Brunswick, Ga: Tropical Storms And Their Impact

Brunswick, Georgia, has been hit by several tropical storms and hurricanes over the years. The most damaging was the 1898 Georgia hurricane, which caused a 16-foot storm surge in Brunswick, flooding most buildings and resulting in a death toll of at least 179 people. The storm was first observed on September 29, 1898, and made landfall on October 2 as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of up to 135 mph. This hurricane is recorded as the strongest on record in the state of Georgia, causing $1.5 million in damage (in 1898 USD).

The 1898 Georgia hurricane

The hurricane followed a general northwest track and reached peak winds of 130 mph (210 km/h) on 2 October. That day, it made landfall on Cumberland Island in Camden County, Georgia, causing record storm surges, including a 16-foot (4.9-metre) surge in Brunswick, Georgia. The hurricane caused heavy damage and killed at least 179 people. Overall damage was estimated at $1.5 million (1898 USD), with most of the damage occurring in Georgia.

The impact of the hurricane was felt most severely in Brunswick, where, in addition to the storm surge, almost all businesses, warehouses, and docks were damaged by flooding. Similar impacts were reported in Darien, where 32 people were killed. The hurricane also caused extensive damage on Sapelo Island, including the destruction of the First African Baptist Church and the Behaviour Cemetery. In Savannah, about 5,000 barrels of rosin were dispersed, and 60,000 bushels of rice were wrecked. The hurricane also caused heavy damage to coastal wharves and houses.

After making landfall in Georgia, the hurricane quickly weakened and traversed much of North America. It continued northwestward until it reached the Ohio Valley, where it turned northeastward, and was last observed on 6 October near Newfoundland.

The impact of the storm in Brunswick

Brunswick, Georgia, has a long history of tropical storms and hurricanes. The impact of these storms on the city has varied greatly, from minor damage to devastating consequences. One of the most notable storms to hit Brunswick was the 1898 Georgia Hurricane, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life.

On October 2, 1898, a powerful hurricane made landfall on Cumberland Island, Georgia, and had a devastating impact on Brunswick. A storm surge of 16 feet (4.9 meters) was recorded in the city, resulting in severe flooding. Most buildings in Brunswick were inundated, and the damage was extensive. The storm surge entered warehouses and storage areas along the coast, causing extensive damage to coastal wharves and houses. The flooding severely affected the railway to nearby Tybee Island as well.

The human toll of the storm was tragic. The hurricane killed at least 179 people along the Georgia coast, and many more were left homeless or injured. In Brunswick itself, the exact number of casualties is unknown, but the impact was described as severe, with a significant number of deaths reported in coastal Georgia.

The financial cost of the hurricane was also significant. Overall damage in Georgia was estimated at $1 million in 1898 dollars, with Brunswick being one of the hardest-hit areas. The storm destroyed crops, infrastructure, and personal property. The storm's impact on the local economy was profound, and it took years for the region to recover.

Brunswick has experienced many other tropical storms and hurricanes throughout its history. While not all have had the same level of impact as the 1898 hurricane, they have nonetheless left their mark on the city. For example, in 1965, the remnants of Tropical Storm Debbie resulted in heavy rains that flooded airfields and canals in the Brunswick area. More recently, in 2005, Tropical Storm Tammy caused flooding in coastal Georgia, damaging 30 homes in Brunswick.

The storm's trajectory and intensity

Brunswick, Georgia, has a long history of tropical storms and hurricanes. The trajectory and intensity of these storms have varied over the years, with some making direct hits on the city while others have brushed past or made landfall elsewhere in the state.

On 29 September 1898, a major hurricane that would become known as the Georgia Hurricane of 1898 was first observed. It maintained a general northwest track, reaching peak winds of 130 mph (210 km/h) on 2 October. That day, it made landfall on Cumberland Island, Georgia, as a Category 4 hurricane, causing a record storm surge and heavy damage throughout the region. The storm surge in Brunswick, Georgia, was recorded at 16 feet (4.9 m), and most buildings in the city were flooded. The impact was most severe in Brunswick, where at least 179 people were killed, and the overall damage was estimated at $1.5 million (1898 USD).

In more recent times, Tropical Storm Abby in 1968 brought rainfall to much of Georgia, with wind gusts between 35 and 40 mph (56 and 64 km/h). This storm caused minor damage, with overall costs estimated at less than $100,000. In 1979, Hurricane David made landfall in Georgia as a Category 1 hurricane, causing minor damage in Brunswick.

In 1999, the outer bands of Tropical Storm Harvey produced up to 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rainfall in Brunswick. That same year, Hurricane Irene brought very light precipitation to the state, with only 0.56 inches (14 mm) of rain recorded near Savannah.

In 2002, Tropical Storm Hanna dropped heavy rainfall across Georgia, with peak amounts of 15.56 inches (395 mm) recorded at Donalsonville. This storm caused significant crop damage, with about $19 million in losses reported for cotton and peanut crops.

Brunswick's hurricane history also includes several other notable storms, such as the hurricanes of 1874, 1878, 1893, and 1896, which all caused varying levels of damage to the city and the state.

Tropical cyclones in Georgia

Georgia has experienced numerous tropical cyclones, although fewer hurricanes have hit the state directly compared to other southeastern states due to its location and shorter coastline. The last system to make landfall in Georgia at hurricane intensity was Hurricane David in 1979, and only three major hurricanes have ever struck the state, the most recent of which was in 1898.

1893 Sea Islands Hurricane

The Sea Islands Hurricane of 1893 caused major damage when it hit the Sea Islands in late August.

1898 Georgia Hurricane

The 1898 Georgia hurricane was the strongest on record in the state, with peak winds of 130 mph (210 km/h) and a central pressure of 938 mbar. It made landfall on Cumberland Island in Camden County on October 2, causing record storm surge flooding and heavy damage throughout the region. Impact was most severe in Brunswick, where a 16-foot (4.9-meter) storm surge was recorded, and most buildings were flooded. The hurricane caused 179 casualties and approximately $1 million in damage in Georgia.

Other Notable Tropical Cyclones

In addition to the major hurricanes, numerous other tropical cyclones have passed near or through Georgia, including Tropical Storm Abby (1968), Tropical Storm Alberto (1994), and Hurricane Michael (2018). Tropical Storm Abby brought rainfall and gusty winds to much of Georgia, causing minor damage. Tropical Storm Alberto, on the other hand, resulted in significant flooding and infrastructure damage, with 31 deaths reported in the state. Hurricane Michael entered Georgia as a Category 2 hurricane, causing widespread damage to homes, agriculture, and infrastructure. It was the costliest tropical cyclone on record in Georgia, with estimated damages of $4.7 billion.

Brunswick's hurricane history

Brunswick, Georgia, has a long history of hurricanes and tropical storms. The city has been affected by tropical systems an average of once every 2.05 years and has experienced both direct hurricane hits and close calls.

In 1898, Brunswick was hit by one of the most destructive hurricanes in its history. The 1898 Georgia hurricane, also known as the Cumberland Island hurricane, made landfall on October 2 with winds of up to 135 mph. A 16-foot storm surge was recorded in Brunswick, and most buildings in the city were flooded. The hurricane caused heavy damage and resulted in the deaths of at least 179 people, with a particularly high impact in Brunswick and nearby Darien.

Since the early 20th century, Brunswick has continued to experience frequent tropical storms and hurricanes. In 1928, a hurricane with winds of 90 mph struck just south of the city, causing significant damage. In 1965, the remnants of Tropical Storm Debbie resulted in heavy rainfall and flooding in the Brunswick area, with airfields and canals inundated. More recently, in 1999, Tropical Storm Harvey brought rainfall to the region, and in 2001, Hurricane Gabrielle produced precipitation in Brunswick.

Overall, Brunswick's hurricane history is characterised by frequent tropical systems, with the city experiencing both direct hits and near misses. The storms have caused varying levels of damage and impact, with the 1898 hurricane being one of the most destructive on record.

Frequently asked questions