Are the Keys safe from hurricanes?


Are the Keys safe from hurricanes? The area has a 16 percent chance of being hit by a hurricane or tropical storm. The first hurricane recorded as most likely hitting Key West took place in 1557. In 1588, Havana was recorded as being struck by a worse storm than the first.


How often does Key West get hit by hurricanes?

Key West, like Miami, has a 16 percent chance of being impacted by a hurricane during any Atlantic hurricane season. Known as the Southernmost City in the Continental United States, Key West is directly impacted by a hurricane every 6.04 years, according to Hurricane City.


When was the last hurricane in Florida 2023?

Idalia made landfall at Keaton Beach in Florida's Big Bend area (wind speeds around 125 mph) as a Category 3 hurricane on Aug. 30, after briefly undergoing a rapid intensification to a Category 4 storm overnight. This area had not been hit by a strong storm in 125 years.


What months to avoid in the Florida Keys?

Florida summers are generally very hot and humid with daily highs often reaching the mid-30s (90+°F). The wet season is from June to November. It's particularly hot and muggy down south from mid-August to mid-October, and there's also a risk of hurricanes. The dry season is from December to May.


Do hurricanes ever hit the Florida Keys?

1999 - Hurricane Irene reached hurricane status while crossing the Florida Straits in 1999. Its eye passed over Key West, making landfall near Cape Sable. Most of its strong winds were confined to the Lower and Middle Keys. The storm resulted in indirect deaths on the mainland and significant damage in Florida.


Are the Keys safe during a hurricane?

Visitors are asked to leave the Keys during any category storm while residents are mandated to leave during a severe hurricane of Category 3 or higher.


When not to visit Key West?

August is the hottest month in Key West, with average temperatures ranging from an average high of 91 to a low of 81 degrees. The humidity is also quite high, with plenty of rainfall. For those sensitivy to humidity and weary of rain, August is probably the worst time to visit Key West.


Do hurricanes hit Orlando?

Yes, Orlando can experience hurricanes. Hurricane season in Orlando runs from the start of June until late November. During this time, anyone in the Orlando area should look out for news on tropical storms forming around the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico.