Hurricane Hattie facts for kids

Hurricane Hattie was a super strong and dangerous storm that hit the western Caribbean Sea in the fall of 1961. This powerful hurricane struck Belize and parts of nearby countries, sadly causing over 300 deaths. Because of how incredibly strong it was, Hurricane Hattie would have been called a Category Five storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The name Hattie was later officially stopped from being used for future hurricanes.

What is a Hurricane?

A hurricane is a giant spinning storm that forms over warm ocean waters. It brings very strong winds, heavy rain, and big waves. These storms are also known as typhoons or cyclones in different parts of the world. They get their energy from the warm water, which makes them grow bigger and stronger.

How Hurricanes are Measured

Scientists use something called the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale to measure how strong a hurricane is. This scale has five categories, from Category One (the weakest) to Category Five (the strongest). A Category Five hurricane has winds faster than 157 miles per hour (252 kilometers per hour)! These storms can cause a lot of damage.

Hurricane Hattie's Path

Hurricane Hattie started as a tropical depression on October 27, 1961, near the island of San Andrés. It quickly grew stronger as it moved across the warm Caribbean Sea. By October 30, it had become a very dangerous Category Five hurricane.

Where Hattie Traveled

Hattie first passed close to Honduras and Guatemala, bringing heavy rains and strong winds. But its main target was Belize, which was known as British Honduras back then. The storm made landfall in Belize on October 31, 1961, right on Halloween!

Impact and Damage

When Hurricane Hattie hit Belize, it caused massive destruction. The capital city, Belize City, was especially hard hit. The storm surge, which is a wall of ocean water pushed ashore by the hurricane, flooded the city.

Damage in Belize City

Many buildings in Belize City were destroyed or badly damaged by the strong winds and flooding. Homes, businesses, and important buildings were ruined. The storm surge was so high that it covered much of the city, making it look like a lake. This terrible event led to the decision to move the capital of Belize to a new, safer location further inland, which is now Belmopan.

Effects on Other Areas

Even before reaching Belize, Hattie caused problems in other countries. In Colombia, the storm brought heavy rains and strong winds to islands like San Andrés. In Honduras and Guatemala, there were also reports of flooding and damage, though not as severe as in Belize.

Why Hattie's Name Was Retired

When a hurricane causes a lot of death or damage, its name is "retired." This means the name will never be used again for another storm. This is done to remember the terrible impact of the storm and to avoid confusion. Because Hurricane Hattie was so destructive and deadly, its name was retired, just like other famous hurricanes such as Katrina or Sandy.

Images for kids

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  Map of British Honduras showing hurricane damage

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  A British Honduras postage stamp overprinted in 1962 to mark the hurricane

See also