The 20 Worst Hurricanes Of All Time
Hurricanes are no joke. As Hurricane Ian has recently proved, these aren’t just “bad storms” — their destructive impact can totally decimate entire towns in a matter of minutes. But which are the most infamous maelstroms of all time? Well, we’ve listed 20 terrifying examples that are certainly in the running. Their names won’t be forgotten anytime soon!
1. Hurricane Michael
Some 26 years after the last Category Five hurricane wreaked havoc in America, Hurricane Michael made its destructive presence known in October 2018. This monstrous weather front began life as a “weak” tropical storm, before arriving above the Gulf of Mexico. Thanks to hot conditions in the area, it grew in power and strength as it edged towards the Florida Panhandle.
Devastation
By the time it reached the Sunshine State, Hurricane Michael’s winds were recorded at over 160mph. The storm went on to rip through parts of Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina as well, costing 16 people their lives. In total, the Insurance Information Institute estimated that the disaster caused up to $12 billion worth of damage.
2. Hurricane Dorian
People living in The Bahamas are never going to forget about Hurricane Dorian. It’s the most powerful storm that the country’s ever faced. It developed while moving across the central Atlantic in the latter part of August 2019, eventually turning into a Category Four storm. Then, at the start of September, its ferocity only increased as it loomed closer to land.
A heavy cost
Once Hurricane Dorian touched down in The Bahamas, it was a Category Five boasting 185mph winds. The damage it caused was catastrophic, to say the least. Officially, 74 people died during the storm, but it’s feared that many more might’ve been lost across the country. As for the financial costs, the final figure is said to have stood at almost $3.5 billion.
