The Great Miami Hurricane of 1926

In September 1926, many of Miami's residents were newcomers who had never experienced a major hurricane. On the night of September 17 to 18, a powerful storm struck the city head-on.

The eye passes

As the storm's eye passed over, the wind dropped and skies briefly cleared. Many people, not understanding what was happening, went outside to look at the damage or crossed causeways to Miami Beach. Then the back side of the hurricane arrived with renewed fury, catching them in the open.

Damage and loss

A storm surge flooded Miami Beach and the bayfront, wind destroyed thousands of buildings, and boats were thrown onto streets. The Red Cross counted 373 deaths in the region, though estimates vary, and tens of thousands of people were left homeless. Near Lake Okeechobee the storm also caused deadly flooding at Moore Haven.

The end of the boom

Already faltering, the land boom collapsed. Investors fled, banks failed, and South Florida entered an economic depression years before the rest of the country.

Lessons learned

The storm helped prompt stronger building practices and, over time, building codes. Two years later the 1928 Okeechobee hurricane would push the federal government into large-scale flood control around the lake, the beginning of the Army Corps of Engineers' long role in South Florida.

Miami rebuilt, as it would again after storms like Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and the experience of 1926 remains part of the city's collective memory every hurricane season.

No warning system as we know it

In 1926 there were no satellites, radar or hurricane hunter aircraft. Forecasters relied on ship reports and telegraph messages. Many residents had little warning of how strong the storm would be. Modern forecasting, including the National Hurricane Center based in Miami, developed in part from lessons learned in storms like this one.

Miami Beach under water

Storm surge swept across Miami Beach, flooding streets and damaging hotels and homes. The causeways and bridges connecting the island to the mainland were damaged, cutting off routes for rescue and recovery.

Recovery and resilience

Volunteers, the Red Cross and local organizations led relief efforts, sheltering the homeless and rebuilding. City leaders worked to reassure investors and tourists that Miami would return, launching publicity campaigns to restore confidence.

Preparing for hurricanes today

• Know your evacuation zone and plan.
• Keep a supply kit with water, food, medicines and documents.
• Follow official forecasts and local instructions.
• For group outings, keep a backup date during hurricane season.