Hurricane Dora Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Hurricane Dora
Category 4 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)
Satellite image of Dora on September 5
Formed	August 28, 1964
Dissipated	September 14, 1964



Highest winds	1-minute sustained: 130 mph (215 km/h)
Lowest pressure	942 mbar (hPa); 27.82 inHg



Fatalities	5 total
Damage	$250 million (1964 USD)
Areas affected	Northeast Florida, Georgia, South Carolina

Part of the 1964 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Dora was a powerful storm that made history by being the first hurricane to hit the northeast coast of Florida. When Dora struck, its strong winds reached almost 125 mph near Jacksonville, Florida. This caused a lot of damage, costing about $250 million.

After the storm, the name Dora was removed from the list of Atlantic hurricane names. This is done for very destructive storms. However, the name Dora is still used today for hurricanes that form in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Dora's Journey: From Ocean to Land
Impact on Florida and Beyond
Why Dora's Name Was Retired
Images for kids
See also

Dora's Journey: From Ocean to Land

Hurricane Dora began as a tropical storm on August 28, 1964. It formed far out in the Atlantic Ocean. As it moved west, it quickly grew stronger. By September 1, Dora had become a major hurricane. It reached its strongest point with winds of 140 mph, making it a Category 4 hurricane.

Dora then turned towards the northwest. It moved slowly towards the coast of Florida. This slow movement meant that areas in its path had more time to prepare for the storm.

Impact on Florida and Beyond

Hurricane Dora made landfall on September 10, 1964, near St. Augustine, Florida. It was a strong Category 2 hurricane at that time. The storm brought very heavy rain and strong winds to the northeast coast of Florida. Many homes and buildings were damaged, especially near the beaches.

The storm surge, which is a rise in sea level caused by the storm, was also a big problem. It flooded coastal areas like Atlantic Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach. Even inland areas experienced flooding from the heavy rainfall.

After hitting Florida, Dora moved into Georgia and South Carolina. It weakened as it moved inland, but it still caused flooding and power outages in these states. The storm finally broke apart on September 14, 1964.

Why Dora's Name Was Retired

When a hurricane causes a lot of damage or deaths, its name is "retired." This means the name will not be used again for future storms in that ocean basin. Hurricane Dora caused significant damage and was responsible for 5 deaths. Because of its impact, the name Dora was retired from the Atlantic hurricane list. This helps to remember the storm and prevent confusion with future hurricanes.