Hurricane Donna was one of the most destructive storms to ever hit Florida. Crossing over the Florida middle keys on September 10, Donna produced 180 mph wind gusts. Damage was severe in the Marathon and Tavernier area with heavy damage to all but the most substantial buildings. Donna brought heavy rains to Florida with nearly 12 inches of rain in Miami. After passing over the Keys and Southwest Florida coast; Donna then recurved over the central part of the state passing just west of Orlando. 11 people were killed in Florida by Donna. Damage to plants and animals was tremendous, 50 per cent of the mangrove trees were destroyed in the southern tip of the state. It is estimated that 40 per cent of the great white Heron population found in the southern tip of the state were killed. Donna exited the Florida east coast just north of Daytona Beach on September 11, 1960. Donna reintensified and gained speed as it hit the gulf stream. When Donna reached the North Carolina Coast on sptember 11 th it was moving at 30 mph and winds were 115 mph. Donna caused extensive damage from Topsail Beach to the Virginia line. Donna then moved toward New England, the western side of Donnas eye brished the coast from Virginia to New York. Donna made land fall again on the 12th in Long island, it then passed into eastern Connecticut, southeastern New hampshire and Maine by the time it reached New foundland, Donna had weakened.

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