CONTENT WARNING
Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; and gender and sexual orientation.
Context
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and ends November 30, with the season’s peak occurring between August and October. During the very active hurricane season of 1933, the Chesapeake-Potomac Hurricane hit coastal Virginia on August 23, 1933. The intense rain and sustained winds caused catastrophic damage. The storm was first noticed when it was east of the Windward Islands. By mid-August, the tropical storm was 900 miles east of Puerto Rico and within 150 miles of Bermuda. On August 23rd, the storm, now a hurricane, changed track. The eye of the hurricane passed over Norfolk and moved north.
The affected area covered large parts of the city of Norfolk, Princess Anne, Northampton, Accomack, York, Gloucester, Mathews, and Lancaster counties. Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland counties were also affected to a lesser extent. The hurricane caused $27.2 million in damage and fewer than 20 deaths in the state.
Citation: Hurricane Recovery in Tidewater Virginia: A Partial Report on Red Cross Relief and Rehabilitation in the Area Damaged by Wind and Tidal Wave on August, 23, 1933, Mathews County Red Cross Records (Barcode 1184542), Library of Virginia.
Standards
Earth Science: ES.12
Suggested Questions
Preview Activity
Scan It: Scan the document. What words or phrases provide information about the subject of the document?
Post Activity
STEM STAT: Hurricanes can have sustained rain and wind that cause widespread damage across large areas. Where do hurricanes form? Why do they travel across oceans and follow somewhat predictable patterns? Consider how currents impact developing storms and the number of densely populated coastal communities when writing your response.
Current Connections: Hurricanes are more frequent and stronger that in the past. What can be done to make hurricane prone coastal areas safer? Why might it be important to preserve parts of coastal areas? Explain.