The Biggest Storms in Recorded in History

10 of the most destructive storms in living memory

Storms are natural atmospheric phenomena characterised by strong winds, precipitation, and often turbulent or violent conditions. They can take various forms, each with its unique characteristics.

With storm season well upon us, here are some of the biggest storms in recorded history, measured by various criteria such as wind speed, size, and impact.

Hurricane Patricia (2015)

This Category 5 hurricane had the highest sustained wind speeds ever recorded in a tropical cyclone, with winds reaching 215 mph (345 km/h) in the eastern Pacific. It made landfall on the west coast of Mexico and caused significant damage.

Typhoon Tip (1979)

This was the most massive and intense tropical cyclone ever recorded, with a diameter of over 1,300 miles (2,090 km) and sustained winds of 190 mph (305 km/h).

Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) (2013)

Haiyan is one of the strongest tropical cyclones to make landfall, hitting the Philippines with winds exceeding 195 mph (315 km/h) and causing widespread devastation.

Hurricane Allen (1980)

Allen is one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded, with maximum sustained winds of 190 mph (305 km/h). It affected several Caribbean islands and the Gulf of Mexico.

Hurricane Irma (2017)

Irma was one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, with winds reaching 185 mph (295 km/h). It caused widespread destruction in the Caribbean and Florida.

Super Typhoon Haiyan (Megi) (2010)

This Category 5 typhoon had sustained winds of 195 mph (315 km/h) and affected Taiwan and the Philippines.

The Great Hurricane of 1780

This is one of the deadliest hurricanes in recorded history, with estimates of 20,000 to 27,501 fatalities. It struck the eastern Caribbean and caused widespread destruction.

Labor Day Hurricane (1935)

This Category 5 hurricane had sustained winds of 185 mph (295 km/h) and made landfall in the Florida Keys, causing significant damage and loss of life.

Cyclone Nargis (2008)

This powerful cyclone struck Myanmar (Burma) and was responsible for the deaths of over 138,000 people.

Hurricane Katrina (2005)

While not the most intense in terms of wind speed, Hurricane Katrina is known for its devastating impact on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, causing over 1,800 fatalities and extensive flooding.

These storms are notable for their extreme intensity, size, and the significant impact they had on the regions they affected. It's important to note that there are many ways to measure the "biggest" storms, whether by wind speed, pressure, size, or impact, and these criteria can lead to different rankings.

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