Return to tropical page

Here are some facts about Maine Hurricanes and Tropical Storms:

• The average frequency of storms over the past 360 years is one every eight years. However, since 1960, the frequency is closer to one storm every two years.
• The total number of storms to have hit this area is around 45, this is not to mention the many "close calls" we have had.
• Over the past 60 years, there have been a total of 7 hurricanes that have caused major damage, and 7 storms that have caused moderate damage. This averages out to be one severe storm every 8.5 years, and one hurricane every 4 years.
• The highest wind recorded in the Auburn/Lewiston area during a hurricane was 78 mph in 1954 (Carol), and in Maine was 81 mph at Blue Hill and 80 mph at Wiscasset in 1991 (Bob). (Note: Wind Speeds of 93 mph at Blue Hill and 92 at Wiscasset have been reported by newspapers. This information may not have been official)
• Out of 25 of our nations most costliest hurricanes, the State of Maine has been impacted by 7 of them. Below, these storms are listed by their national ranking and have been adjusted for inflation to 1990 dollars:

Hurricane	Rank	Year	Damage
New England	7	1938	$3,593,853,000
Carol	10	1954	$2,370,215,000
Donna	12	1960	$1,823,605,000
Bob	15	1991	$1,500,000,000
Gloria	22	1985	$1,002,739,000
New England	23	1944	$925,055,000

TOTAL $11,215,467,000

• Out of 25 of the nations deadliest hurricanes, the State of Maine has been impacted by 4. These are the Hurricane of 1938 (ranked 4^th), the 1944 Hurricane (ranked 7^th), Hurricane Carol (ranked 19^th), and Hurricane Donna (ranked 21^st).

• When do hurricanes occur in Maine? As you can see in the chart below, the peak weeks for hurricanes run from September 1^st to September 15^th.
• The deadliest Maine Hurricane occurred in 1869. Eleven people died in the wreck of the Helen Eliza in Portland Harbor.
• The heaviest rainfall recorded during a hurricane was 8.05" in Brunswick during Hurricane Edna in 1954.
• Hurricane Ginny in 1963, dropped 13 inches of snow on Aroostook County, with some snow accumulation as far south as Lewiston, Maine. This snow however, did not remain on the ground for long.
• Storms also occur out of season. On February 5, 1952, a strong storm originating in the tropics, hit Maine with strong winds, rain, and snow. It is still being debated as to whether this storm was in fact a hurricane/tropical storm.

Copyright 2002, Wayne Cotterly

Revised: 10/21/2002