The 1961 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 15, 1961, and lasted until November 15, 1961. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. The season had seven major hurricanes, the second highest number on record, despite having only eight total hurricanes. It is also one of only four seasons to have two or more hurricanes reach Category 5 status on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, the others being the 1960, 2005, and the 2007 season.
The most notable hurricanes of the season were the two Category 5 hurricanes. Hurricane Carla struck Texas, killing 49 and causing $325 million (1961 USD, $2.53 billion 2012 USD) in damage. Hurricane Hattie devastated Belize, killing 200; Belize City was largely destroyed, leading to the eventual (1970) relocation of the national capital to Belmopan.
Read more about 1961 Atlantic Hurricane Season: Other Storms, Season Effects, Storm Names
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