the fort lauderdale hurricane of 1947 was a very intense atlantic hurricane. it affected the bahamas, southern florida and the gulf coast of the united states. the hurricane struck the bahamas september 16, 1947, and florida on september 18. in florida, between 12 and 19 people died. on september 18 and 19 the storm cut into louisiana. it also affected mississippi. thirty four people died from this hurricane in the gulf coast. 51 people died. the storm's winds reached 160 miles per hour, making this hurricane a category 5.