#2 Typhoon Nancy (1961)
Duration: September 7-22, 1961
Origin: Pacific Ocean near Kwajalein Atoll
Highest 1-minute Sustained Winds: 215 mph (345 kph)
Lowest central atmospheric pressure: 882 millibars
Typhoon Nancy, also known as the 2nd Muroto Typhoon, has arguably held the rank of strongest tropical cyclone (wind speed) for 50 years, with estimates most-likely overblown due to inadequate measuring devices. Data from the era leads to conclude that Nancy gained Category 5 status while travelling westward and then veering northeast, hitting Japan. Although it lost its strength before hitting the mainland as a Category 2, Nancy caused $500 million in damages and left 200 people dead in its wake.
