1919 Florida Keys hurricane facts for kids
The Florida Keys Hurricane of 1919 was a very powerful storm that hit in September 1919. It was a strong hurricane that caused a lot of damage. This hurricane moved through the Florida Keys and then southern Texas. It was the first big storm to cause so much damage in Corpus Christi, Texas. Over 770 people lost their lives because of this hurricane. It also caused about $22 million in damage, which was a huge amount of money back then.
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About the 1919 Hurricane
This hurricane was one of the strongest storms to hit the United States in the early 1900s. It formed far out in the Atlantic Ocean and grew very powerful. Hurricanes are giant storms that form over warm ocean waters. They bring strong winds, heavy rain, and big waves.
Where Did the Hurricane Go?
The storm first moved across the Florida Keys, a chain of islands off the coast of Florida. After that, it traveled across the Gulf of Mexico. It then made its way to the coast of Texas. The hurricane hit the area between Brownsville and Corpus Christi very hard.
How Strong Was the Storm?
When the hurricane was over the Florida Keys, its winds were at Category 4 level. This means the winds were extremely fast and dangerous. When it reached Texas, the winds were around Category 3 level. Both Category 3 and Category 4 hurricanes are considered major storms. They can cause a lot of destruction.
What Damage Did It Cause?
The hurricane caused a lot of damage, especially in Texas. The city of Corpus Christi was hit very badly. Many buildings were destroyed. The storm surge, which is a rise in sea level caused by the storm, flooded many areas. This was the first time Corpus Christi had seen such a powerful storm.
Lives Lost in the Hurricane
Sadly, many people lost their lives in this hurricane. More than 770 people died in total. In Texas alone, the official number of deaths was 286. However, some people believed the true number might have been closer to 600 in Texas. The storm's power and the flooding made it very difficult for people to stay safe.
Images for kids
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La Casa de Beneficencia y Maternidad de La Habana during the hurricane of 1919 with the statue of Antonio Maceo above the water.
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A 1915 picture of the Valbanera lost in the hurricane
