Most powerful Atlantic hurricanes. All were Category 5.
1935: Unnamed Labor Day storm hits Florida Keys. Most powerful storm ever to strike the United States, with winds estimated between 150 and 200 mph and gusts likely exceeding 200 mph.
1969: Camille hits Mississippi, Louisiana, Virginia. Second most powerful storm to strike the U.S., with winds of 150 mph, gusts up to 175 mph.
1988: Gilbert hits Mexico. The most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the Western hemisphere with the lowest barometric pressure ever measured for an Atlantic storm, with sustained winds of about 175 mph and gusts over 200 mph.
1992: Andrew hits Florida, Louisiana. Winds believed to have reached 165 mph, with gusts stronger than 200 mph based on the damage.
1998: Mitch hits Central America. Sustained winds of over 155 mph, downgraded to a Category One before landfall.
2003: Isabel hits North Carolina. Maxium winds of 160 mph, became Category 2 at landfall.
Sources: Times files, National Hurricane Center, Times wires.
