Recent hurricanes punish Florida

 

Hurricane Ian, September 2022 (Source: WUSA9)

Hurricane Helene will be the fifth hurricane to make landfall in the state of Florida since 2022. It’s vital to listen to your state and local authorities during any landfalling tropical system to ensure your safety. Here’s a closer look at other recent hurricanes to impact Florida.

Debby (2024): A minimal, Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 80 mph, Debby made landfall in the Florida panhandle on August 5. It moved offshore on August 6 as a weak tropical storm after a slow track across the southeastern United States. It made a second landfall on August 7 as a 60 mph tropical storm in South Carolina. The DC Area saw heavy rain and gusty winds from its remnants, including an August 8 rainfall record of 1.39” at Dulles Airport. Ten deaths in the United States were attributed to Debby.

Idalia (2023): This was a power Category 4 storm at peak intensity with sustained winds of 130 mph and a minimum central air pressure of 940 millibars (mb). Fortunately, Idalia weakened to Category 3 intensity before its landfall in the “Big Bend” area of the Florida panhandle. Idalia was the strongest hurricane to make landfall in this part of Florida since 1950. A significant storm surge occurred, along with widespread tree damage in inland areas. Despite causing an estimated $3.6 billion in damages, according to NOAA, the name “Idalia” wasn’t retired. Twelve fatalities were attributed to Idalia.

Nicole (2022): While Nicole wasn’t a major hurricane, it had major impacts in the United States.  Nicole came ashore near Vero Beach on November 10 as a Category 1 storm with sustained winds of 75 mph. Nicole caused approximately $1 billion in damage, according to NOAA, and five fatalities. It was only the third November hurricane to make landfall in Florida.  

Ian (2022): The strongest hurricane of the 2022 season, Ian was a Category 5 storm at peak intensity with sustained winds of 160 mph and a minimum central air pressure of 937 mb. It made landfall in southwest Florida on September 28 as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 150 mph and caused widespread damage. It made a secondary landfall as a Category 1 storm in South Carolina on September 30. It was responsible for over 150 fatalities and is the third costliest hurricane in U.S. history having caused $118.5 billion in damages (2024 dollars).