The Great Hurricane of 1938, also known as the Long Island Express, was one of the most devastating storms to impact the northeastern United States. Forming in the Atlantic Ocean, it intensified rapidly and made landfall on Long Island, New York. The hurricane struck with little warning, as it changed course unexpectedly, catching many residents unaware. The high winds, which reached up to 120 mph, and torrential rains caused immediate havoc, resulting in breaches along the shoreline and widespread flooding. Coastal towns experienced the worst of the storm, with homes being swept away by storm surges and extensive damage to the infrastructure. The storm left behind a path of destruction, with shattered buildings, overturned boats, and uprooted trees littering the landscape.

In the aftermath, emergency response teams faced immense challenges. Rescue and recovery efforts were hampered by the continued threat from high winds and flooding. Thousands of people were displaced and emergency shelters were set up to accommodate those left homeless. The loss of life was significant, with the death toll estimated between 500 and 700 people, making it one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history. This event marked a significant moment in meteorological history, leading to improved forecasting and warning systems for future storms as authorities began to recognize the necessity of preparedness in the face of natural disasters. Surveys of the damage helped to shape future building codes and urban planning in hurricane-prone areas.