designated hurricane evacuation zones. If an evacuation is necessary, officials will notify the public.
Hurricane watch: 9 things you need to have to be ready
Make an emergency plan with household members, the agency says, including meeting locations, emergency contact information, evacuation plans, shelter-in-place plans, and considerations for families members who are disabled or rely on electronic medical equipment, as well as pets.
People can also build an emergency kit containing essential items. Kits should include bottled water, food, a flashlight, a radio and extra batteries, a first aid kit, and personal and hygiene items. Also consider medications, spare eyeglasses, medical equipment and supplies, children's items such as diapers and formula, and food and supplies for pets, MEMA says.
Lastly, MEMA encourages people to stay informed and alert during a storm, via the Emergency Alert System, wireless emergency alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, social and traditional media, 2-1-1 hotline and local notification systems.
Kinsey Crowley of the USA Today Network contributed to this article.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: Massachusetts hurricanes: 8 of the worst hurricanes to make landfall
