Since the Atlantic Hurricane Database era began in 1851, there have been three major hurricanes to make direct landfall in New England. The first of these major storms came in 1869. Out of New England’s worst storms, this one may be the least remembered by history.
A hurricane was reported off the coast of Florida, near the Bahamas, on September 7th. The hurricane moved north-northeast, staying well off the east coast. The hurricane strengthened further and made landfall in Rhode Island late on September 8th as a category three storm with winds of 115 mph. This hurricane was very small in size, with the strongest winds concentrated near the center and to the east of the storm.
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