Quick facts for kids
1870 Atlantic hurricane season
 |
Season summary map |
First storm formed |
July 30, 1870 |
Last storm dissipated |
November 3, 1870 |
Strongest storm |
Hurricane Four – – 948 mbar (hPa) (28.01 inHg), 125 mph (205 km/h) |
Total storms |
11 |
Hurricanes |
10 |
Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+) |
2 |
Total fatalities |
Unknown |
Total damage |
Unknown |
Atlantic hurricane seasons
1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872 |
The 1870 Atlantic hurricane season was a busy period for storms over the Atlantic Ocean. It officially began on July 30, 1870, and ended on November 3, 1870. During this season, a total of 11 storms formed. Out of these, 10 grew strong enough to be called hurricanes. Two of these hurricanes were especially powerful.
This season saw storms affect areas like Cuba and Florida. Understanding past hurricane seasons helps scientists learn more about these powerful weather events.
Exploring the 1870 Hurricane Season Storms
The 1870 Atlantic hurricane season had several notable storms. Many of them were quite short-lived, meaning they didn't last for many days. Here's a look at some of the hurricanes and tropical storms from that year.
Hurricane One: A Quick Storm
Category 1 hurricane (SSHS) |
|
Duration |
July 30 – July 30 |
Intensity |
80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min), Unknown |
This hurricane was very short-lived. It formed and disappeared on the same day, July 30. It's one of the few hurricanes on record to last less than 24 hours.
Hurricane Two: August's Powerful Storm
Hurricane Two formed at the end of August and lasted into early September. It brought strong winds during its journey.
Tropical Storm Three: A September Start
This tropical storm also had a short life. It formed on September 1 and faded away just a few days later.
Hurricane Four: The Strongest of the Season
Hurricane Four was the strongest storm of the 1870 season. It had very powerful winds, reaching 110 miles per hour. Even though it was strong, it also didn't last for a very long time.
Hurricane Five: Another Brief Hurricane
This hurricane formed in mid-September. It was another one of the short-lived storms that appeared during this active season.
Hurricane Six: The Hurricane of San Marcos
This was a significant hurricane. It formed south of Haiti on October 5. It quickly grew stronger, becoming a hurricane south of Cuba. The storm reached very high winds before hitting Matanzas, Cuba.
After crossing Cuba, it moved slowly over the Florida Keys. This hurricane, also known as the Hurricane of San Marcos, caused a lot of flooding in Cuba and southern Florida. It led to widespread damage and tragic losses.
Hurricane Seven: A One-Day Wonder
Similar to Hurricane One, Hurricane Seven was another storm that formed and dissipated on the same day. It was a very quick event.
Hurricane Eight: Short-Lived October Storm
This hurricane also had a very brief existence. It formed on October 10 and was gone by the next day.
Hurricane Nine: Impacting Cuba and Florida
On October 19, a strong hurricane hit western Cuba. It then moved across Florida. This storm caused significant impacts and sadly, many lives were lost. It was another one of the short-lived storms of the season.
Hurricane Ten: Another Quick October Storm
Hurricane Ten was yet another hurricane that lasted only one day. It formed and dissipated on October 23.
Hurricane Eleven: The Last Storm of 1870
This was the final storm of the 1870 Atlantic hurricane season. It formed at the end of October and lasted until early November. It was also a relatively short-lived storm.