As Hurricane Milton intensifies on October 7, Florida residents may feel pressured to think back on past hurricanes that have affected the state. For those still recovering from Hurricane Helene’s impact on September 26, the memories of previous storms remain vivid.
Current watches and warnings are in effect across Florida as Hurricane Milton approaches. The National Hurricane Center provides spaghetti models, which include various forecast tools, emphasizing that only the top-performing models are utilized for predictions.
The history of hurricanes in Florida is significant, with several notable storms having shaped the region:
– **Category 5 Hurricanes**:
– **Labor Day Hurricane (1935)**: Made landfall in Craig Key.
– **Hurricane Andrew (1992)**: Struck Homestead.
– **Hurricane Michael (2018)**: Hit Mexico Beach and Tyndall Air Force Base.
– **Category 4 Hurricanes**:
– **Great Miami Hurricane (1926)**: Landfall in South Miami.
– **Lake Okeechobee Hurricane (1928)**: Hit Jupiter.
– **Hurricane Donna (1960)**: Affected Naples.
– **Hurricane Charley (2004)**: Made landfall in Punta Gorda.
– **Hurricane Irma (2017)**: Landfall at Cudjoe Key.
– **Hurricane Ian (2022)**: Impacted Cayo Costa.
The 2022 Hurricane Ian, classified as a Category 5 storm, caused extensive destruction with a death toll of 156 and damages estimated at $113 billion, making it the most expensive hurricane in Florida’s history.
In 2018, Hurricane Michael, another Category 5 storm, made landfall with maximum sustained winds of 161 mph. It resulted in eight direct fatalities in the region and damages approximating $25 billion.
Historical hurricanes such as the Great Miami Hurricane of 1926 brought catastrophic impacts, with damages estimated at $157-$164 billion today, and a death toll of 372. Hurricane Andrew in 1992 was previously the costliest hurricane until surpassed by more recent storms, but it still caused $26.5 billion in damages and 65 deaths.
As Hurricane Milton continues its path, residents are urged to stay informed about weather updates and prepare accordingly.