The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov 30, with an average of 7 hurricanes yearly. Category 5 storms, the most powerful, have winds of 157+ mph. Since 1924, 42 Atlantic cyclones have reached Category 5 status, with the latest being Hurricane Milton, hitting 180 mph.
Hurricane Allen (1980), Isabel (2003), and Ivan (2004) each reached Category 5 intensity three times during their journeys. The longest durations at Category 5 strength were the 1932 Cuba hurricane (78 hours) and Hurricane Irma (2007) at 77 hours.
The 1935 Labor Day Hurricane hit Florida, killing 408 people and causing $6 million in damage ($137 million today). It remains the most intense U.S. landfalling storm. Hurricane Camille in 1969 brought a 24-foot storm surge to Mississippi, causing over 259 deaths.
Hurricane Andrew (1992) devastated southern Florida with 165 mph winds, causing $30 billion in damage and over 40 deaths. Hurricane Michael (2018) hit Florida’s Panhandle at 160 mph, causing 74 deaths and $25.1 billion in damages. Both remain infamous Category 5 landfalls.
The Wrath of Category 5 Hurricanes 🌪️
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov 30, with an average of 7 hurricanes yearly. Category 5 storms, the most powerful, have winds of 157+ mph. Since 1924, 42 Atlantic cyclones have reached Category 5 status, with the latest… pic.twitter.com/agiLi6mnpG
— Detective Tiger’s Stories (@TigerDetective) October 9, 2024