This all changed in 1992, when a tropical cyclone ravaged the Bahamas, Louisiana, and Florida City, with gusts measuring up to 165 mph.

During this time, Florida flourished in population, suburban, and economic growth. Hurricane Andrewįor over 25 years, only two hurricanes of any significance affected the state, with only one landfall breaching a Category 3 intensity. Both flooding and strong wings annihilated the largest citrus crop in the history of the industry. The third deadliest in history also wiped out 1,278 livestock and an astounding 47,389 poultry. The streets were reportedly shoulder-deep in debris and a newspaper reported the state as being completely destroyed. 200,000 people were left homeless, with many battling for survival against starvation, exposure, and disease. The flooding submerged hundreds of square miles beneath 20 feet of water, drowning all crops and housing around the lake. The seventh strongest hurricane to make landfall in the United States, 2,500 fatalities were reported from the hurricane, most drowning from collapsing dikes on the Northern and Southernmost parts of Lake Okeechobee. The sheer size propelled the destruction from Cudjoe Key to a second landfall at Marco Island. The monetary value remains the costliest in the history of the state. When the rain had stopped, the damages totaled $50 billion. Boats, powerlines, and trees were also devastated streets turned into rivers 5.6 million people were displaced. Although the initial path was directly responsible for ten deaths, 77 later succumbed to accidents resulting from the destruction of the storm.Īfter initial landfall, Irma tore through nearly 5,000 homes throughout the northern part of the state. Initially expected to make landfall just east of Tampa, all 650 miles of Hurricane Irma drifted further south and ran amuck across the Florida Keys. Hurricane IrmaĪrguably Florida’s deadliest happens to be one of its most recent. Based on a combination of their size and destruction, here are 5 of the worst hurricanes to hit Florida in modern history. The 5 Worst Hurricanes In Florida HistoryĮvery hurricane that makes landfall is devastating to the area it hits and the people that live there, be it a Category 5, 1, or just a tropical storm. Tropical disturbances are only getting worse: 2020 was the most active season on record, measuring 30 named tropical cyclones forming in some capacity. Since 1980, hurricanes have caused nearly a trillion dollars in damages, with an average cost of $21.5 billion in losses per event. A whopping 40% of all United States hurricanes hit Florida. Of these, six become hurricanes, with a vast majority making landfall in September. Hurricane season lasts from June to November, when the surrounding temperatures differ from the sea surface temperatures.Įach year, an average of ten tropical storms develop over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. Now that we are officially in hurricane season, here are some facts about these deadly storms that you should know. Because of the Gulf of Mexico’s warm shallow waters, much warmer than that of the Atlantic Ocean, these areas are much more susceptible to extensive damages. The Northwestern part of the state, situated on the Panhandle, attracts the most landfalls, including 20 that were a Category 3 through 5 hurricanes.

Since 1851, nearly 300 major hurricanes have battered the United States, with at least half of those making landfall in Florida. Beyond the sandy beaches and gorgeous sightings are catastrophic storms that have resulted in countless casualties, displaced residents, and billions of dollars worth of damages. The Sunshine State is a popular destination for retirees, vacationers, and snowbirds alike, but the tourist destination is also a prevalent spot for hurricane-prone occurrences.

Florida hurricane track history map