New Jersey has had its fair share of devastating hurricanes. While it may not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking of hurricane-prone areas, its coastal regions and close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean make it vulnerable to these powerful storms.
New Jersey seems to have a devastating hurricane about every twenty years or so, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen before that. As hurricane season heats up, here’s the five worst hurricanes to strike New Jersey over the past 100 years.
1. The Great Atlantic Hurricane (1944)
- Date: September 14, 1944
- Damage: $3 million (equivalent to about $42 million today)
- Story:
One of the deadliest hurricanes to hit the U.S. East Coast, the Great Atlantic Hurricane made landfall near Atlantic City. The storm’s winds of 140 mph and storm surges devastated coastal areas, sinking ships and destroying boardwalks. It left 389 people dead, and some areas in New Jersey were without power for weeks.
2. Hurricane Sandy (2012)
- Date: October 29-30, 2012
- Damage: $30 billion in New Jersey alone
- Story:
Known colloquially as “Superstorm Sandy,” this hurricane was unprecedented in its scope and devastation. It hit New Jersey with winds of up to 80 mph and produced a storm surge that flooded streets, tunnels, and subway lines. The destruction was widespread, affecting everything from homes to critical infrastructure. The aftermath required a multi-billion-dollar recovery effort and led to substantial changes in emergency preparedness policies.
3. Hurricane Donna (1960)
- Date: September 12, 1960
- Damage: Estimated at $500,000 in New Jersey (equivalent to about $4.2 million today)
- Story:
Donna hit New Jersey after causing extensive damage in Florida. While its impact was less severe in New Jersey compared to other states, Donna still led to significant flooding and property damage. The hurricane resulted in a loss of life and agricultural damages, and many residents were without power for several days.
4. Hurricane Gloria (1985)
- Date: September 27, 1985
- Damage: $20 million in New Jersey
- Story:
Gloria was a fast-moving hurricane that struck New Jersey with winds as high as 85 mph. Although it moved quickly, its effects were far-reaching. Power outages were widespread, and beach erosion was severe. The storm also damaged piers and boardwalks along the coast, impacting tourism revenue for several years.
5. Hurricane Irene (2011)
- Date: August 27-28, 2011
- Damage: $1 billion in New Jersey
- Story:
Although downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it reached New Jersey, Irene had a devastating impact. Flooding was extensive, and several rivers crested at record levels. Thousands were forced to evacuate their homes, and the damage to infrastructure was substantial. Irene served as a wakeup call for many in New Jersey about the importance of hurricane preparedness.
Each of these hurricanes has left an indelible mark on New Jersey, both in terms of physical damage and in shaping policy and preparedness efforts. Understanding the impact of these past storms can help us prepare for future hurricanes and hopefully mitigate some of the potential devastation. Stay safe, and always be prepared.