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True Stories of Wild Nature
from: EnvironmentSense.comJust how much destruction can be brought about by a wild nature storm? Unfortunately, throughout the last 100 years, the United States has been able to answer that question all too many times. While most of us remember the horrors of Hurricane Katrina, recent blizzards and tornadoes, this article will focus on some historical storms that you might not have heard about.
Hurricanes
The force of hurricane strength winds and blinding rain make for a wild nature storm that needs to be taken seriously. Consider some of the biggest hurricanes to ever impact the United States:
- Labor Day Hurricane of 1935: This category 5 storm took the country by surprise when it hit the Florida coast. The storm killed 423 people and cost $6 million dollars worth of damage in 1935 dollars.
- 1900 Galveston Hurricane: While the residents of the island were warned of the impending storm, many did not take it seriously and chose not to evacuate their homes. In fact, it is reported that many headed down to the beach to watch the wild nature storm create big waves. More than 8,000 people were killed.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes are, perhaps, the epitome, of wild nature storms. They form suddenly and often without adequate warning. Consider, for example the:
- 1974 Tornado Outbreak: In one day, 148 tornadoes broke out in a row along the Mississippi Valley. Some were F5 in strength and among the most violent wild nature storms ever recorded. 315 people died and more than 5,000 people were injured.
- 1925 Tri-State Tornado: A tornado that began in Missouri traveled through portions of Illinois and Indiana before it finally ended 3 ½ hours after it began. Almost 700 people died and over 2,000 were injured in the disaster.
Blizzards
Nothing strikes fear in the heart of northerners quite like a blizzard does. The combination of wind, bitter cold, snow, ice and a probable loss of travelable roads and electricity are frightening. Let's remember:
- The Blizzard of 1888 "The White Hurricane": From Maryland to the Canadian border, the East Coast of the United States was devastated by this storm in March 1988. Massachusetts and Connecticut saw more than 50 inches of snow and snow drifts in some areas topped 50 feet. New York City alone had 100 reported deaths. The telegraph system failed and the major United States cities were cut off from the world. More than 200 ships were impacted and more than 100 seaman were killed.
- The Blizzard of 1978: This epic storm is still talked about in New England. The storm again dumped about 50 inches of snow and hurricane strength winds on the area. People, trying to get home from work, were trapped in their cars and died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Coastal flooding and fallen power lines added to the devastation.
Wild nature storms can devastate an area. It is important to learn from them and to protect ourselves the best we can before another epic storm hits.
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