Winds of Destruction
In October 1780, the Great Hurricane struck the Caribbean with unprecedented force. Estimated wind speeds exceeded 200 mph, tearing through islands like Barbados, Saint Lucia, and Martinique. The storm’s winds were so powerful that they stripped bark off trees and flattened entire forests.
Devastation on the Islands
Barbados was the first to feel the hurricane’s wrath on October 10, 1780. Nearly every structure was destroyed, and most of the island’s sugar plantations were wiped out. The hurricane moved on to Saint Lucia and Martinique, leaving a trail of destruction, sinking ships, and claiming thousands of lives.
Naval Disaster
The Great Hurricane also had a significant impact on naval forces. British and French warships anchored in the Caribbean were caught in the storm. Dozens of ships were destroyed, with many sailors lost at sea, affecting naval operations during the American Revolutionary War.
A Catastrophic Toll
The hurricane caused an estimated 22,000 to 27,000 deaths, making it the deadliest Atlantic hurricane in recorded history. Entire communities were swept away, and the Caribbean was left reeling from one of the most powerful storms it had ever faced.
The Deadliest Atlantic Hurricane in History 🌪️
Winds of Destruction
In October 1780, the Great Hurricane struck the Caribbean with unprecedented force. Estimated wind speeds exceeded 200 mph, tearing through islands like Barbados, Saint Lucia, and Martinique. The storm’s winds… pic.twitter.com/v2zVGApvMO— Detective Tiger’s Stories (@TigerDetective) October 10, 2024