New Hampshire has a long history of experiencing severe storms that left lasting impacts on its communities.
From hurricanes to nor’easters, these natural disasters have tested the resilience and preparedness of its residents.
Knowing the biggest storms to ever hit New Hampshire can help us understand the region’s vulnerabilities and prepare for future events.
This article sheds light on some of the most significant weather events to strike the Granite State, highlighting their effects on the area’s landscape and population.
1. Hurricane Carol (1954)
In 1954, Hurricane Carol was among the most destructive storms to hit New Hampshire.
It made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane with winds reaching up to 100 mph, and occasionally gusts up to 135 mph.
Carol caused significant damage in New Hampshire. The storm demolished thousands of homes, cars, and boats. Property damage was extensive, running into millions of dollars.
Flooding and power outages were widespread. Many residents were left without electricity for days. Emergency services were stretched thin during and after the storm.
Hurricane Carol is remembered as a major event in New Hampshire’s weather history.
2. Great September Gale of 1815
The Great September Gale of 1815 struck New Hampshire with strong winds and heavy rains.
It was one of the rare major hurricanes to hit New England, with only five such storms since 1635.
This gale caused widespread destruction. It damaged buildings, crops, and ships. Forests were toppled, and livestock losses were significant.
Water shortages lasted up to six months in some areas. The storm’s force was so fierce that it was compared to the New England Hurricane of 1938, a much later and more well-known storm.
3. Hurricane Edna (1954)
Hurricane Edna was a significant storm that impacted New Hampshire in 1954.
Classified as a major hurricane, it struck the East Coast in September, following closely behind Hurricane Carol.
Edna was known for its destructive force. Strong winds and heavy rains caused widespread damage.
In New Hampshire, the storm brought down trees and power lines, resulting in extensive power outages.
Edna was part of a particularly active hurricane season.
It was one of two hurricanes to strike the region that year, the other being Hurricane Carol. The back-to-back impact of these storms left a lasting impression on the state.
New Hampshire residents had little time to recover between these major weather events. The state’s infrastructure was severely tested by the dual storms, highlighting the need for improved disaster preparedness.
4. Perfect Storm (1991)
The 1991 Perfect Storm, also called The No-Name Storm, struck in October 1991.
This unique storm began as an extratropical cyclone off the East Coast and absorbed Hurricane Grace, evolving into an unnamed hurricane.
The storm caused significant damage along the New Hampshire coast, with strong winds and high waves. Homes and businesses suffered structural damage, and flooding was widespread.
Fishermen were particularly affected, as the storm sank several boats.
The Perfect Storm was a rare and powerful event, etched into New Hampshire’s storm history.
5. Hurricane Irene (2011)
Hurricane Irene hit New Hampshire on August 28, 2011.
It brought heavy rain, causing severe flooding.
Storm surges hit coastal areas, and river flooding damaged infrastructure.
The storm impacted mountainous regions, leading to significant landscape and property damage. Major cities experienced power outages.
Irene affected much of New England, causing extensive property damage and challenging recovery efforts.
New Hampshire faced infrastructure damage, particularly in mountainous terrain areas. Preparation and response have improved since then.
6. Blizzard of 1978
The Blizzard of 1978 was a catastrophic storm that hit New Hampshire and much of New England.
Starting on February 5, 1978, this powerful nor’easter lasted until February 7.
Intense, hurricane-force winds reached up to 83 miles per hour, making it one of the most severe storms in the region’s history.
The blizzard stalled over Block Island in Rhode Island for more than 24 hours. It brought nonstop heavy snow for a full 33 hours, paralyzing much of the Northeast.
New Hampshire residents were unprepared for its severity, which made the impact even worse.
Countless homes were buried under snow, and roads became impassable.
This storm has since been a benchmark for measuring all other storms in the area. Even decades later, it remains a significant event in New Hampshire’s weather history.
7. Hurricane Gloria (1985)
Hurricane Gloria was one of the most significant storms to impact New Hampshire.
It struck the region in late September 1985. Gloria was powerful and caused widespread damage.
The hurricane brought strong winds and heavy rain. New Hampshire experienced power outages and flooding. Many homes and businesses were affected.
Hurricane Gloria was especially impactful in coastal areas. Wind speeds reached dangerous levels. The storm’s aftermath required extensive rebuilding efforts across the state.
8. Nor’easter of 1960
The December 1960 nor’easter was a significant storm that affected the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, including New Hampshire.
It brought heavy snowfall and powerful winds to the area.
Snowfall amounts were substantial, with some places seeing over 10 inches of snow. Wind gusts reached up to 90 mph, making the storm even more dangerous.
This storm was one of the earliest major winter weather events of the season. It demonstrated the power and unpredictability of nor’easters.
9. Hurricane Sandy (2012)
Hurricane Sandy hit New Hampshire in 2012, bringing widespread disruption.
Although it was not a direct hit on the state, it caused significant damage.
Wind speeds reached between 40 to 70 mph in most areas of New Hampshire. In some places, the winds knocked down trees and power lines, leading to power outages.
Mount Washington recorded the highest wind gust in the country at 140 mph.
The storm’s heavy rainfall added to the damage, with several inches of rain falling in parts of the state.
Sandy was one of the most destructive storms of the 2012 hurricane season. It impacted daily life and required extensive cleanup efforts in New Hampshire and across the region.
10. Hurricane Bob (1991)
Hurricane Bob was one of the most intense storms to hit New Hampshire in 1991.
Forming near The Bahamas on August 16, it quickly intensified.
By August 19, Bob made landfall in Massachusetts with Category 2 status. The storm brought heavy winds and significant damage.
In New Hampshire, the storm caused trees to topple onto homes and cars, leading to widespread destruction.
Known for its intense winds, Bob gusted to Category 3 strength in southeastern Massachusetts before moving north.
Though small in area, Hurricane Bob was highly impactful. The hurricane caused beach erosion and high storm surges, particularly affecting south-facing beaches like those on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
Historical Context of New Hampshire Storms
New Hampshire has a history of severe storms, including hurricanes and blizzards that have had notable impacts on its communities.
These events are shaped by specific weather patterns and have caused significant disruption and damage.
Understanding New Hampshire’s Weather Patterns
New Hampshire’s location in the northeastern United States makes it susceptible to various weather phenomena.
Hurricanes often make their way up the Atlantic Coast, sometimes striking the state, as seen with the Great 1938 Hurricane.
Storm systems from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic combine with local climatic conditions to produce intense weather.
Winter storms, like the blizzard of ’78, bring heavy snowfall and cold temperatures due to the interaction between cold Arctic air and moist air from the Gulf of Mexico.
These weather patterns are crucial for understanding the roots of the major storms that have significantly impacted New Hampshire over the years.
Impact on Local Communities
The effects of these powerful storms on New Hampshire’s communities have been profound.
Hurricanes and blizzards have caused widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and natural landscapes. The Great 1938 Hurricane caused massive destruction, uprooting trees and disrupting daily life.
Snowstorms have led to road closures, power outages, and significant safety hazards.
Communities have had to adapt to these challenges through improved emergency responses and infrastructure resilience.
The repeated exposure to these extreme weather events has shaped the way communities prepare for and respond to storms, underlining the importance of readiness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
Climate Change and Its Effects
Climate change is altering weather patterns, leading to increased storm intensity.
As storms grow stronger, New Hampshire must adapt by implementing preparation and adaptation strategies.
Increasing Storm Intensity
New Hampshire has experienced a rise in severe weather events due to climate change.
The state has seen 11 major winter storms since 1980, each causing over $1 billion in damages.
The University of New Hampshire’s climate scientists are warning that the state is becoming warmer and wetter.
This trend leads to more intense storms and extreme precipitation events.
Flooding is the most common disaster in the region, causing significant erosion, road damage, and pollution in waterways.
With these changes, it is essential to understand how increasing temperatures and moisture contribute to storm severity.
Recognizing this pattern can help residents and authorities better prepare for future events.
Preparation and Adaptation Strategies
To combat the effects of intensified storms, New Hampshire can employ various preparation and adaptation strategies.
Communities should invest in robust infrastructure that can withstand severe weather. This includes improving culverts, reinforcing roads, and enhancing flood defenses.
Residents can also play a role by securing their homes and staying informed about emergency protocols.
Additionally, transitioning to efficient energy sources and reducing emissions can help mitigate the effects of climate change.
Local governments should prioritize initiatives that promote climate resilience, ensuring that the region is better equipped to handle increasingly severe weather.
These steps are crucial in safeguarding the community and minimizing damage from future storms.