On this day in 1893, a hurricane completed its sweep through the Mid-Atlantic, just nine days after the remnants of another hurricane caused flooding in the area. The hurricane, which made landfall in Charleston on Oct. 13, retained hurricane strength as it passed 60 miles west of D.C.
“Alexandria saw its wharves crumble before the high waters ($25,000),” the National Weather Service reported. “In Washington, D.C., the Calvary Baptist church’s side wall blew down ($3000). Associate justice of the Supreme Court Henry B. Brown was seriously injured when a plate glass window shattered at his new home at the northwest corner of 16th street and Riggs at 7:30 p.m.. Trees and their limbs were strewn throughout the city. Rainfall began in the morning and increased throughout the afternoon. Sewers were flooded by this downpour. By 6 p.m., gale force winds swept through the Federal City. … Waters on the Potomac rose six feet above the high tide, which was three feet below the high water mark. The Anacostia bridge became submerged."
And on this day in 1983, a tornado produced major damage in the city of Falls Church, Virginia, according to the National Weather Service. Violent thunderstorms “ripped down scores of trees, overturned automobiles and tore siding and roofing from buildings,” The Washington Post wrote.
Tornado damage was reported in three locations in Falls Church. “National Weather Service Forecaster Edwin Danaher said it is believed that all three spots may have been struck by the same tornado,” The Post reported.
Here are other notables from this date:
- Average high: 71
- Average low: 53
- Record high: 89 (1954)
- Record low: 31 (1906)
- Record rainfall: 1.82 inches (1893)
