Hurricane Georges facts for kids
| Category 4 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Georges as a Category 4 hurricane
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| Formed | September 15, 1998 |
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| Dissipated | October 1, 1998 |
| Highest winds | 1-minute sustained: 155 mph (250 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 937 mbar (hPa); 27.67 inHg |
| Fatalities | 604 direct |
| Damage | $5.9 billion (1998 USD) |
| Areas affected | Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba, Florida Keys, Mississippi, Alabama, Southeastern Louisiana, Florida Panhandle |
| Part of the 1998 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Hurricane Georges was a powerful and destructive storm that hit the Caribbean islands and the United States in 1998. It caused a lot of damage and sadly, many people lost their lives. Georges was a very strong hurricane, reaching Category 4 strength.
This storm traveled across several islands, including Puerto Rico, Hispaniola (where Dominican Republic and Haiti are), and Cuba. After that, it made landfall in Mississippi in the United States. Hurricane Georges was responsible for the deaths of 604 people. It also caused about $5.9 billion in damage. This damage came from strong winds and very heavy rain that led to severe flooding.
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Tropical cyclones of the 1998 Atlantic hurricane season |
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Contents
What is a Hurricane?
A hurricane is a huge, spinning storm that forms over warm ocean waters. It has very strong winds and brings heavy rain. Hurricanes are also known as tropical cyclones or typhoons in other parts of the world. They get their energy from the warm ocean.
Hurricanes are measured on a scale called the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale. This scale goes from Category 1 (least powerful) to Category 5 (most powerful). Hurricane Georges reached Category 4 strength, which means it had winds between 130 and 156 miles per hour.
Georges's Journey and Impact
Hurricane Georges began as a tropical wave off the coast of Africa. It slowly grew stronger as it moved across the Atlantic Ocean. By September 19, 1998, it became a major hurricane.
Hitting the Caribbean Islands
Georges first struck the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean. Islands like Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Guadeloupe felt its strong winds and heavy rains. Many homes were damaged, and power went out.
Next, Georges moved towards Puerto Rico. It hit the island as a Category 3 hurricane. The storm caused widespread flooding and knocked down trees and power lines. Many people were left without electricity and clean water.
After Puerto Rico, Georges slammed into Hispaniola, affecting both the Dominican Republic and Haiti. In these countries, the heavy rains caused terrible mudslides. These mudslides were very dangerous and led to many deaths. Roads were blocked, and buildings were destroyed.
Georges then passed over Cuba. While it weakened a bit over the island, it still brought strong winds and rain. Many homes were damaged, and crops were destroyed.
Making Landfall in the United States
After leaving Cuba, Hurricane Georges moved into the Gulf of Mexico. It then turned north and made landfall in Mississippi as a Category 2 hurricane. The storm brought a huge storm surge to the coast. A storm surge is a rise in sea level caused by the storm's winds pushing water towards the shore. This surge flooded many coastal areas.
States like Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida experienced major flooding. Homes near the coast were destroyed by the water. Strong winds also caused a lot of damage to buildings and trees far inland. Even after landfall, Georges moved slowly, causing continuous heavy rain and flooding for days.
Aftermath and Recovery
The damage from Hurricane Georges was huge. Many communities needed a lot of help to recover. Rescue teams worked hard to find people and provide aid. Electricity had to be restored, and roads needed to be cleared.
People worked together to rebuild their homes and communities. It took a long time for life to return to normal in the areas hit by Georges. The hurricane taught important lessons about preparing for future storms.
Images for kids
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Georges near the Florida Keys
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Hurricane Georges near peak intensity on September 20
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Georges off the eastern Cuban coast
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Georges making landfall in Biloxi, Mississippi
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Director of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority showing the islands' improved power grid structures
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Damage from mudslides
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Puerto Rico damage
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Toppled trees blocked hundreds of streets in Santo Domingo
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Downed trees in Key West along the old houseboat row on South Roosevelt Blvd.
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Flooding at the intersection of Old Hwy 67 and MS 15 near D'Iberville after the Tchoutacabouffa River overflowed
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A home destroyed by storm surge
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Total rainfall in the United States from Georges
See also
In Spanish: Huracán Georges para niños
