The Great Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 is a category 5 hurricane that hit Florida and the most intense Atlantic hurricane to make landfall in recorded pressure. In this article, we’ll cover this history of this great storm and its implications.
The hurricane began on August 31st of 1935 as a tropical depression near the Bahamas. It was quickly heightened and rushed towards the Florida Keys where it made landfall on September 2nd as a category 5 hurricane with a pressure rate of 892 millibars and sustained winds reaching 185 mph. The storm continued to ride up the Florida Gulf Coast before making landfall again at Cedar keys. It proceeded to go northwards causing heavy rainfall in the mid-atlantic states, with the heaviest recorded being 16.7 inches of rain in Maryland.
In 1935, weather forecast technology was still being developed. Florida was notified there may be a storm approaching on September 1st, where then the Miami Coast Guard sent planes and boats across the coast to drop message blocks to the citizens. Veteran work camps employed nearly 800 veterans as a part of the relief effort. In the end, there were 485 reported deaths related to the hurricane and when counting for inflation, around $2 billion in damages.
We hope you found this article informative on the history of this massive hurricane. At AJS, we understand that hurricane season may be a stressful time, and we are here to help you and your properties. For any lifting, reconstruction, or moving needs, give us a call to schedule a free consultation today!