1928 Okeechobee hurricane facts for kids
| Category 5 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Surface weather analysis of the storm nearing Puerto Rico
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| Formed | September 6, 1928 |
|---|---|
| Dissipated | September 21, 1928 |
| (Extratropical after September 19) | |
| Highest winds | 1-minute sustained: 160 mph (260 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | ≤ 929 mbar (hPa); 27.43 inHg |
| Fatalities | 4,000+ |
| Damage | $100 million (1928 USD, $1.4 billion in 2017) |
| Areas affected | Lesser Antilles, Guadeloupe, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, United States East Coast, Atlantic Canada |
| Part of the 1928 Atlantic hurricane season | |
The 1928 Okeechobee hurricane, also known as the San Felipe hurricane, was a very powerful and destructive tropical cyclone. It caused a lot of damage and sadly, over 4,000 people lost their lives. This happened across the northeast Caribbean, in Puerto Rico, and from southeast Florida all the way to North Carolina.
When the hurricane hit Puerto Rico, its winds were almost as strong as a Category 5 hurricane. It was also a very large storm. More than 2,000 people died in the United States because of this hurricane. This made it one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history at that time. When the storm reached Florida, it was still a very strong Category 4 hurricane.
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What Was the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane?
The 1928 Okeechobee hurricane was a major tropical cyclone. It formed near the Cape Verde islands in the Atlantic Ocean. A tropical cyclone is a rotating storm system. It brings strong winds and heavy rain. This storm became very powerful as it moved across the ocean.
How Strong Was This Hurricane?
This hurricane reached its strongest point as it moved toward Puerto Rico. It had winds of about 160 miles per hour (257 km/h). This made it a Category 5 hurricane. Category 5 is the highest level on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. It means the winds are extremely dangerous.
When the hurricane hit Puerto Rico, it was still a Category 5 storm. It caused huge damage there. Later, when it reached Florida, its winds were still very strong. They were about 145 miles per hour (233 km/h). This made it a Category 4 hurricane.
Where Did the Hurricane Go?
The hurricane traveled a long way. It started near Africa and moved west.
Journey Through the Caribbean
First, it moved through the Lesser Antilles. These are a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. It hit islands like Guadeloupe and the Virgin Islands. Then, it slammed into Puerto Rico. The storm caused terrible damage across the island. Many homes were destroyed.
Impact on the United States
After Puerto Rico, the hurricane moved towards the Bahamas. It caused more destruction there. Then, it headed for the United States. It made landfall in Florida, near Lake Okeechobee. The storm caused a massive flood around the lake. This flood led to many deaths.
The hurricane then moved north. It brought heavy rain and strong winds to Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. It eventually weakened and moved into Atlantic Canada.
Why Was It So Deadly?
The 1928 Okeechobee hurricane was one of the deadliest storms ever. This was especially true for Puerto Rico and Florida.
Flooding in Florida
In Florida, the storm caused Lake Okeechobee to overflow. The lake is very large but shallow. The strong winds pushed the water out of the lake. This created a huge flood wave. The wave was up to 10 feet (3 meters) high in some places. It swept away homes and people. Many people living near the lake were caught by surprise. They did not have enough time to escape.
Damage to Buildings
Many buildings in the storm's path were not strong enough. They could not stand up to the powerful winds. Homes were torn apart. Debris flew everywhere, making it even more dangerous. The storm also destroyed crops and farms. This made it hard for people to get food.
Related pages
- Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale, which explains how hurricanes are categorized by their wind speed
Images for kids
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Hurricane-force winds drove this 10-foot (3 m) piece of 2x4 lumber through a palm tree in Puerto Rico.
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Damage from the hurricane
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Approximate area of the flood. Note: The Palm Beach County label is misplaced. North of Canal Point has been in Martin County since 1925.
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Aftermath of the hurricane in southern Florida
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Storm total precipitation for September 15–19, 1928
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Historical marker at the mass grave in West Palm Beach
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The historical marker added to the memorial site in 2003, the seventy-fifth anniversary of the storm
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A sign advertising the completion of the Hoover Dike
See also
In Spanish: Huracán San Felipe II para niños
