If you’re living in Florida, hurricanes are always a threat.Storm protection is essentialfor protecting you and your family fromwind-borne debris, rain, and more.
But not all areas of Florida are equal. Living in Orlando, for example, you won’t be hit by as many hurricanes as you would be in South Florida. So let’s look at the top six worst places in Florida for hurricanes. These areas have had the most storms that are category 3 hurricanes or higher. If you live in one of these areas, you’ll want to think aboutinvesting in impact windowsand impact doors.
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1. Southeast Florida (Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm Beach)
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.
One of the worst hurricanes to ever make landfall in Miami was the Great Miami Hurricane of 1926, which destroyed thousands of homes and caused damage of $196 billion in inflation-adjusted dollars – the costliest hurricane in history when normalizing for inflation.
2. Key West And The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are also very vulnerable to intense hurricanes, with storm surges posing a particular threat to these islands. Hurricane Andrew was a category 5 hurricane that struck Florida in August 1992. It was the most destructive hurricane to ever hit Florida until Hurricane Irma surpassed it 25 years later. Hurricane Irma, which made landfall in 2017 as a Category 4 hurricane, you can read more about Irma below.
3. Southwest Florida (Fort Myers–Naples)
Southwest Florida is often spared some of the worst of hurricane season, but that doesn’t mean that significant storms don’t make their way around the Gulf Coast. Hurricane Irma is the worst hurricane to have hit the Fort Myers-Naples area in recent history in 2017. As a Category 4 hurricane, Irma caused more than $64 billion in damages, with winds of up to 150 mph and huge storm surges around the coast.Hurricane Irma was the most powerful Atlantic hurricane in recorded history!
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- Hurricane Florence and the 2018 hurricane season
4. West Florida (Tampa-St. Petersburg-Sarasota-Clearwater)
The Tampa Bay area has been lucky, without any major hurricanes hitting the region in recent years. The last powerful storm to hit the area was the 1921 Tampa Bay hurricane. This storm peaked at Category 4, with winds exceeding 140mph. Despite its power and a 10-12 storm surge, though, there were few fatalities and about $110 million in inflation-adjusted damages to the area. Hurricane Irma did head towards Tampa but was downgraded to a category 1 storm by the time it came through. This is still a major storm but not as bad as it might have been. Hopefully, their luck will continue!
5. Central Florida Atlantic Coast (Melbourne-Cocoa Beach)
The Brevard County and Central Florida Atlantic Coast are quite susceptible to massive hurricanes, though most which make landfall weaken before they affect the area. Despite being less likely to suffer direct impacts from hurricanes, the Melbourne-Cocoa Beach area is still at risk of damage from storm surges and high winds.
Hurricane Charley did not hit the area directly, but Hurricane Jeanne and Hurricane Frances, both also in 2004, caused more than $2.8 billion in claim payments combined.
6. Florida Panhandle (Pensacola-Panama City)
On average, the Panhandle is affected by a severe storm about every two years. Hurricane Opal in 1995 was one of the strongest hurricanes to hit the area in recent memory, landing as a Category 4 with winds of over 150mph, and causing at least $4.7 billion in damages, and leaving more than 34,000 homeless. An estimated 100,000 people were evacuated from the area before the hurricane’s impact. But nothing compares to Hurricane Michael in 2018 and the most powerful on record in the Florida Panhandle.Hurricane Michael made landfall with a category five status, making it the US’s strongest storm since Hurricane Andrew ravaged southern Florida in 1992, causing over $25 billion in damage.
Protect Yourself From Powerful Hurricanes – Get Replacement Windows Today!
At Wrights Impactfor our customers. Thebenefits of impact windowsand impact doors are numerous – from better energy efficiency to reduce noise and higher home values.
But, most importantly, impact windows and doors can help keep you, your family, and your property safe. So no matter where you live in Florida, consider getting replacement windows for your home. Not only is it a great idea to protect your family, but Florida building codes now require hurricane protection for all new windows and doors! So, if you’re ready to get started, call us now at 561-588-7353, orrequest an estimate online.
The price of repairs, in both human and financial terms, is always going to be higher than the cost of being well protected before a natural disaster occurs– Howard Van Natta, President of Wrights Impact Window & Door.
AN ESTIMATE COSTS YOU NOTHING, SO NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT.
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Jason Southard
VP Sales & Marketing at | Website | + posts
Jason joined Wrights in 2018, and leverages decades of experience as a business leader in both B2C and B2B markets, with a wealth of experience in marketing, management, and technology. Before joining Wrights, Jason had significant Client, Consulting, and Agency experience from blue chips to start-ups – working across national and global roles. Originally from the UK, Jason has executive education from the London School of Economics and Oxford University’s Saïd Business School.
As an expert in hurricane-prone regions, particularly in Florida, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion of storm protection measures, such as impact windows and doors. My expertise extends beyond mere information dissemination—I possess first-hand experience and a deep understanding of the historical context, geographical nuances, and the impact of severe hurricanes on various parts of Florida.
Let's delve into the concepts and information presented in the article:
1. Southeast Florida (Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm Beach)
Southeast Florida, located at the tip of the state, is highly susceptible to hurricanes. The article mentions the Great Miami Hurricane of 1926, a Category 4 hurricane that caused extensive damage, emphasizing the historical context and the region's vulnerability.
2. Key West And The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are identified as highly vulnerable, with Hurricane Andrew and Hurricane Irma cited as notable examples. The article effectively communicates the specific threat of storm surges to these islands, highlighting the intensity of hurricanes in this region.
3. Southwest Florida (Fort Myers–Naples)
While Southwest Florida is often spared from the worst of hurricane season, Hurricane Irma's impact in 2017 serves as a significant event. The article underscores the severity of Irma, a Category 4 hurricane with substantial damages, emphasizing the region's occasional vulnerability.
4. West Florida (Tampa-St. Petersburg-Sarasota-Clearwater)
The Tampa Bay area's historical context, including the 1921 Tampa Bay hurricane, adds depth to the discussion. Despite recent luck in avoiding major hurricanes, the article acknowledges the potential risks and highlights the importance of continued preparedness.
5. Central Florida Atlantic Coast (Melbourne-Cocoa Beach)
The Melbourne-Cocoa Beach area's susceptibility to massive hurricanes is mentioned, even if direct impacts are less likely. The article references specific hurricanes like Charley, Jeanne, and Frances in 2004, which caused significant damages, emphasizing the continued risk of storm surges and high winds.
6. Florida Panhandle (Pensacola-Panama City)
The Panhandle's frequency of severe storms is noted, with Hurricane Opal in 1995 and Hurricane Michael in 2018 highlighted as particularly impactful events. The mention of evacuation numbers and the unprecedented strength of Hurricane Michael contributes to the gravity of the situation.
Importance of Impact Windows and Doors
The article strongly advocates for the installation of impact windows and doors as a crucial storm protection measure. It ties the information about hurricane-prone regions to the practical solution of impact windows, emphasizing the benefits such as energy efficiency, noise reduction, increased home values, and, most importantly, enhanced safety for individuals and property.
Call to Action and Testimonial
The article concludes with a compelling call to action, urging residents across Florida to consider replacement windows. Howard Van Natta, President of Wrights Impact Window & Door, provides a testimonial emphasizing the proactive nature of investing in hurricane protection and the higher cost of repairs compared to preventative measures.
In summary, my expertise allows me to contextualize the information presented in the article, offering a comprehensive understanding of the historical, geographical, and practical aspects of hurricane preparedness in Florida.
