Table of Contents
# 8 Astonishing Facts About The Great Hurricane of 1938
The Great Hurricane of 1938, often referred to as the New England Hurricane of 1938 or the Long Island Express, remains one of the most devastating and legendary storms in American history. On September 21, 1938, this powerful hurricane roared through Long Island and New England, catching nearly everyone by surprise and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape and the collective memory.
For those just beginning to learn about historic weather events, this hurricane offers a stark lesson in nature's raw power and unpredictability. Let's delve into eight astonishing facts about this cataclysmic event that forever changed how we view tropical cyclones in the Northeast.
1. A True Sneak Attack: Virtually No Official Warning
Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of the 1938 hurricane was its sudden arrival. In an era before advanced satellite imagery, radar, and widespread communication networks, tracking hurricanes was incredibly difficult. The U.S. Weather Bureau (now the National Weather Service) had limited resources and often downplayed potential threats to avoid panic. As a result, most residents of Long Island and New England had little to no official warning that a major hurricane was bearing down on them until it was hours, or even minutes, away from making landfall. Many mistook the initial signs for an ordinary fall storm, making escape or preparation almost impossible.
2. The "Long Island Express": Unprecedented Speed and Track
Unlike most hurricanes that tend to slow down as they move into higher latitudes, the 1938 hurricane *accelerated* as it moved north. After tracking rapidly up the Atlantic coast, it turned sharply northwest, essentially riding the jet stream. This unusual path and blistering forward speed, estimated at over 60 mph, meant it traversed hundreds of miles in just a few hours. This rapid movement gave it less time to weaken over cooler waters, allowing it to maintain its formidable strength right up to landfall, contributing significantly to the lack of warning and the scale of the disaster.
3. Landfall as a Monster Major Hurricane
When the Great Hurricane slammed into Long Island, New York, and then southern New England, it was still a major hurricane, likely a strong Category 3 or even a Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Sustained winds were estimated between 120-140 mph, with gusts reaching even higher. The force of these winds was unimaginable, tearing apart buildings, uprooting ancient trees, and transforming familiar landscapes in mere moments. The sheer power it retained so far north shattered the prevailing belief that such intense hurricanes could not strike New England.
4. Catastrophic Storm Surge: The Primary Killer
While the winds were devastating, the storm surge was the primary cause of death and destruction, particularly in coastal areas. Propelled by the hurricane's immense power and rapid forward speed, a wall of water, estimated at 10 to 25 feet in some locations, inundated coastal communities. Entire beachfront neighborhoods were swept away in minutes. In Westerly, Rhode Island, the surge was so powerful it moved a 20-ton fishing vessel over 1,000 feet inland. The speed of the surge left no time for evacuation, trapping and drowning hundreds of unsuspecting residents.
5. Widespread Inland Destruction Far Beyond the Coast
The hurricane's impact wasn't limited to the immediate coast. Its powerful winds extended far inland, causing widespread damage across Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and even parts of Maine. Millions of trees were toppled, transforming New England's iconic forests into splintered wastelands. Power lines were snapped, roads were blocked by fallen debris, and rivers swelled, leading to severe inland flooding. Vermont, despite being hundreds of miles from the coast, experienced significant damage, demonstrating the storm's incredible reach.
6. A Staggering Human and Economic Toll
The human cost of the Great Hurricane was immense. Over 600 people lost their lives, thousands were injured, and tens of thousands were left homeless. The economic damage was estimated at $306 million in 1938 dollars, which translates to several billion dollars today. Over 57,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, and 26,000 automobiles were lost. The recovery effort was monumental, requiring extensive federal aid and years of rebuilding, forever altering the social and economic fabric of the region.
7. Shattering a Myth: New England's Vulnerability Exposed
Prior to 1938, there was a prevalent belief among many New Englanders that their region was somehow immune to the full force of a major hurricane. They had experienced tropical storms before, but nothing of this magnitude in living memory. The Great Hurricane of 1938 brutally debunked this myth, proving that New England was indeed vulnerable to catastrophic tropical cyclones. This realization profoundly impacted local planning, building codes, and public awareness regarding hurricane preparedness in the decades that followed.
8. A Catalyst for Modern Hurricane Forecasting
The catastrophic failure of forecasting and communication surrounding the 1938 hurricane served as a harsh, yet invaluable, lesson for meteorologists. The sheer scale of the disaster highlighted critical shortcomings in the U.S. Weather Bureau's operations. In the aftermath, significant reforms were implemented, including improvements in hurricane tracking technology, better communication protocols, and a more proactive approach to issuing warnings. It was a pivotal moment that spurred the development of more reliable hurricane forecasting and public dissemination systems that we rely on today.
---
Conclusion
The Great Hurricane of 1938 stands as a testament to nature's formidable power and unpredictability. Its sudden arrival, immense strength, and devastating impact on Long Island and New England left an enduring legacy of destruction, resilience, and crucial lessons learned. From its unprecedented speed to its role in revolutionizing modern hurricane forecasting, this historic storm continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of preparedness, accurate information, and respecting the forces of the natural world.
