What's the Worst Weather that Could Happen? A Repeat of the Storm of 1821.

In 1821, the East Coast was struck by a severe hurricane. But records of the storm are sketchy. Now, Swiss Re, a reinsurance company, has released a study of how the 1821 storm might affect our area if it struck today. Its conclusion: the insured damages would be much worse than Sandy, and greater even than Katrina.

Several factors, the report states, would magnify the damage:

-       Millions of people now live along our coastlines.

-       Sea levels have risen, amplifying any storm surges.

-       While Sandy did not bring heavy winds with it, the 1821 hurricane was apparently a category 3 storm when it struck New York.

Records from the time say the 1821 storm flooded Canal Street. Here's how the same flood pattern might look today. (Swiss Re)