The 1954 hurricane season was exactly 70 years ago to this date. This season was very active, deadly and destructive. When I was in some of my meteorology classes we analyzed some of the storms from this season and what allowed this season to be so active.

In the 1950's the average hurricane season would have 9-10 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes (categories 3, 4, and 5). The average Total ACE (Accumulated Cyclonic Energy) would typically be 75-90. Originally the 1954 season was thought to have 13 named storms. However, during the National Hurricane's Center Reanalysis Project it was determined there was 3 more tropical storms. Thus, the official count is 16 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes for the 1954 season. The 1954 season's total ACE was increased to 111.00.

The season was above average for two reasons. First this was part of the first active phase of the Atlantic. The first Active phase was from 1925-1969. The second Active phase started in 1995. Second, In spring of 1954 a La Nina quickly developed. This La Nina would last from March 1954 to February 1957. La Nina causes above average water temps, light wind shear, and a moist environment. These are conditions needed for tropical development.

Here is a list of the the storms from 1954. The dates in parentheses are when the storm was active) The pressure is the lowest pressure observed in the storm. * Besides a storm means the hurricane was a major hurricane. The amount of damage is in USA dollars.


Tropical Storm #1 (5/27-5/31) This storm was originally believed to be a coastal non tropical low. However during the reanalysis project it was determined to be tropical. This storm stayed out to sea and caused no issues. The peak was 50 mph winds and a pressure 0f 997 millibars.

Tropical Storm #2 (6/17-6/25) This storm stayed out to sea and was almost a hurricane. The peak was 70 mph and a pressure of 994 millibars.

Hurricane Alice (6/24-6/26) Alice rapidly developed in the Gulf of Mexico. The hurricane quickly strengthened into a high end category 2 hurricane. Alice made landfall in Northeast Mexico at peak strength. Overall, 153 people perished and $2 million people died. The official peak was 110 mph and a pressure of 975 millibars.

Tropical Storm #4 (7/10-7/14) This tropical storm peaked at 50 mph with a pressure 0f 1004 millibars. It stayed out to sea.

Tropical Storm Barbara (7/27-7/30) Barbara peaked with 60 mph winds and a pressure of 999 millibars. The storm impacted Texas and Louisiana with minor impacts. The rainfall was beneficial as those states where in a severe drought at that time.

*Hurricane Carol (8/25-8/31) Carol was a destructive hurricane that impacted the New England States. Carol developed around the Gulf Stream and strengthened. After peaking Carol picked up speed and made landfall in New England as a category 3 hurricane. Carol caused $465 million in damages and 72 deaths. The peak was 115 mph winds and a pressure of 955 millibars.

Hurricane Dolly (8/27-9/4) Dolly was a hurricane that peaked at 85 mph and a pressure of 994 millibars. Dolly stayed out to sea.

*Hurricane Edna (9/5-9/14) Edna was the second hurricane to strike New England. Edna intensified into a category 3 hurricane. Due to moving over cooler waters Edna weakened but it was still a powerful hurricane when it struck the state of Massachusetts. Edna caused $54 million in damages and over 29 deaths. The peak was 120 mph and a pressure of 943 millibars.

TS $9 (9/6-9/8) short lived storm that peaked at 45 mph with a pressure of 1004 millibars and stayed out to sea.

TS Florence (9/11-9/13) Florence peaked at 65 mph and a pressure of 1001 millibars. The storm made landfall in Mexico causing 5 deaths and $1.5 million in damages.

TS #11 (9/15-9/18) Tropical Storm that did not impact any land. The peak was 45 mph with a pressure of 1004 millibars.

TS Gilda (9/24/-9/27) Gilda peaked as a 70 mph storm with winds up to 998 millibars. The storm impacted Nicaragua, Honduras, and Belize. Damage is unknown but 29 people died.

Hurricane $13 (9/25-10/6) This was a category 2 hurricane that peaked with winds up to 100 mph and a pressure of 964 millibars. It lasted several days in the open waters of the Atlantic.

*Hurricane Hazel (10/5-10/16) Hazel was the strongest hurricane of the season and the deadliest. The Hurricane made landfall in the Antilles as a category 2 hurricane, Haiti as a category 3, and South Carolina as a category 4 hurricane. The remnants of Hazel caused severe flooding in several states. Overall Hazel claimed 1,200 deaths with over 800 of those occurring in Haiti. $460 million dollars of damage was done. Hazel was a 140 mph category 4 hurricane with a pressure of 938 millibars.

TS 15 (11/16-11/21) short lived storm that peaked at 40 mph and a pressure of 1005 millibars. Did not impact any land.

Alice of December (12/30/54-1/6/1955) Originally Alice was thought to have developed on January 1st 1955. However in post analysis it was determined to have formed on December 30th. Thus it was dubbed Alice of December to keep it from being confused with June's hurricane Alice. This Alice impacted the Antilles and caused $650,000 in damages. The peak was 90 mph and a pressure of 980 millibars.

Overall the 1954 season caused over $1 Billion dollars worth of damage and close to 1,400 people lost their lives in this season. However this season was a prelude on what was to come. The following season fueled by the same La Nina would even be more deadly and destructive. This was a very active season for its time frame.