1935 Labor Day hurricane

1935 Labor Day Hurricane

The 1935 Labor Day Hurricane was one of the most intense and destructive hurricanes to ever make landfall in the United States. It struck the Florida Keys on September 2, 1935, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. This article provides a detailed account of the hurricane, its impact, and the lessons learned from this catastrophic event.

Background

The Labor Day Hurricane originated as a tropical wave off the coast of Africa in late August 1935. It gradually intensified as it moved across the Atlantic Ocean, eventually becoming a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. By the time it reached the Florida Keys, it had maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (295 km/h) and a central pressure of 892 mb (hPa).

Impact

The impact of the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane was devastating. As it made landfall in the Florida Keys, it brought with it a storm surge estimated to be between 18 and 20 feet (5.5 to 6 meters) high. This storm surge, combined with the powerful winds, caused widespread destruction of buildings, infrastructure, and vegetation.

The Florida Keys, particularly the Lower Keys, bore the brunt of the hurricane's fury. The Overseas Highway, which connected the Keys to the mainland, was severely damaged, making it difficult for rescue and relief efforts to reach the affected areas. Many small communities in the Keys were completely destroyed, with an estimated death toll of around 400 people.

Response and Aftermath

The response to the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane was hampered by the lack of advanced warning systems and the limited infrastructure in the Florida Keys at that time. The devastation caused by the hurricane highlighted the need for improved hurricane forecasting and evacuation procedures.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, the federal government initiated several measures to mitigate the impact of future hurricanes. The construction of the Florida Keys Memorial Bridge, later renamed the Seven Mile Bridge, began in 1938 to replace the damaged Overseas Highway. This bridge provided a more resilient transportation link between the Keys and the mainland.

Legacy

The 1935 Labor Day Hurricane remains one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history. It served as a wake-up call for improved hurricane preparedness and response efforts. The lessons learned from this catastrophic event led to advancements in hurricane forecasting, evacuation procedures, and infrastructure resilience.

Today, the memory of the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane is preserved through various memorials and historical markers in the Florida Keys. It serves as a reminder of the destructive power of hurricanes and the importance of being prepared for such natural disasters.

See Also

• Hurricane
• Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
• Storm surge
• Overseas Highway
• Seven Mile Bridge

References

1. Smith, G. (2001). The 1935 Labor Day Hurricane. University Press of Florida. 2. National Hurricane Center. (n.d.). The Deadliest Atlantic Tropical Cyclones, 1492-1996. Retrieved from [1]