Sarasota County Florida natural disaster risk assessment on Augurisk (2024)

FAQs

Is Sarasota County at risk for hurricanes? ›

Sarasota has a Extreme Wind Factor™ risk based on the projected likelihood and speed of hurricane, tornado, or severe storm winds impacting it. It is most at risk from hurricanes. Average maximum wind speeds in Sarasota are higher now than they were 30 years ago, and 100% of homes in Sarasota have at least some risk.

Not only has Sarasota and Bradenton never suffered a direct hit, but in the last 63 years, we have never even experienced sustained hurricane-force winds, at least according to the Weather Channel.

Florida is extremely vulnerable to flooding and it poses the greatest risk of any natural hazard in the state. Loss of life, personal property, crops, business facilities, utilities, and transportation are major impacts of flooding.

Sarasota is a town in Florida with a population of 55,508. Sarasota is in Sarasota County and is one of the best places to live in Florida. Living in Sarasota offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Sarasota there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

Orlando is often considered one of the safest cities in Florida from hurricanes due to its unique combination of factors. Being located inland helps to reduce the impact of storm surges and strong winds that happen when a storm reaches the coast.

1) Miami, FL: Each year, the city of Miami runs a 16% chance that it will be hit by a large hurricane. With the Atlantic Ocean located directly to its east and a maximum elevation of only 42 feet above sea-level, the geographic location of the city of Miami opens it up to severe weather damage.

Some hold the belief that Sarasota is protected from hurricanes because the Native Americans who first settled there knew that it was safe from the elements. Others believe that they blessed the lands to stay eternally safe from destructive storms and hurricanes.

There have been 113 recorded wind events in Siesta Key. The most severe event was a hurricane, which occurred in 1935. It was recorded as a category 5 with 1-min sustained wind speeds up to 184 mph and 3-second wind gusts up to 236 mph.

Return to the list of states. Sarasota County has a high natural disaster risk score of 55%. Over the past 20 years, 33 disasters have been declared by the county, most of which related to Hurricane incidents.

After a 10-year absence, Hurricane Donna hit Florida in 1960. Donna went past Venice and Sarasota with 90 mph winds, causing flooding and wind damage. Through the 1960s and up to the present, hurricanes have passed Sarasota, some causing slight damage.

Was Sarasota County affected by hurricane Ian? ›

Destruction of the theater flyloft was one of the earliest images of Hurricane Ian damage in Sarasota County to circulate internationally.

Southeast Florida is very susceptible to hurricanes, given its location at the tip of the state. Most large hurricanes affect Southeast Florida with storm surges and plentiful rain – and those that make direct landfall can cause severe damage.

Complacency and delayed action could result in needless loss of life and damage to property. Plan a safe evacuation route that will take you 20-50 miles inland. Contact your local emergency management office or Red Cross chapter and ask for the community preparedness plan.