Hurricane Donna facts for kids
| Category 4 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Donna over the Florida Keys
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| Formed | August 29, 1960 |
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| Dissipated | September 14, 1960 |
| Highest winds | 1-minute sustained: 145 mph (230 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 930 mbar (hPa); 27.46 inHg |
| Fatalities | 164-364 total |
| Damage | $900 million (1960 USD) |
| Areas affected | Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Bahamas, East Coast of the United States, Southern Quebec, Atlantic Canada |
| Part of the 1960 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Hurricane Donna was a very strong Cape Verde-type hurricane that happened in 1960. It traveled a long way, affecting many places. These included the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Cuba, The Bahamas, and every state along the East Coast of the United States.
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Hurricane Donna: A Powerful Storm
Hurricane Donna holds a special record. It stayed a "major hurricane" for a very long time. A major hurricane has very fast winds. For nine days, from September 2 to September 11, Donna's winds were at least 115 miles per hour (185 km/h). This made it one of the longest-lasting major hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.
Donna's Journey and Impact
Donna caused a lot of damage. It started in the Lesser Antilles and moved all the way up to New England. Many homes and buildings were destroyed. The hurricane also caused a lot of flooding.
Sadly, many people lost their lives. At least 364 people were killed by Hurricane Donna. The total damage was very high. It cost over $900 million in 1960. If you adjust for inflation, that would be much more money today.
Why Was the Name Retired?
Because of how much damage it caused and the number of deaths, the name "Donna" was officially retired. This means the name will never be used again for an Atlantic hurricane. This is done to honor the victims and remember the storm's impact. The name "Dora" replaced "Donna" for future hurricanes starting in 1964.
Images for kids
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Donna's Rainfall around Puerto Rico
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Flooding along Biscayne Boulevard in Miami, Florida
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The facade of the 1840s-era Bennett's Rice Mill in Charleston, South Carolina; much of the structure was destroyed by an F3 tornado.
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Donna's Rainfall in the United States
See also
In Spanish: Huracán Donna para niños
