History of the Deadliest Atlantic Tropical Cyclones Since the Discovery of the New World

The causes, magnitude, and spatial and temporal distributions of loss of life resulting from Atlantic tropical cyclones since 1492 are documented, providing perspective on the historical threat and variability of the phenomenon. About 250 tropical cyclones were found to have taken at least 25 lives. Numerous cases of more than 1000 deaths were identified with more than 22,000 fatalities attributed to the deadliest record event. Reference data also reveal around 200 additional cases associated with loss of life that, while unqualified, could have reached 25. In total, it is estimated that one-third to one-half million people have perished in Atlantic tropical cyclones during this period. Despite technological advances, loss of life generally increased over the past five centuries. A few exceptionally deadly storms dominate the statistics on time-scales exceeding a decade. Through the 18th century, many of the large losses occurred at sea. More recently, losses from storm surge in coastal areas and inland fresh water flooding predominate. Factors contributing to past and potential future losses include relatively poor communications systems and insufficient mitigation efforts, particularly in outlying areas of underdeveloped countries.