The Great Hurricane of 1780

The Great Hurricane of 1780 was a powerful and deadly storm that struck the Caribbean, especially the Lesser Antilles, in October 1780. It is considered one of the deadliest Atlantic hurricanes on record, with estimated fatalities exceeding 22,000, primarily among sailors and residents caught at sea or on vulnerable islands. The hurricane caused massive destruction to ships, settlements, and infrastructure. Its strength and violence took a heavy toll during a time with limited weather forecasting, making it a significant historical event in the study of severe storms and their impact on maritime and coastal communities.