1850–1859 Atlantic hurricane seasons

The decade of the 1850s featured the 1850–1859 Atlantic hurricane seasons. While data is not available for every storm that occurred, some parts of the coastline were populated enough to give data of hurricane occurrences. Each season was an ongoing event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation in the Atlantic basin. Most tropical cyclone formation occurs between June 1 and November 30.

Contents

1850 Atlantic hurricane season

The first of three hurricanes to affect the upper Eastern Seaboard moved into North Carolina on July 18. As it moved north, Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay took a beating as high waves and tides flooded the coast. It moved almost due north into central New York state.

The second hurricane hit North Carolina on August 24, sinking one ship.

A powerful Gulf hurricane struck Apalachicola on the same day as the previous hurricane, causing a great storm surge over the northeast Gulf coast. As the system moved north, enormous amounts of rain fell from Georgia northward to Virginia. Major flooding occurred along numerous rivers. The Dan rose to a level twenty feet above normal. The cyclone continued northeast, causing damage in its wake through New England.

1851 Atlantic hurricane season

1851 Atlantic hurricane season
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Strongest storm {{{strongest storm}}}
Total storms {{{total storms}}}
Major storms (Cat. 3+) {{{major storms}}}
Total damage {{{total damages}}}
Total fatalities {{{total fatalities}}}
[[List of {{{basin}}} seasons|{{{basin}}} seasons]]
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Main article: 1851 Atlantic hurricane season

The 1851 Atlantic hurricane season was the first Atlantic hurricane season in the official Atlantic tropical cyclone record.[1] Six known tropical cyclones occurred during the season, the earliest of which formed on June 25 and the latest of which dissipated on October 19. These dates fall within the range of most Atlantic tropical cyclone activity. None of the cyclones existed simultaneously with another. Of the six storms, two only have a single point in their track known. In addition to the storms in the official hurricane database, unofficial hurricanes were reported each near Tampico and Jamaica.

Five of the six tropical cyclones affected land, including three making landfall as a hurricane. The first struck Texas as a hurricane, which caused moderate to heavy damage, particularly to shipping in Matagorda Bay. One death was indirectly related to the hurricane, as well as at least two injuries. The strongest and deadliest hurricane of the season tracked from east of the Lesser Antilles, through the Greater Antilles, and across the southeastern United States before last being observed near Newfoundland. When it hit near Panama City, Florida as the equivalence of a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, it caused at least 23 deaths, including five when a lighthouse was destroyed. Many houses were destroyed along its path, primarily along the Florida Panhandle. The other landfalling hurricane was one that struck near Tampico, where it caused heavy damage. The last tropical storm of the season made landfall on Rhode Island, though associated damage is unknown. A tropical storm affected the Lesser Antilles in early July, and another tropical storm remained nearly stationary for three days to the southeast of North Carolina.

1852 Atlantic hurricane season

1852 Atlantic hurricane season
First storm formed {{{first storm formed}}}
Strongest storm {{{strongest storm}}}
Total storms {{{total storms}}}
Major storms (Cat. 3+) {{{major storms}}}
Total damage {{{total damages}}}
Total fatalities {{{total fatalities}}}
[[List of {{{basin}}} seasons|{{{basin}}} seasons]]
{{{five seasons}}}
Main article: 1852 Atlantic hurricane season

The 1852 Atlantic hurricane season was one of only five Atlantic hurricane seasons in which every tropical cyclone attained hurricane status.[2] Five tropical cyclones were reported during the season, the earliest of which was first observed on August 19 and the latest of which dissipated on October 11. These dates fall within the range of most Atlantic tropical cyclone activity. None of the cyclones existed simultaneously with another. Though there were officially five tropical cyclones in the season, hurricane scholar Michael Chenoweth assessed two of the cyclones as being the same storm. There may have been other unconfirmed tropical cyclones during the season. Meteorologist Christopher Landsea estimates between zero and six storms were missed each year from the official database, due to small tropical cyclone size, sparse ship reports, and relatively unpopulated coastlines.[3]

Every tropical cyclone in the season was of hurricane status, or with winds at or exceeding 74 mph (119 km/h). In only five other season did every cyclone attain hurricane status; those years were 1858, 1866, 1884, 1929, and 1930.[1] All five cyclones affected land; the strongest was the first storm, which caused severe damage and loss of life when it made landfall near the border between Mississippi and Alabama. The second storm of the season struck Puerto Rico, where it caused over 100 deaths, primarily from flooding. In the middle of September, the third storm moved across Florida with strong wind gusts and light rainfall, and a week later the fourth storm passed over or north of the Lesser and Greater Antilles. The last storm hit the Florida Panhandle, though damage was less than expected.

1853 Atlantic hurricane season

1853 Atlantic hurricane season
First storm formed {{{first storm formed}}}
Strongest storm {{{strongest storm}}}
Total storms {{{total storms}}}
Major storms (Cat. 3+) {{{major storms}}}
Total damage {{{total damages}}}
Total fatalities {{{total fatalities}}}
[[List of {{{basin}}} seasons|{{{basin}}} seasons]]
{{{five seasons}}}

Tropical Storm One

Tropical storm (SSHS)
Duration August 5 – August 5
Intensity 60 mph (95 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Tropical Storm Two

Tropical storm (SSHS)
Duration August 10 – August 10
Intensity 45 mph (75 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Hurricane Three

Category 4 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration August 30 – September 10
Intensity 150 mph (240 km/h) (1-min),  924 mbar (hPa)

A powerful, long-tracking Cape Verde-type hurricane that reached Category 4 intensity moved through the open Atlantic during the 2nd week of September, causing 40 deaths due to ships sinking. The storm recurved, never threatening any major land masses while moving well north of the Caribbean islands and well east of the Bahamas. At its peak it was estimated at 150 mph, with a minimum central pressure of 924 mbar.[4] This was the lowest pressure ever measured in an Atlantic hurricane for 82 years; until the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935. This is the longest time a storm ever held that record. (Based on the "Best Track" archives compiled by the National Hurricane Center. The Great Havana Hurricane of 1846 might have been stronger.)

Hurricane Four

Category 3 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration September 8 – September 10
Intensity 115 mph (185 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Tropical Storm Five

Tropical storm (SSHS)
Duration September 21 – September 21
Intensity 60 mph (95 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Hurricane Six

Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration September 26 – October 1
Intensity 80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Hurricane Six was a tropical storm that passed near Bermuda before looping and strengthening to a peak intensity of Category 1 hurricane status. It never threatened land.

Tropical Storm Seven

Tropical storm (SSHS)
Duration September 28 – September 28
Intensity 60 mph (95 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Hurricane Eight

Category 2 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration October 19 – October 22
Intensity 105 mph (165 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

A hurricane off the coast of Florida brushed past Georgia as a strong Category 2 storm before weakening and turning out to sea.

1854 Atlantic hurricane season

Main article: 1854 Atlantic hurricane season
1854 Atlantic hurricane season
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Strongest storm {{{strongest storm}}}
Total storms {{{total storms}}}
Major storms (Cat. 3+) {{{major storms}}}
Total damage {{{total damages}}}
Total fatalities {{{total fatalities}}}
[[List of {{{basin}}} seasons|{{{basin}}} seasons]]
{{{five seasons}}}

A major hurricane was observed over the Bahamas on September 7. It moved northwestward, making landfall near Savannah, Georgia as a strong hurricane, estimated at Category 3 intensity. It continued through the Carolinas, moving off the coast of Virginia on the 10th. It restrengthened to a Category 2 hurricane, but dissipated on the 12th. It caused 26 deaths.

Another hurricane was observed in September, moving through the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 2 hurricane. It moved inland near Galveston, Texas, causing 2 deaths from nearly 6 inches of rainfall, as well as $20,000 in damage.

1855 Atlantic hurricane season

1855 Atlantic hurricane season
First storm formed {{{first storm formed}}}
Strongest storm {{{strongest storm}}}
Total storms {{{total storms}}}
Major storms (Cat. 3+) {{{major storms}}}
Total damage {{{total damages}}}
Total fatalities {{{total fatalities}}}
[[List of {{{basin}}} seasons|{{{basin}}} seasons]]
{{{five seasons}}}

Hurricane One

Category 2 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration August 6 – August 6
Intensity 105 mph (165 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Hurricane Two

Category 2 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration August 10 – August 11
Intensity 105 mph (165 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Hurricane Three

Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration August 11 – August 11
Intensity 80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Tropical Storm Four

Tropical storm (SSHS)
Duration August 24 – August 27
Intensity 70 mph (110 km/h) (1-min),  997 mbar (hPa)

Hurricane Five

Category 3 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration September 15 – September 17
Intensity 125 mph (205 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

A minimal hurricane was observed in the central Gulf of Mexico during the middle of September. It rapidly strengthened to a 130 mph (210 km/h) hurricane before striking southeast Louisiana on September 16. It dissipated over Mississippi on the 17th. The foundation of the Biloxi Lighthouse was endangered due to erosion from this storm.[5]

1856 Atlantic hurricane season

1856 Atlantic hurricane season
First storm formed {{{first storm formed}}}
Strongest storm {{{strongest storm}}}
Total storms {{{total storms}}}
Major storms (Cat. 3+) {{{major storms}}}
Total damage {{{total damages}}}
Total fatalities {{{total fatalities}}}
[[List of {{{basin}}} seasons|{{{basin}}} seasons]]
{{{five seasons}}}

Hurricane One

Category 4 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration August 9 – August 12
Intensity 150 mph (240 km/h) (1-min),  934 mbar (hPa)
Main article: 1856 Last Island Hurricane

A Category 4 hurricane hit the island resort town of Last Island, Louisiana, causing at least 200 deaths, and perhaps as many as 400.

Hurricane Two

Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration August 13 – August 14
Intensity 80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Tropical Storm Three

Tropical storm (SSHS)
Duration August 19 – August 21
Intensity 60 mph (95 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

A tropical storm existed on August 19, moving into North Carolina that night. It went out to sea the next day, after causing heavy rain over the area. This is known as the Charter Oak Storm, as this was the storm that felled Hartford, Connecticut's famed Charter Oak.

Tropical Storm Four

Tropical storm (SSHS)
Duration August 21 – August 21
Intensity 45 mph (75 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Hurricane Five

Category 3 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration August 25 – September 3
Intensity 115 mph (185 km/h) (1-min),  969 mbar (hPa)

A hurricane existed north of Hispanola on August 25. It moved westward, striking the north coast of Cuba before heading northward to a Florida landfall. It crossed the southeast U.S. and went out to sea.

Hurricane Six

Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration September 18 – September 22
Intensity 80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

1857 Atlantic hurricane season

1857 Atlantic hurricane season
First storm formed {{{first storm formed}}}
Strongest storm {{{strongest storm}}}
Total storms {{{total storms}}}
Major storms (Cat. 3+) {{{major storms}}}
Total damage {{{total damages}}}
Total fatalities {{{total fatalities}}}
[[List of {{{basin}}} seasons|{{{basin}}} seasons]]
{{{five seasons}}}

Tropical Storm One

Tropical storm (SSHS)
Duration June 30 – July 1
Intensity 60 mph (95 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Hurricane Two

Category 2 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration September 9 – September 16
Intensity 105 mph (165 km/h) (1-min),  961 mbar (hPa)

A tropical storm was first observed north-northeast of the Dominican Republic on September 9. It moved northwestward, strengthening to a hurricane on the 10th and a Category 2 on the 12th, passing just west of the Outer Banks on the 13th. It weakened and went out to sea on the 14th. It caused 424 deaths, all from the ship named the SS Central America which sank during the storm. Also on the ship was 30,000 pounds of gold, which contributed to the Panic of 1857.

Hurricane Three

Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration September 22 – September 26
Intensity 80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Hurricane Four

Category 2 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration September 24 – September 30
Intensity 105 mph (165 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

1858 Atlantic hurricane season

1858 Atlantic hurricane season
First storm formed {{{first storm formed}}}
Strongest storm {{{strongest storm}}}
Total storms {{{total storms}}}
Major storms (Cat. 3+) {{{major storms}}}
Total damage {{{total damages}}}
Total fatalities {{{total fatalities}}}
[[List of {{{basin}}} seasons|{{{basin}}} seasons]]
{{{five seasons}}}

Hurricane One

Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration June 12 – June 12
Intensity 80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Hurricane Two

Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration August 5 – August 5
Intensity 80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Hurricane Three

Category 2 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration September 14 – September 17
Intensity 105 mph (165 km/h) (1-min),  979 mbar (hPa)

A tropical storm forming over the Gulf of Mexico moved across Florida and strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane. It rapidly moved northeastward, hitting New England as a Category 1 hurricane on September 16 and causing heavy rain.

Hurricane Four

Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration September 17 – September 24
Intensity 90 mph (150 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Hurricane Five

Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration September 22 – September 25
Intensity 90 mph (150 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Hurricane Six

Category 2 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration October 21 – October 26
Intensity 105 mph (165 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

1859 Atlantic hurricane season

1859 Atlantic hurricane season
First storm formed {{{first storm formed}}}
Strongest storm {{{strongest storm}}}
Total storms {{{total storms}}}
Major storms (Cat. 3+) {{{major storms}}}
Total damage {{{total damages}}}
Total fatalities {{{total fatalities}}}
[[List of {{{basin}}} seasons|{{{basin}}} seasons]]
{{{five seasons}}}

Hurricane One

Category 2 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration July 1 – July 1
Intensity 105 mph (165 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Hurricane Two

Category 2 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration August 17 – August 19
Intensity 105 mph (165 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Hurricane Three

Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration September 2 – September 3
Intensity 80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Hurricane Four

Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration September 12 – September 13
Intensity 80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

Hurricane Five

Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration September 15 – September 18
Intensity 80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

A minimal hurricane hit near Mobile, Alabama on September 16.

Hurricane Six

Category 3 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration October 2 – October 6
Intensity 125 mph (205 km/h) (1-min),  938 mbar (hPa)

Tropical Storm Seven

Tropical storm (SSHS)
Duration October 16 – October 18
Intensity 70 mph (110 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

A tropical storm made landfall in south Florida on October 17.

Hurricane Eight

Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration October 28 – November 2
Intensity 90 mph (150 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

A late-season hurricane made landfall in the southern part of the Tampa Bay area as a Category 1 hurricane.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Hurricane Research Division (2008). "Best Track of Atlantic tropical cyclones (1851–2007)". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/easyhurdat_5107.html. Retrieved 2008-05-23. 
  2. ^ Hurricane Research Division (2008). "Best Track of Atlantic tropical cyclones (1851–2007)". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/easyhurdat_5107.html. Retrieved 2008-06-13. 
  3. ^ Chris Landsea (2007). "Counting Atlantic Tropical Cyclones Back to 1900" (PDF). American Meteorological Society. http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Landsea/landsea-eos-may012007.pdf. Retrieved 2007-07-23. 
  4. ^ http://www.weather.unisys.com/hurricane/atlantic/1853/3/track.dat
  5. ^ Charles S. Sullivan (1986). Hurricanes of the Mississippi Gulf Coast: 1717 to Present. Gulf Publishing Company, Inc.. p. 21. 

External links