1. Impact:

- Landfall: September 18, 1926

- Category at Landfall: Category 4

- Maximum Wind Speed: Estimated at 130 mph (215 km/h)

- Minimum Pressure: Approximately 927 mb (27.37 inHg)

2. Casualties:

- Fatalities: Around 400 to 600 confirmed deaths, with estimates varying.

- Injuries: Thousands of injuries reported, though exact numbers are less documented.

3. Property Damage:

- Economic Loss: Estimated at $100 million to $250 million in 1926 dollars, equivalent to about $1.5 billion to $3.5 billion today when adjusted for inflation.

- Homes Affected: Large portions of Miami and the surrounding areas were heavily damaged or destroyed. Over 30,000 homes were impacted in the Miami area alone.

- Flooded Areas: Extensive flooding occurred in Florida, particularly in Miami and surrounding regions.

4. Environmental Impact:

- Coastal Erosion: Significant erosion along the Florida coast, impacting beaches and coastal ecosystems.

- Infrastructure Damage: Major damage to coastal infrastructure, including roads and bridges.

5. Response and Recovery:

- Federal Assistance: Limited federal assistance due to the time period; much of the recovery was managed locally and through private efforts.

- Recovery Efforts: The recovery process was slow, with significant rebuilding required in Miami and the surrounding areas. The hurricane accelerated urban planning and construction improvements in the region.

6. Economic Impact:

- Insurance Claims: The hurricane led to substantial insurance claims, though exact figures are less documented due to the historical context.

- Business Disruptions: Many businesses in Miami and surrounding areas were forced to close or suspend operations due to damage.

7. Infrastructure Damage:

- Transportation: Extensive damage to roads, bridges, and railways in Florida.

- Utilities: Significant damage to utilities, including power lines and water systems, affecting daily life and recovery efforts.

8. Long-Term Impact:

- Urban Planning: The disaster led to improvements in building codes and urban planning in Miami and Florida, influencing future hurricane preparedness and infrastructure development.

Images courtesy of Miami Dade Public Library System. 

Digital Collections.