|name=. Remove this parameter; the article title is used as the name by default. Surface weather analysis of the hurricane near Texas on July 21 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | July 13, 1909 |
| Dissipated | July 22, 1909 |
| Category 3 major hurricane | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 115 mph (185 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 959 mbar (hPa); 28.32 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 41 total |
| Damage | $2 million (1909 USD) |
| Areas affected | Jamaica, Cuba, Louisiana and Texas |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1909 Atlantic hurricane season | |
The 1909 Velasco hurricane was an intense tropical cyclone that devastated areas of the Texas coast in July 1909. The fourth tropical storm, second hurricane, and first major hurricane of the season, it formed from an area of disturbed weather east of the Leeward Islands on July 13, 1909. Remaining weak for much of its early existence, the system began to intensify after nearing Jamaica. Curving towards the northwest, it reached hurricane strength on July 18 near the western tip of Cuba. Intensification stalled as it moved westwards across the Gulf of Mexico, but resumed as the hurricane approached the Texas coast. The storm intensified to a major hurricane on July 21 and subsequently reached its peak intensity with winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) prior to making landfall near Velasco, Texas. Once over land, the system began to quickly weaken, and dissipated near the Rio Grande on July 22.
The hurricane caused 41 deaths and $2 million in damages,[nb 1] all of which were in Texas. Strong waves caused several offshore shipping incidents, and storm surge inundated areas of the Texas coast, though damage in Galveston was mostly mitigated by the Galveston Seawall. In Velasco, only eight buildings remained intact after the hurricane. Strong winds forced train closures and destroyed and downed various infrastructure. Heavy rains further inland peaked at 8.5 in (220 mm) in Hallettsville.
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