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Today in History: Great New England Hurricane Devastates Long Island, 682 Dead

9/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On September 21, 1938, the Great New England Hurricane struck Long Island, New York, as a Category 3 storm. It caused catastrophic damage, killing approximately 682 people and injuring 1,754. The hurricane destroyed over 57,000 homes, leading to property losses estimated between $306 million and $410 million, marking it as one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history.

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Story summary

On September 21, 1938, the Great New England Hurricane struck Long Island, New York, as a Category 3 storm. It caused catastrophic damage, killing approximately 682 people and injuring 1,754. The hurricane destroyed over 57,000 homes, leading to property losses estimated between $306 million and $410 million, marking it as one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history.