Tampa hurricane in 1921: Did you know?
Mark H. Bickel
All indications — for now at least or as of Monday afternoon on Sept. 26 — are that a powerful hurricane will crash into the Tampa area at some point this week if Hurricane Ian continues on its current forecast track.
Read more:Tropical Storm Ian: Weather Channel announces Jim Cantore's location
Also:From Michael to Charley: Nine notable hurricanes to hit Florida this century
It might be hard to believe, but the last time the Tampa area took a direct hit from a hurricane was in 1921.
No doubt the forecast is causing high levels of stress for people who live in the Tampa region and the business that operate there.
Q. When did it hit?
A. Oct 25, 1921
Q. What was the storm's name?
A. Hurricanes didn't start being named until 1953. But the hurricane is also known as the "Tarpon Springs Hurricane."
More:Hurricane Irma 5th anniversary: Five unforgettable photo galleries
Q. How powerful was the hurricane?
A. Estimated at Cat 3 (100+mph)
Q. Where did the storm make landfall?
A. Tarpon Springs
Q. Did anyone die?
A. There were 8 recorded fatalities
Q. What was the economic impact?
A. It is estimated that the storm damage cost $5 million
And:Florida's hurricane hotspots: Data says these 3 places are most vulnerable
Did you know?
- The 1921 Tampa hurricane was the first major hurricane to hit the area since a hurricane in 1848.
- The Tampa Hurricane is the second latest major hurricane to strike the continental United States in the calendar year on record, behind Hurricane Zeta in 2020.
- Four deaths occurred in Tampa, three from drownings and another after a man touched a live wire.
- The hurricane brought a storm surge of 10–12 ft (3–3.5 m) to Tampa Bay.
- Much of the city was flooded, with the worst along Bayshore Boulevard, where some of the most expensive properties were located.
- In the past few decades especially, local officials have been concerned about a major hurricane impacting the area due to population increases, older building codes, storm surge projections, and complacency among some residents.
Research: weather.gov and Wikipedia