1894 Florida Panhandle hurricane

{{storm path|1894 Atlantic hurricane 5 track.png}}

Atmospheric pressures fell in Nicaragua and Panama and in the Caribbean Sea offshore Colombia on October 1. Consequently, the official track for this cyclone begins at 00:00 UTC on October 1 approximately {{convert|175|mi|km|abbr=on|round=5}} east of San Andrés island. Beginning as a 40 mph (65 km/h)-tropical storm, the system slowed intensified as it headed northwestward, though the Monthly Weather Review noted that the cyclone "apparently did not grow in size". Around 12:00 UTC on October 3, the system strengthened into a hurricane while passing northeast of Honduras and then to a Category 2 hurricane on the modern-day Saffir–Simpson scale in the northwestern Caribbean on October 4. Late on the following day, the cyclone crossed between Cuba and the Yucatán Peninsula, passing about {{convert|45|mi|km|abbr=on|round=5}} west of Cabo San Antonio. As the system entered the Gulf of Mexico early on October 6, it intensified into a Category 3. The hurricane strengthened slightly further in the Gulf of Mexico, peaking with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 km/h) around 12:00 UTC.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}

Around midday on October 7, the cyclone turned northward, before curving again to the northeast late on October 8. Around 03:00 UTC on the following day, the system made landfall near Panama City, Florida, at the same intensity,{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} based on the Johann Ludwig observing a barometric pressure of {{convert|961|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|lk=on}} at 14:00 UTC on October 6. A 2003 reanalysis of the storm estimated that the barometric pressure fell to {{convert|955|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}} at landfall, the lowest in relation to the cyclone.{{cite web|author=Christopher W. Landsea|display-authors=etal|title=Documentation of Atlantic Tropical Cyclones Changes in HURDAT|url=https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/metadata_master.html|publisher=Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory|access-date=July 13, 2023}} The hurricane weakened quickly as it moved inland, deteriorating to a tropical storm over South Carolina by 18:00 UTC on October 9. However, the storm emerged into the Atlantic Ocean early on the following day and soon became a hurricane again.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} Around 15:00 UTC on October 10, then system made landfall near Bellport, New York, on Long Island with winds of 85 mph (140 km/h), based on Atlantic City, New Jersey, recording a barometric pressure of {{convert|984|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. The cyclone struck Connecticut and weakened to a tropical storm, shortly before transitioning into an extratropical cyclone over western Maine. Thereafter, the extratropical remnants of the storm continued northeastward into Atlantic Canada, until dissipating over Labrador on October 12.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}

A reanalysis study by climate researcher Michael Chenoweth, published in 2014, proposed that this storm actually developed near the Caribbean coast of Colombia on September 26. After initially drifting west-northwestward, the cyclone moves in a path similar to that indicated in HURDAT. However, Chenoweth argued that the cyclone made landfall farther southeast in Florida, near Apalachicola instead.{{cite journal|author=Michael Chenoweth|title=A New Compilation of North Atlantic Tropical Cyclones, 1851–98|journal=Journal of Climate|date=December 2014|volume=27|issue=12| pages=8674–8685 |doi=10.1175/JCLI-D-13-00771.1|publisher=American Meteorological Society|bibcode=2014JCli...27.8674C|doi-access=free}}

File:Louisiana. LOC 98688489.jpg

In Cuba, the storm brought heavy rainfall and floods from Santa Clara westward.{{cite report|url=https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Landsea/Partagas/1894-1897/1894.pdf|title=Year 1894|author=José Fernández Partagás|date=1996|work=Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|accessdate=July 12, 2023}} The worst impacts occurred in Pinar del Río Province – Cuba's westernmost province – where rivers in the Vuelta Abajo region overflowed. News reports described the towns of Guara, Pinar del Río, and San Cristóbal as being "under water". Railway service was suspended.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/decatur-daily-republican/128079429/|page=4|date=October 6, 1894|title=Heavy Rains and Floods in Cuba|newspaper=Decatur Daily Republican|accessdate=July 12, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}}

Impacts along the Gulf Coast of the United States extended as far west as Louisiana. Little impact occurred in New Orleans other than in West End, where water entered the yards of several cottages and completely submerged the eastern sections of the neighborhood after about {{convert|10|ft|m|abbr=on}} of revetment atop the levees washed away. One cottage was swept away and destroyed. The yacht club suffered about $500 in damage. Damage in the West End neighborhood totaled about $850. Additionally, Bayou St. John overflowed and left roads near Spanish Fort inundated with about {{convert|2|ft|m|abbr=on}} of water.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-picayune/128099641/|title=Police Report|newspaper=The Daily Picayune|date=October 9, 1894|accessdate=July 12, 2023|page=2|location=New Orleans, Louisiana|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} Farther south, significant losses to orange, rice, and sugarcane crops occurred between Bohemia and Favrot,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-picayune/128103524/|title=Down The Coast|newspaper=The Daily Picayune|date=October 9, 1894|accessdate=July 12, 2023|page=2|location=New Orleans, Louisiana|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} although little crop damage was noted at the nearby community of Pointe à la Hache. There, all land was submerged in at least {{convert|6|in|mm|abbr=on}} of water.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-picayune/128104078/|title=Pointe à la Hache|newspaper=The Daily Picayune|date=October 9, 1894|accessdate=July 12, 2023|page=2|location=New Orleans, Louisiana|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} From Pointe à la Hache southward, "the whole country was underwater, no landmarks visible.", according to The Daily Picayune. A train heading from Buras to Algiers was delayed due to several uprooted trees along the tracks.

The hurricane produced rainfall, high tides, and wind along coastal Mississippi. In Mississippi City, winds destroyed a black church that had been knocked off its foundation during a hurricane in the previous year, while the storm also reportedly demolished several outbuildings and uprooted trees in the Handsboro section.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-picayune/128105429/|title=Mississippi City|newspaper=The Daily Picayune|date=October 9, 1894|accessdate=July 12, 2023|page=2|location=New Orleans, Louisiana|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} Wind gusts reached {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in Ocean Springs, leaving little wind damage other than a few downed fences. Rough seas washed out approximately {{convert|1000|ft|m|abbr=on}} of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad between West Pascagoula and Scanton (modern-day Pascagoula), but it was quickly repaired.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-picayune/128105947/|title=Ocean Springs|newspaper=The Daily Picayune|date=October 9, 1894|accessdate=July 12, 2023|page=2|location=New Orleans, Louisiana|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} Several vessels wrecked at Horn Island.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-picayune/128106693/|title=Scranton|newspaper=The Daily Picayune|date=October 9, 1894|accessdate=July 12, 2023|page=2|location=New Orleans, Louisiana|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} In Alabama, the storm produced sustained winds up to {{convert|40|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at Mobile, causing little impact other than downed telegraph wires and isolated power outages.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-gauge/128119068/|date=October 11, 1894|title=The Storm|page=3|newspaper=The Standard Gauge|location=Brewton, Alabama|accessdate=July 12, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}}

File:Western part of Florida LOC 79693159.jpg in 1890]]

Strong winds occurred across the Florida Panhandle and North Florida. According to a report by the Weather Bureau, "Every city and town between Jacksonville and Pensacola was damaged more or less. [...] This storm was the most violent one which has passed near Jacksonville during the past 23 years." Much of this portion of Florida also experienced significant losses to unpicked cotton, oranges, pecan, and sugarcane.{{cite book|author=Jay Barnes|title=Florida's Hurricane History|url=https://archive.org/details/floridashurrican00barn|url-access=registration|page=76|year=2007|publisher=University of North Carolina Press|isbn=978-0807858097}} Pensacola observed sustained winds of {{convert|68|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and gusts up to {{convert|85|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, resulting in a 3-story office building being deroofed and a machine shop and opera house being partially deroofed. Winds also destroyed a church and toppled fences, trees, and outhouses. Abnormally high tides completely submerged Santa Rosa Island, threatening the island's life-saving station and quarantine facility.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pensacola-news/128122902/|title=The Storm|date=October 9, 1894|newspaper=The Daily News|page=1|accessdate=July 12, 2023|location=Pensacola, Florida|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}}

Two dwellings adjacent to the Cape San Blas Lighthouse were destroyed, while the lighthouse itself sustained major damage. On Sand Island, located near St. George Island, a search discovered the wreckage of three vessels, which had been occupied by 15 crew members. The Daily News remarked that "it looked as if the men tried to save themselves upon the masts."{{cite news|date=October 12, 1894|newspaper=The Daily News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pensacola-news/128185108/|title=Echoes of the Storm|page=1|accessdate=July 13, 2023|location=Pensacola, Florida|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} In Apalachicola, tides pushed water up to {{convert|3|ft|m|abbr=on}} above ground in the stores along the coast. Winds shifted several homes off their foundations and tossed several boats into the marsh.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-montgomery-advertiser/128134409/|title=Pensacola|newspaper=The Montgomery Advertiser|date=October 12, 1894|page=2|accessdate=July 13, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} Two people died in Apalachicola. Carrabelle recorded sustained winds of {{convert|75|-|80|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and tides up to {{convert|12|ft|m|abbr=on}} above the high water mark. All but two boats were beached and wrecked, while waves washed away shanties along the Carrabelle River. Strong winds also demolished about 15 homes. Damage in the town totaled approximately $10,000. In Lanark Village, the cyclone demolished bathhouses and the pavilion. Although Tallahassee also reported intense winds and heavy rainfall, the storm dealt little impact other than a few downed fences and trees.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-news/128135985/|date=October 12, 1894|title=Tallahassee In The Tornado|newspaper=The Morning News|page=2|accessdate=July 13, 2023|location=Savannah, Georgia|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}}

Cedar Key reportedly experienced its worst storm in 25 years.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/alexandria-gazette/128135328/|title=Damages By The Storm|date=October 12, 1894|page=2|newspaper=Alexandria Gazette and Virginia Advertiser|accessdate=July 13, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} Waves submerged the business district and carried away roughly 40,000 cedar logs from mill yards. Heavy impact also occurred due to winds, damaging fish houses, small dwellings, the ice factory, the railroad tracks, and city hall. The Florida Central and Peninsular Railroad also received major damage, with approximately {{convert|3.5|mi|km|abbr=on}} of tracks leading to the mainland being destroyed or substantially damaged. Additionally, the steamer Media was destroyed, a loss of approximately $3,500. Gusty winds damaged awnings, signs, and trees in Gainesville, and blew many oranges off their trees.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-news/128157174/|title=Gleaned at Gainesville|newspaper=The Morning News|page=2|accessdate=July 13, 2023|location=Savannah, Georgia|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} Similarly, the nearby community of Candler and neighboring Putnam County also sustained extensive losses to orange crops.{{cite news|url=https://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00086614/00009/zoom/0|title=The Recent Storm|date=October 12, 1894|page=1|newspaper=The Times-Herald|location=Palatka, Florida|accessdate=July 13, 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-news/128181702/|title=Heavy Damage to Oranges|newspaper=The Morning News|page=2|accessdate=July 13, 2023|location=Savannah, Georgia|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} The hurricane produced sustained winds of {{convert|49|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and gusts up to {{convert|56|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in Jacksonville. Despite being more intense than the September storm, less damage occurred in Jacksonville as a result of this hurricane. About $5,000 in damage was reported to small boats and wharves,{{cite report|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Landsea/history/|title=Chronological Listing of Tropical Cyclones affecting North Florida and Coastal Georgia 1565-1899|author=Al Sandrik|author2=Christopher W. Landsea|date=May 2003|work=Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |accessdate=July 13, 2023|location=Miami, Florida}} while the cyclone ripped off tin roofs and toppled fences and trees. Damage in the city totaled about $25,000.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pensacola-news/128159166/|title=The Storm|date=October 11, 1894|newspaper=The Daily News|page=1|accessdate=July 13, 2023|location=Pensacola, Florida|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} Throughout the state of Florida, at least $100,000 in damage occurred.{{cite journal|journal=Climatological Data|url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-DBC26E27-8792-4F3F-AE46-F5B6E2949DF7.pdf|title=Report of the Florida Weather Service for the Year 1894|page=1|publisher=Weather Bureau Jacksonville, Florida|date=September 1895|accessdate=January 31, 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610055823/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-DBC26E27-8792-4F3F-AE46-F5B6E2949DF7.pdf|archivedate=June 10, 2024}}

In Georgia, the storm produced wind gusts up to {{convert|72|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} on Tybee Island. However, the direction of the wind prevented elevated tides, while preparations mitigated any potential damage. Winds also caused little impact in Savannah, mainly limited to damage to signs, awnings, and some vegetation. Along the coastal region of Georgia, rice farmers suffered a loss of about 10% of their crops. Heavy rains fell across Georgia and South Carolina, with both states recording peak totals around {{convert|5|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-news/128329016/|title=The Storm Passed By|date=October 10, 1894|newspaper=The Morning News|page=8|location=Savannah, Georgia|accessdate=July 17, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} In North Carolina, the storm generated sustained winds of {{convert|58|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at Kitty Hawk and {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at Hatteras,{{cite report|url=https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/6403|title=Tropical cyclones affecting North Carolina since 1586: An historical perspective|author=James E. Hudgins|date=April 2000|work=National Weather Service|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|page=21|access-date=July 27, 2023|format=PDF}} while the Weekly Star estimated that wind gusts reached {{convert|80|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at Southport. There, winds blew away the frame of the Order of Odd Fellows lodge, causing about $1,000 in damage. Strong winds also led to a disruption of telegraph service in the Wilmington area. Washouts occurred along Wilmington, Newbern and Norfolk Railroad near Folkstone and the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railway between Autryville and Roseboro.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-weekly-star/128943927/|title=The Gulf Storm|page=2|date=October 12, 1894|newspaper=Weekly Star|location=Wilmington, North Carolina|accessdate=July 27, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}}

The hurricane produced rough seas along coastal Virginia and in the Chesapeake Bay. The schooners Lorena Reen, John H. Cross, and the bark Ogin capsized, while the Henry Lippet suffered major damage just south of Fort Monroe. Additionally, the steamer Louise broke free from its moorings, and while being retrieved, the ship City of Columbia accidentally crashed into it, causing about $2,000 worth of repair work.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-virginian-pilot/128989777/|title=Newport News Items|page=4|date=October 11, 1894|newspaper=The Virginian-Pilot|location=Norfolk, Virginia|accessdate=July 27, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} On land, sustained winds reached {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in Newport News, downing many fences and trees across the town. Heavy rainfall in Portsmouth left up to {{convert|1|ft|m|abbr=on}} of water on Washington Street.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-portsmouth-star/128990106/|title=Water Twelve Inches Deep on Washington Street|date=October 10, 1894|newspaper=The Portsmouth Star|page=1|accessdate=July 27, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} In Maryland, a steam barge was beached close to Baltimore Harbor,{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/research/roth/valate19hur.htm|author=David Roth; Hugh Cobb|title=Late Nineteenth Century Virginia Hurricanes|date=July 16, 2001|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|accessdate=July 27, 2023}} while a large schooner went ashore at Deal Island and another at Eastport, which is now part of Annapolis. The Baltimore Sun described Hooper Strait as being "full of floating trees and debris which was blown off the shore by the gale."{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun/128992836/|title=The Storm-Swept Bay|page=2|date=October 11, 1894|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|accessdate=July 27, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} Winds produced by the cyclone in Delaware downed several large trees in Wilmington, but caused little damage other than the destruction of the second story of a building. High tides inundated the Harlan and Hollingsworth shipyard and a blacksmith shop.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-journal/128995098/|title=Late Night's Storm|date=October 10, 1894|page=5|newspaper=The News Journal|location=Wilmington, Delaware|accessdate=July 27, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}}

Heavy rains in eastern Pennsylvania delayed the Ontario and Western Railway train at Jermyn, while also flooding several of the town's streets and rendering thousands of dollars in damage.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-post/133676745/|page=1|title=Storm Damage at Jermyn, Pa.|date=October 11, 1894|newspaper=The Morning Post|accessdate=October 25, 2023|location=Camden, New Jersey|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} In New Jersey, strong winds toppled wires and "caused several accidents" in Jersey City, according to the Paterson Daily Press, killing two horses. Stormy conditions also disrupted trolley service in the city. A pharmacy suffered significant damage to its merchandise after winds broke the storefront window in the Bergen Section, while many legal records were destroyed following the shattering of a window at a courthouse. Within the Communipaw section of Jersey City, many vessels suffered some degree of damage.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-jersey-city-news/133667750/|title=Night of Disaster|date=October 10, 1894|newspaper=The Jersey City News|page=1|accessdate=October 18, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} One death occurred in Englewood after a chimney collapsed in on a home.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=k2tVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3j4NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1835%2C5123593|page=1|title=Killed in Her Bed|newspaper=Paterson Daily Press|date=October 10, 1894|accessdate=October 18, 2023}} Gusty winds in Hudson City shattered several windows, ripped shutters off some homes, and downed several trees, including at least four large trees, leaving some streets impassible. In the state of New York, the New York City area suffered extensively, with Long Island City alone reporting about $100,000 in damage.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle/142830955/|title=Great Loss of Property in Long Island City|date=October 10, 1894|newspaper=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|page=12|accessdate=January 31, 2025|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} Winds generated by the storm toppled a seven-story building under construction onto a tenement, killing 10 people and seriously injuring 15 others.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=k2tVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3j4NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1835%2C5123593|page=1|title=Death Dealing Storm|newspaper=Paterson Daily Press|date=October 10, 1894|accessdate=January 31, 2025}}

A group which included President Grover Cleveland, private secretary Henry T. Thurber, former Massachusetts governor William E. Russell, and Elias Cornelius Benedict, encountered the storm while sailing from Naushon Island to Woods Hole. The party had difficulty docking their steam launch, known as the Coyell, at the main wharf due to rough seas, forcing them to instead land at the United States Fish Commission Station's wharf.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fall-river-daily-evening-news/134071990/|title=President Gets a Wetting|date=October 11, 1894|newspaper=Fall River Daily Evening News|page=1|accessdate=October 25, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}}

• List of Cuba hurricanes
• List of Florida hurricanes (pre-1900)
• List of New England hurricanes
• List of New Jersey hurricanes
• List of New York hurricanes
• List of North Carolina hurricanes (pre-1900)

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist|group=nb}}

{{reflist}}

• [http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1894.pdf Monthly Weather Review]
• [https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/1894.html Atlantic hurricane reanalysis project page for 1894]

{{Category 3 Atlantic hurricanes}}

Category:Category 3 Atlantic hurricanes

Category:Hurricanes in Cuba

Category:Hurricanes in Florida

Category:Hurricanes in Georgia (U.S. state)

Category:Hurricanes in South Carolina

Category:Hurricanes in North Carolina

Category:Hurricanes in Virginia

Category:Hurricanes in New Jersey

Category:Hurricanes in New York (state)

Category:Hurricanes in New England

Category:1894 natural disasters in the United States

Category:October 1894