 The strongest and deadliest hurricane of the season tracked from east of the Lesser Antilles , through the Greater Antilles , and across the southeastern United States before last being observed near Newfoundland ; it was tied for having the longest duration for a hurricane prior to 1870 . When it hit near Panama City , Florida with winds of 115 mph ( 185 km / h ) , it caused at least 23 deaths , including five when a lighthouse was destroyed . Many houses were destroyed along its path , primarily along the Florida Panhandle . 
