1938 Atlantic hurricane season facts for kids

The 1938 hurricane season was mostly quiet, but it became famous for one incredibly powerful storm. This hurricane, often called the Great New England Hurricane of 1938, brought strong winds and heavy rain to places like Long Island, New Jersey, and New Hampshire. It was so strong that it hit land with the power of a Category 4 hurricane.

The Great New England Hurricane of 1938

The 1938 hurricane season is mostly remembered because of one very powerful storm. This hurricane was unusual because it moved very quickly and hit an area that doesn't often see such strong storms. It surprised many people because weather forecasting was not as advanced back then.

What is a Hurricane?

A hurricane is a huge storm that forms over warm ocean waters. It has strong winds that spin around a calm center called the "eye." Hurricanes are given categories from 1 to 5 based on their wind speed. A Category 4 hurricane, like the one in 1938, has extremely dangerous winds that can cause a lot of damage.

The Storm's Path and Power

The Great New England Hurricane started far out in the Atlantic Ocean. It moved very fast, which made it hard to track. When it reached the coast, it brought winds of about 140 miles per hour (225 kilometers per hour). This made it a Category 4 storm when it hit Long Island, New York, and then moved into New England.

Why Was It So Special?

This hurricane was special for a few reasons. First, it was one of the strongest hurricanes to ever hit New England. Second, it moved so quickly that people had little time to prepare. It caused a lot of damage to homes, trees, and power lines. It also caused big waves and floods along the coast. Even though the rest of the 1938 hurricane season was normal, this one storm made it a memorable year.