1871 Hurricane Season

Records indicate that 1871 featured two tropical storms, four hurricanes and two major hurricanes (Category 3+). At that time there were no modern satellite or other remote-sensing technologies, so only storms that affected populated land areas or encountered ships at sea were recorded. Therefore the actual total could be higher.

Hurricane Three Hits New Smyrna

The biggest to impact Florida was on August 17, 2019 and is referred to as Hurricane Three

hurricane track florida 1871
Hurricane Track Florida 1871

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:1871_Atlantic_hurricane_3_track.png

The presence of a well-formed system was noted when a report from the ship Tybee of hurricane-force winds to the east of The Bahamas came early on August 14. It was 210 miles (340 km) northeast of San Salvador Island, with 90-mph (150-km/h) winds. On August 15, the cyclone attained peak winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) — equivalent to Category 3 status on the modern Saffir–Simpson scale, which it maintained until landfall in Florida.

As it neared eastern Florida, the storm curved slightly west-northwestward, before making landfall on August 17th. Some reports indicate that it made landfall north of Hobe Sound but other resources indicate landfall as being Jupiter Island.

Over the next few days, the cyclone turned to the northeast, re-entering the Atlantic Ocean, executing a clockwise loop and making a final landfall near Brunswick, GA on August 23.

When the hurricane struck Florida it had hurricane-force winds which struck New Smyrna, located 115 miles (185 km) from the eye. In New Smyrna, the storm damaged oak and citrus trees. Winds damaged or destroyed homes in Enterprise and Ocala. It is reported that numerous ships were tossed ashore, leaving the beaches “strewn with wrecks”.

Hurricane Four Crosses Central Florida

hurricane four track central florida
Hurricane Four Track Central Florida

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:1871_Atlantic_hurricane_4_track.png

On August 17, the fourth tropical storm of the season developed 550 miles (885 km) west-southwest of the Cape Verde islands. It became a major hurricane August 21. On August 25, the storm struck near present-day Vero Beach, Florida, with winds of 105 mph (165 km/h). After crossing Central Florida, it entered the Gulf of Mexico and made a final landfall on Taylor County, Florida, as a tropical storm.

Hurricane Six Makes Florida Landfall

Formed near the geographic center of the Gulf of Mexico on September 5, hurricane six made landfall on September 6th near Cedar Key, Florida, as a Category 1 hurricane. It brought heavy rainfall to Florida before entering the Atlantic off the east coast of Georgia.

When you’re stuck dealing with hurricane and storm damage call the pros at Champion Contracting. With over 20 years experience they can help with hurricane and storm cleanup in Central Florida.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1871_Atlantic_hurricane_season

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