Photo: NHC
Q&A Of The Day - How Often Do Hurricanes Hit South Florida? Part 2
Bottom Line: If you weren’t already surprised by the Gulf typically being more at risk than the east coast, you probably are surprised that Florida’s southeast has actually been the 2nd “safest” location from the threat of hurricanes. It’s another reminder that conventional wisdom often isn’t wise. So many people are inclined to look at Southeast Florida, as we stick out into the Atlantic looking like a hurricane magnet, as the epicenter of activity. As we’ve discussed we’re clearly not. Not even within our state. What’s more is how remarkable our run has been free from hurricane landfalls – especially during a period of elevated activity in recent years including last year’s record setting season.
Historically here’s what’s happened in Southeast Florida (average hurricane activity dating back to 1851):
- One hurricane landfall every 3.5 years
- One major hurricane landfall about every 11 years
Something notable, is how below average the hurricane impact has been to Southeast Florida since 2005. According to historical averages we would have had 4.3 hurricanes make landfall over the previous 15 years with between one to two of those being majors. Instead, it’s been zero, with only one, hurricane Irma in 2017, bringing hurricane force conditions to the region. In fact, we’re currently within the second longest window without a hurricane landfall in southeast Florida over the past 170 years at a minimum. Perception and reality are often in two different places. That’s proved to be especially true historically for Southeast Florida. Now, let’s keep that streak going...