Down Came the Rain |

It seems that Hurricane Irene is not going to be as bad as everyone feared. While you're waiting for the next storm to hit, read these books about hurricanes.

Galveston, Texas, 1900
Considered the deadliest hurricane in US history, the Galveston storm was responsible for more than 8000 deaths.

Isaac's Storm: a Man, a Time and the Deadliest Hurricane in History by Erik Larson

Large Print

The Great Hurricane of 1938
Today we have advance warning of storms, but in 1938, this hurricane attacked the Eastern United States suddenly, catching citizens unprepared. Seven states were affected by the storm that featured 50 foot swells and 186 mph winds.

The Great Hurricane, 1938 by Cherie Burns

Sudden Sea: The Great Hurricane of 1938 by R. A. Scotti

Hurricane Hazel, 1954
The devastating hurricane that ravaged Ontario from Toronto to Timmins and left 81 people dead.

Hurricane Hazel by Betty Kennedy

Hurricane Hazel: Canada's Storm of the Century by Jim Gifford

Hurricane Katrina, 2005
It began with a category 5 hurricane and flood but is best remembered because of the tragic mishandling of the rescue effort. This is a small sample of titles available on the subject.

Breach of Faith: Hurricane Katrina and the Near Death of a Great American City by Jed Horne

Disaster: Hurricane Katrina and the Failure of Homeland Security by Christopher Cooper

The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast by Douglas Brinkley

Hurricane Igor, 2010
The worst hurricane in Newfoundland history caused $200 million dollars in total damage. Of this figure, $100 million dollars was in infrastructure damage, primarily to roads. Entire communities were cut off as roads were washed out by torrential rains and flash floods.

Hurricane Igor: In the Eye of the Storm

Interesting hurricane fact: Hurricanes were not given names until 1950.