Historical hurricane photos: Category 4 Donna slammed Naples, Fort Myers in 1960

Because it happened 62 years ago and because Southwest Florida has been impacted by numerous hurricanes since, it would be easy to forget Hurricane Donna, one of the most powerful hurricanes to impact this region along the west coast of Florida.

Hurricane history:From Michael to Charley: Nine notable hurricanes to hit Florida this century

Hurricane hot spots:Florida's hurricane hotspots: Data says these 3 places are most vulnerable

It was a different time and place, as these black and white images underscore, but like any other powerful hurricane, there was widespread damage from flooding to loss of power.

Donna formed on Aug. 29, 1960.

Early on September 10, 1960, Donna made landfall in the Florida Keys with winds of 145 mph, the most severe observed there since 1935.

Irma photos:Hurricane Irma 5th anniversary: Five unforgettable photo galleries

Donna then weakened as it paralleled the southwestern Florida peninsula, making landfall south of Naples with winds of 120 mph.

Hurricane Donna was a very destructive hurricane that caused extensive damage from the Lesser Antilles to New England. At least 364 people were killed by the hurricane and property damage was estimated at $900 million.

Where's Cantore?:Tropical Storm Ian: Weather Channel announces Jim Cantore's location

Throughout Collier County, strong winds and coastal flooding combined destroyed 153 homes, severely damaged 409 others, and caused caused minor damage to 1,049 dwellings.

Donna left about $3 million in property damage and two deaths in Fort Myers.

Here are photos from our archives that help tell the story of Hurricane Donna in Southwest Florida: 

Hurricane Donna in Everglades City

More historic Hurricane Donna photos