1899 Atlantic hurricane season

The 1899 Atlantic hurricane season featured the longest-lasting tropical cyclone in the Atlantic basin on record. There were nine tropical storms, of which five became hurricanes. Two of those strengthened into major hurricanes, which are Category 3 or higher on the modern day Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale. The first system was initially observed in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico on June 26. The tenth and final system dissipated near Bermuda on November 10. These dates fall within the period with the most tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic. In post-season analysis, two tropical cyclones that existed in October were added to HURDAT – the official Atlantic hurricane database. At one point during the season, September 3 through the following day, a set of three tropical cyclones existed simultaneously.

The most significant storm of the season was Hurricane Three, nicknamed the San Ciriaco hurricane. A post-season analysis of this storm indicated that it was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical cyclone on record. The path impacted the Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and the Azores. The San Ciriaco hurricane alone caused about $20 million (1899 USD) in damage and at least 3,855 deaths. Another notable tropical cyclone, the Carrabelle hurricane, brought extensive damage to Dominican Republic and Florida Panhandle. Losses in Florida reached about $1 million. At least nine deaths were associated with the storm. Hurricane Nine in October brought flooding to Cuba and Jamaica, as well as minor damage to South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.


Timeline

Systems

Tropical Storm One 

Weather maps first indicated a tropical storm in the extreme northwestern Gulf of Mexico on June 26. With initial sustained winds of , the storm did not differ in intensity as it headed northwestward. At 0900 UTC on June 27, the system made landfall near the southwestern end of Galveston Island, Texas at the same intensity. Three hours later, it weakened to a tropical depression and later dissipated over Southeast Texas at 1800 UTC. Heavy rainfall produced by the storm from Granbury to Waco and toward the coast contributed to an ongoing flood event in the state. According to Texas State Senator Asbury Bascom Davidson, the Brazos, Colorado, Guadalupe, Navasota, and San Saba Rivers overflowed. An estimated  of land were inundated. In Hearne, water rose above every rain gauge. Thousands of people were left homeless. The flood caused $9 million in damage and 284 deaths.

Hurricane Two 

The 1899 Carrabelle Hurricane

A hurricane was first observed south of Dominican Republic on July 28. Shortly thereafter, it made landfall in Azua Province with an intensity equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane. Early on July 29, the system weakened to a tropical storm, shortly before emerging into the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. It then moved west-northwestward and remained at relatively the same intensity over the next 24 hours. The storm made landfall near Islamorada, Florida on July 30. Crossing the Florida Keys, it soon emerged into the Gulf of Mexico. The storm began to re-intensify on July 31 and became a hurricane later that day. Early on August 1, it peaked with winds of , several hours before making landfall near Apalachicola, Florida at the same intensity. The storm quickly weakened inland and dissipated over southern Alabama on August 2.

In Dominican Republic, three large schooners were wrecked at Santo Domingo; only one crew member on the three vessels survived. "Great" damage was reported along coastal sections of the country, while a loss of telegraph service impacted most of interior areas. In Florida, damage in the city of Carrabelle was extensive, with no more than a score of "unimportant" houses remained. Losses in the city reached approximately $100,000. At least 57 shipping vessels were destroyed; damage from these ships collectively totaled about $375,000. Additionally, 13 lumber vessels were beached. Many boats at the harbor and the wharfs in Lanark were wrecked. Large portions of stores and pavilions in the city were damaged. The towns of Curtis Mill and McIntyre were completely destroyed, while the resort city of St. Teresa suffered significant damage. Seven deaths were confirmed in Florida. Overall, losses reached at least $1 million.

Hurricane Three 

Hurricane San Ciriaco of 1899 or The Great Bahamas Hurricane of 1899

The next storm was first observed as a tropical storm to the southwest of Cape Verde on August 3. It slowly strengthened while heading steadily west-northwestward across the Atlantic Ocean. By late on August 5, the storm strengthened into a hurricane. During the following 48 hours, it deepened further, reaching Category 4 hurricane status before crossing the Leeward Islands on August 7. Later that day, the storm attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of  and a minimum barometric pressure of . The storm weakened slightly before making landfall in Guayama, Puerto Rico, with sustained winds of  on August 8. Several hours later, it emerged into the southwestern Atlantic as a Category 3 hurricane; it would remain at that intensity for over 9 days. The system paralleled the north coast of Dominican Republic and then crossed the Bahamas, striking several islands, including Andros and Grand Bahama. After clearing the Bahamas, it began heading northward on August 14, while centered east of Florida. Early on the following day, the storm re-curved northeastward and appeared to be heading out to sea. However, by August 17, it turned back to the northwest. At 0100 UTC on August 18, the storm made landfall near Hatteras, North Carolina, with  winds.

The storm weakened after moving inland and fell to Category 1 intensity by 1200 UTC on August 18. Later that day, the storm re-emerged into the Atlantic Ocean. Now heading northeastward, it continued weakening, but maintained Category 1 intensity. By late on August 20, the storm curved eastward over the northwestern Atlantic. It also began losing tropical characteristics and transitioned into an extratropical cyclone at 0000 UTC on August 22, while located about  south of Sable Island. However, after four days, the system regenerated into a tropical storm while located about  west-southwest of Flores Island in the Azores on August 26. It moved slowly north-northwestward, until curving to the east on August 29. Between August 26 and September 1, the storm did not differentiate in intensity, but began re-strengthening while turning southeastward on September 2. Early on the following day, the storm again reached hurricane intensity. It curved northeastward and passed through the Azores on September 3, shortly before transitioning into an extratropical cyclone. The storm had the longest duration of an Atlantic hurricane on record, lasting for 31 days, 28 of which it was tropical.

In Guadeloupe, the storm unroofed and flooded many houses. Communications were significantly disrupted in the interior portions of the island. Impact was severe in Montserrat, with nearly every building destroyed and 100 deaths reported. About 200 small houses were destroyed on Saint Kitts, with estates suffering considerable damage, while nearly all estates were destroyed on Saint Croix. Eleven deaths were reported on the island. In Puerto Rico, the system brought strong winds and heavy rainfall, which caused extensive flooding. Approximately 250,000 people were left without food and shelter. Additionally, telephone, telegraph, and electrical services were completely lost. Overall, damage totaled approximately $20 million, with over half were losses inflicted on crops, particularly coffee. At the time, it was the costliest and worst tropical cyclone in Puerto Rico. It was officially estimated that the storm caused 3,369 fatalities in Puerto Rico. In the Bahamas, strong winds and waves sank 50 small crafts, most of them at Andros. Severe damage was reported in the capital city of Nassau, with over 100 buildings destroyed and many damaged, including the Government House. A few houses were also destroyed in Bimini. The death toll in the Bahamas was at least 125. In North Carolina, storm surge and rough sea destroyed fishing piers and bridges, as well as sink about 10 vessels. Because Hatteras Island was almost entirely inundated with  of water, a great proportion of homes on the island were damaged, with much destruction at Diamond City. There were at least 20 deaths in the state of North Carolina. In the Azores, the storm also caused one fatality and significant damage on some islands.

Hurricane Four 

Weather maps indicated a tropical storm just east of the Lesser Antilles beginning on August 29. The storm moved westward and strengthened into a hurricane early on August 30. Several hours later, it entered the Caribbean Sea after passing near Antigua and Montserrat. Impact was generally light in the Lesser Antilles. At San Juan, Puerto Rico, sustained winds reached . The storm maintained winds of  as it continued westward across the Caribbean Sea. Vessels sailing from ports in Cuba and Hispaniola were advised to "take every precaution". After the storm curved northward late on September 1, vessels from Hispaniola only were advised to take caution.

Late on September 1, the hurricane made landfall east of Jacmel, Haiti with winds of . By 1800 UTC, it weakened to a tropical storm. The storm emerged into the Atlantic Ocean early on September 2, after weakening further. While passing just east of the Turks and Caicos Islands early on September 3, the storm re-strengthened and attained hurricane status again. Several hours later, it strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane and peaked with winds of . After weakening to a Category 1 hurricane late on September 4, the storm passed northwest of Bermuda. Hurricane-force winds caused considerable damage on the island. At 1200 UTC on September 5, the hurricane became extratropical.

Hurricane Five 

HURDAT initially indicates a tropical storm about  west-southwest of Brava, Cape Verde on September 3. The storm moved west-northwestward and slowly intensified, reaching hurricane status late on September 5. It continued to slowly strengthen, becoming a Category 2 hurricane on September 6. About 24 hours later, the cyclone deepened into a Category 3 hurricane while located near the Lesser Antilles. On Saint Kitts, sustained winds reached , while up to  of rainfall was reported. Many houses were destroyed on Anguilla and Barbuda. In the former, an estimated 200 homes were demolished, leaving 800 people homeless. Early on September 9, the storm reached maximum sustained winds of . The storm maintained intensity as a Category 3 hurricane and re-curved northward by September 11.

The hurricane turned northeastward on September 12 and began to accelerate. Early on September 13, it passed very close to Bermuda, with a minimum barometric pressure of  observed on the island. Cedar trees were uprooted, while fruit and ornamental trees were swept out to sea. Some houses were destroyed, while others were deroofed. Severe damage was also reported at the naval yard and colonial government buildings. At Her Majesty's Dockyard alone, damage was "at least five figures". Early on September 14, the storm weakened to a Category 2 hurricane, then to a Category 1 several hours later. Shortly after 0000 UTC on September 15, the hurricane struck the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland with winds of . It soon became extratropical. In Newfoundland, severe damage was reported at fishing premises. The schooners Angler, Daisy, and Lily May either capsized or were driven ashore, resulting in 16 deaths.

Tropical Storm Six 

A ship in the western Caribbean Sea reported a tropical storm on October 2. The storm moved north-northwestward and entered the Gulf of Mexico early on the following day. Late on October 3, it peaked with maximum sustained winds of . The storm re-curved eastward while situated over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. At 0000 UTC on October 5, this system made landfall in modern-day Largo, Florida at the same intensity. Thereafter, the storm headed northeastward, until becoming extratropical early on October 6, while located offshore Georgia.

Impact from this system was generally minor. Prior to landfall in Florida, the storm produced winds up to  in Port Eads, Louisiana. The highest wind speed in Florida was  in Jupiter. There, the storm also dropped  of rain. The Jupiter area also reported rough seas, with the highest tides in 7 years. The storm wrecked two schooners – the John R. Anidia at Fernandina Beach and the John H. Tingue at Cumberland Island, Georgia. After becoming extratropical, the remnants of the storm brought wind gusts up to  to Cape Henry, Virginia and Block Island, Rhode Island.

Tropical Storm Seven 

Reports from a ship on October 10 indicated a tropical storm with sustained winds of  and a minimum barometric pressure of . Located well southwest of Cape Verde, the storm moved northwestward without differentiating in intensity. It was lasted noted on October 14, while situated at 21.5°N, 43.5°W.

Tropical Storm Eight 

A tropical depression developed in the central Bahamas on October 15. The depression moved east-northeastward strengthened into a tropical storm by the following day. Later on October 16, the storm peaked with winds of . It re-curved northwestward and slowly began to weaken. Early on October 18, the system fell to tropical depression intensity. Several hours later, the cyclone dissipated while located about  east-southeast of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Hurricane Nine 

An area of disturbed weather developed into a tropical storm while located south-southwest of Jamaica on October 26. The system moved slowly north-northwestward and gradually strengthened, reaching hurricane status on October 28. By early on the following day, it made landfall on the southern coast of Sancti Spíritus Province, Cuba. Briefly weakening to a tropical storm, the system re-intensified into a hurricane after reaching the Atlantic Ocean late on October 29. Moving toward the Bahamas, the storm became a Category 2 hurricane on October 30. Around that time, it struck Grand Bahama island. After peaking with winds of , the system accelerated north-northwestward and made landfall near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on October 31. It quickly weakened and became extratropical over Virginia later that day.

In the city of Black River, Jamaica, rough seas caused significant damage to the marine industry and washed out crops. There were "many dead" in Jamaica, though the actual number of fatalities is unknown. Damage from the storm in Cuba was reported in the Sancti Spíritus and Santa Clara Provinces. Due to the threat of the Zaza River overflowing, residents were forced to evacuate. Strong winds and flooding destroyed several houses and severely damaged a number of others. At Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, tides were reported as  above normal. Water came over the wharves in Wilmington and inundated some streets; there was also flooding in New Bern, Morehead City, and Beaufort. One steamer was wrecked on the coast and 10 smaller vessels were driven ashore. One fatality was reported and damage was estimated at $200,000.

Tropical Storm Ten 

A ship observed a tropical storm north of Panama on November 7. The storm strengthened and headed northeastward across the central Caribbean Sea. It curved northward on November 8, around the time of peaking with winds of . Later that day, the storm made landfall in Saint Thomas Parish, Jamaica at the same intensity. Thereafter, the system weakened and struck extreme western Santiago de Cuba Province, Cuba with winds of  on November 9. It continued to weaken while crossing the island and emerged into the southwestern Atlantic Ocean later that day. The storm curved northeastward and passed through the Bahamas on November 10. It then weakened to a tropical depression, several hours before dissipating about  southeast of Bermuda.

The storm brought strong winds and heavy rainfall to Jamaica and Cuba. Significant damage was reported at Port Antonio, Jamaica, especially the property and agriculture of the United Fruit Company. Several districts of Saint Thomas Parish became isolated and the town of Morant Bay was "shattered". In Cuba, rainfall peaked at  in the city of Santiago de Cuba. Damage to buildings and crops were reported in the region. Four fatalities occurred when a tree fell on their farmhouse in Manzanillo, Granma Province.

See also 

 Atlantic hurricane reanalysis project
 Tropical cyclone observation

References

External links 
 Monthly Weather Review

 
Articles which contain graphical timelines
1899 meteorology
1899 natural disasters