1960 Atlantic Hurricane Season

The 1960 Atlantic hurricane season was the least active Atlantic hurricane season since 1952. The season officially began on June 15, 1960, and lasted until November 15, 1960. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. The season had below-average activity, with only seven total storms, but unfortunately, was also devastating.

The most notable storm of the season was Hurricane Donna, which reached Category 5 status on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale and was the longest-lasting major hurricane in the history of the Atlantic basin. It was the worst storm to strike Florida since Hurricane King in 1950, causing six direct deaths, and causing nearly $386.5 million in damage (1960 USD, $3.04 billion 2012 USD). Hurricane Ethel also reached Category 5 strength, but rapidly weakened prior to landfall in Mississippi. This marks the first of only four Atlantic hurricane seasons that two or more Category 5 hurricanes were officially recorded, the other years being 1961, 2005 and 2007. In addition, 1960 remains the only Atlantic hurricane season with two consecutive Category 5 hurricanes.