A History of Disaster

Among the worst storms in the mid- and northern Atlantic coast regions were:

Hurricane Isabel, 2003: Storm surges of more than eight feet caused flooding across the region. The storm killed 16 and caused an estimated $3.4 billion in damage.

Hurricane Floyd, 1999: When Floyd struck North Carolina and traveled north along the East Coast, it was the deadliest hurricane to hit the United States in 29 years. Fifty-six people were killed in extensive flooding.

Hurricane Diane, 1955: Diane made landfall only five days after Hurricane Connie had struck the area. Although winds were mild, the effect of two storms in such close proximity resulted in widespread damage from North Carolina to Massachusetts and 184 deaths.

Hurricane Carol, 1954: Carol made landfall on Long Island, N.Y., as a Category 3 storm. Winds more than 100 mph swept the region, and Providence, R.I., was under eight to 10 feet of water. Carol caused 60 deaths.

"Long Island Express," 1938: Before the current naming system was in place, the Long Island Express struck New York and much of New England, killing more than 600 people.

Chesapeake Potomac Hurricane, 1933: The storm swept along the East Coast, causing flooding throughout the Chesapeake Bay region and up the Potomac River. It resulted in 18 deaths, and parts of Washington and Virginia were under as much as 10 feet of water.