Providing hurricane statistics for cities in the Atlantic basin for over 25 years
Tue, Sep 26, 2023 at 6:59 PM
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Ranking of cities and islands affected most by tropical storms and hurricanes


The cities and islands listed below are ranked 1 through 50 with the amount of years between a Storm or Hurricane (inc post tropical) wind field affecting that city or island. This ranking method is based on tracking charts dating back to 1871 from every Hurricane Season in the atlantic basin. Wind radii prior to 1990 are based on climatology rather than observed values but on certain storms research has allowed for more accurate wind fields. Keep in mind when viewing this list that Florida and the Western Caribbean get the most action due to vulnerability of all 6 months of Hurricane Season. The Mid Atlantic coast gets many brushes and recurvatures as well as back door extratropical storms coming from Gulf. This list is updated at the end of each Hurricane Season and re-calculated! (Caution! If this list was calculated only on hurricane hits, it would be totally different.)
SciLinks
Rankings = #1 most hits and brushes to #50. This list is compiled out of our 139 cities & islands throughout the coastal United States, Mexico and all Caribbean Islands. The rankings are based on all hurricanes as well as tropical, sub tropical and extratropical systems.

1st Tiebreaker for cities is # of direct hits by Hurricanes.

2nd tiebreaker is # of direct hits by Major Hurricanes.



The Top 50!!


Updated to include the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season
rankings last updated on -4/30/23 .


CAUTION!! This ranking system has become very popular with insurance companies, schools and local government offices. The ranking list has shown up on company brochures, text books and government hurricane pamphlets with mistakes. For example, title "Hurricane prone areas Delray Beach, Florida hit by hurricanes every 2.26 years") is not true, this is for both TROPICAL STORMS and hurricanes. We do not want people thinking Delray Beach gets hit by a hurricane every three years. Under no circumstances may this code be reproduced on other web pages, however you are more than welcome to link to this page. (see comments in hidden html) Thank you!!!

These cities and islands are affected (within or near core **subjective to wind fields**) the most in the Atlantic Basin SINCE 1871. Example.
1) Cape Hatteras, North Carolina every 1.30 years Brushed by hurricane Ian in 2022, remains at top of the list has probably more brushes than any other area in the top 50 with many recurvatures just offshore. There are also numerous back door systems from the Gulf of Mexico that have cut through Hatteras on the way out to sea some as extratropical. (affected a whopping 116 times since 1871)
2) Morehead City, North Carolina every 1.48 years Affected by T-Storm Ian in 2022 and remains at #2, located just S.W. of Cape Hatteras affected by many of the same systems. Alone in the 1.48 group with 25 hurricane hits but overall 14 less storms than Cape Hatteras. (affected 102 times since 1871)
3) Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas every 1.61 years Hit by hurricane Nicole in 2022 but remains in the #3 position and the most affected island in the Bahamas by named storms. Located in the N.W Bahamas the island see's many storms turning N.W and North off the state of Florida. (affected 94 times since 1871)
4) Wilmington, North Carolina every 1.66 years Impacted by T-Storm Ian in 2022 and remains alone in 1.66 group at #4 position. Located in the Southeast, North Carolina gets a lot of back door systems and recurvatures just east (affected 91 times).
5) Cayman Islands every 1.68 years Brushed by hurricane Ian in 2022 but remains in the #5 position as above locations were also impacted in 2022. This is the most affected area in the Caribbean sea, (affected 90 times since 1871).
6) Bermuda every 1.74 years Brushed by hurricanes Earl & Fiona in 2022 and moves up one position to jump ahead of Great Abaco Bahamas. This Island has a lot of brushes mainly to the east but also has 38 hurricane hits. (affected 87 times since 1871)
7) Great Abaco Island, Bahamas every 1.76 years Hit by tropical storm Nicole in 2022 but drops one position due to Bermuda being affected twice in 2022. If this list was for hurricane hits only this island would be #1 with 40 hurricane hits since 1871 (affected 86 times since 1871)
8) Andros Isl,Bahamas every 1.86 years Had a quiet2022 hurricane season for second year in a row but remains in the same position. (affected 81 times since 1871)
9) Savannah, Georgia every 1.86 years Despite being brushed by huricanes Ian & Nicole the city remains in same position due to tiebreaker with Andros Isl above with more hurricane hits. This city gets brushed by many systems cutting across from Gulf Of Mexico and recurvatures just off shore. (affected 81 times since 1871)
10) Myrtle Beach, South Carolina every 1.89 years Hit by tropical storm Colin & Hurricane Ian in 2022 and moves up one position to crack the top 10. The most impacted area in South Carolina due to many brushes from systems hitting North Carolina. (affected 80 times)
11) Sable Island, Nova Scotia every 1.89 years Hit by Xtrop hurricane Fiona in 2022 season but drops out of top 10 due to activity above. Has many extratropical storm hits and is higher ranked than any other northern location. This tiny island gets hit frequently by systems moving out to sea just to the south. (affected 80 times since 1871)
12) Miami, Florida every 1.94 years brushed by hurricanes Ian & Nicole in 2022 but remains in the same position due to activity above. The most affected city in Florida has many brushes from storms to south and recurving Palm bch systems city top of the 1.94 with 31 hurricane hits. Has far more hurricane hits than Savannah for example but less overall storms. (affected 78 times since 1871)
13) Cape Canaveral, Florida every 1.94 years Brushed by tropical storm Ian & Hurricane Nicole in 2022 but remains in the same position due to activity above. Brushed by many recurvatures off the coast middle of the 1.94 group with 17 hurricane hits.. (affected 78 times since 1871)
14) Fernandina beach, Florida every 1.94 years Brushed by Hurricanes Ian in Atlantic & Nicole in 2022 but stays in same position due to activity above. Bottom of the 1.94 group with only 12 huricane hits. Gets many cross overs from the Gulf of Mexico and brushes to east in Atlantic.(affected 78 times since 1871.)
15) Tampa, Florida every 1.96 years Brushed by hurricane Ian & tropical storm Nicole in 2022 and moves up one position to jump above Isle of Youth Cuba. Area affected by many storms crossing the state and recurving just east while inland. 14 Hurricane hits but for now Tampa is alone in the 1.96 group.(affected 77 times since 1871)
16) Isle of Youth, Cuba every 1.99 years Hit by hurricane Ian in 2022 but drops one position due to activity above. This is the most affected city by named storms in Cuba top of the 1.99 group with 30 hurricane hits. (affected 76 times since 1871)
17) Tarpon Springs, Florida every 1.99 years Brushed by hurricane Ian & hit by tropical storm Nicole from Atlantic in 2022 but remains in the same position middle of the 1.99 group with (13) hurricane hits. Area affected by many storms crossing the state and recurving just East while inland. (affected 76 times since 1871)
18) Saint Augustine, Florida every 1.99 years Brushed by hurricanes Ian & Nicole in 2022 but remains in the same position due to adjustments above. Bottom of the 1.99 group with the least amount of hurricanes (12). St Augustine is ranked this high due to many tropical storm hits and brushes from both Gulf & Atlantic. (affected 76 times since 1871)
19) Palm Beach,Florida every 2.01 years Brushed by hurricanes Ian & Nicole in 2022 and moves up 1 position top of the 2.01 group with 25 hurricane hits. (affected 75 times)
20) Spring Hill, Florida every 2.01 years Brushed by hurricane Ian & tropical storm Nicole from Atlantic in 2022 and also moves up one position bottom of the 2.01 group with (15) hurricanes. This city gets many back door systems from the Atlantic crossing into the Gulf. (affected 75 times since 1871)
21) Eleuthera Island, Bahamas every 2.04 years Brushed by tropical storm Nicole in 2022 but drops 2 positions due to adjustments above top of the 2.04 group has the most hurricane hits at (34). (affected 74 times since 1871)
22) Steinhatchee, Florida every 2.04 years Impcated by tropical storms Ian & Nicole in 2022 but remains in the same position.Bottom the 2.04 group with 10 hurricane hits . (affected 74 times since 1871)
23) Beaufort, South Carolina every 2.07 years Brushed by hurricane Ian & tropical storm Nicole in 2022 and moves up 1 position . Area has had numerous back door extratropical systems from the Gulf and Atlantic. Top of the 2.07 group with 19 hurricane hits. (affected 73 times since 1871)
24) Brunswick, Georgia every 2.07 years Brushed by hurricanes Ian & Nicole in 2022 and moves up 2 positions.Bottom of 2.07 group with only (10) hurricanes..Many tropical systems wind fields crossing from Gulf in to Atlantic . (affected 73 times since 1871)
25) Sarasota, Florida every 2.10 years Impacted by hurricane Ian & Tropical storm Nicole in 2022 and moves up 4 positions, 16 hurricane hits puts Sarasota alone in the 2.10 group. (affected 72 times since 1871)
26) Bimini,Bahamas every 2.13 years Had a quiet season for the second year in a row and drops 3 positions top of the 2.13 group with 33 Hurricane hits . (affected 71 times since 1871)
27) Turks & Caicos Islands every 2.13 years Hit by major hurricane Fiona in 2022 but remains in the same place, second in the 2.13 group with 23 hurricane hits.(affected 71 times since 1871)
28) Georgetown, South Carolina every 2.13 years Hit by hurricane Ian and tropical storm Colin in 2022 and moves up 4 positions. Middle of the 2.13 group with 16 hurricane hits . (affected 71 times since 1871)
29) Elizabeth City, North Carolina every 2.13 years Had a quiet season in 2022 and drops 3 positions . Bottom of the 2.13 group with 13 hurricane hits. Close to the Outer Banks but too far north & misses many systems headed into the Atlantic from the WSW as well as recurvatures just east keeps this area far below nearby Cape Hatteras. (affected 71 times since 1871)
30) Pensacola, Florida every 2.16 years Had a quiet season in 2022 and drops 2 positions due to others moving up. Second in the 2.16 group with (20) hurricanes.. (affected 70 times)
31) Charleston,South Carolina every 2.16 years Affected by hurricane Ian & tropical storm Nicole in 2022 and moves up a whopping 6 positions. Middle of the 2.16 group with 16 hurricane hits (affected 70 times)
32) Homosassa, Florida every 2.16 years Brushed by hurricane Ian and hit by tropical storm Nicole from east coast in 2022 and also moves up 6 positions. Towards the bottom of the 2.16 group with 15 hurricane hits . (affected 70 times)
33) Jacksonville,Florida every 2.16 years Brushed by hurricanes Ian & Nicole in 2022 and also moves up 6 positions. Bottom of the 2.16 group with 13 hurricane hits . (affected 70 times since 1871)
34) Cat Island, Bahamas every 2.19 years Had a quiet season in 2022 for the second year in a row and drops 4 positions. Top of the 2.19 group with 30 hurricane hits. (affected 69 times since 1871)
35) Cabo Corrientes, Cuba (west tip) every 2.19 years Brushed by hurricane Ian in 2022 but drops 1 positions due to others above having double impacts, 27 hurricane puts this city near the top of the 2.19 group . (affected 69 times since 1871)
36) Grand Isle, Louisiana every 2.19 years Had a quiet season in 2022 and drops 5 positions. The most affected area in Louisiana as it sticks out into the Gulf. Hit by 26 hurricanes keeps this area near the middle of the 2.19 group. (affected 69 times)
37) Fort Lauderdale, Florida every 2.19 years Brushed by hurricanes Ian & Nicole in 2022 and moves up 4 positions . Middle of the 2.19 group with 25 hurricane hits . (affected 69 times since 1871)
38) Saint Thomas/Saint John VI every 2.19 years Brushed by tropical storm Fiona in 2022 but drops 2 positions . Near the bottom of the 2.19 group with 21 hurricane hits . (affected 69 times since 1871)
39) New Orleans, Louisiana every 2.19 years Had a quiet season in 2022 and drops 6 positions. Near bottom of the 2.19 group with 12 direct hurricane hits. (affected 69 times)
40) Palm Coast, Florida every 2.19 years Brushed by tropiocal storm Ian while moving in to Atlantic & brushed by hurricane Nicole in 2022 and moves up 3 positions . Bottom of the 2.19 group with 12 hurricane hits. (affected 69 times)
41) Delray Beach, Florida every 2.22 years Brushed by hurricanes Ian & Nicole in 2022 season & moves up 3 positions . Tops of the 2.22 group with 29 hurricane hits . (affected 68 times)
42) Long Island, Bahamas every 2.22 years Had a quiet season in 2022 and drops 7 positions . Near the top of the 2.22 group with 26 hurricane hits wins tiebreaker with stuart below also 26 hurricanes with 3 more majors since 1871. (affected 68 times since 1871)
43) Stuart, Florida every 2.22 years Brushed by hurricane Ian and hit by hurricane Nicole in 2022 season and moves up 2 positions. Middle of the 2.22 group with 26 hurricane hits same as long Isl Bahamas above but 3 less majors. (affected 68 times since 1871.)
44) Norfolk,Virginia every 2.22 years Had a quiet season in 2022 and drops 4 positions. Bottom of the 2.22 group with 13 hurricane hits no majors.(affected 68 times)
45) Mobile, Alabama every 2.25 years Had a quiet season in 2022 and drops 1 position. Alone in the 2.25 group with 17 hurricane hits. (affected 67 times since 1871)
46) Gulf Shores, Alabama every 2.29 years Had a quiet season in 2022 and remains in the same position. Top of the 2.29 group with 20 hurricane hits. (affected 66 times since 1871.)
47) Daytona,Florida every 2.29 years Hit by tropical storm Ian as it was moving into Atlantic and brushed by hurricane Nicole in 2022 and moves up 3 positions. Bottom of the 2.29 group with 10 hurricane hits. (affected 66 times since 1871)
48) Vero bch,Florida every 2.32 years Hit by Tropical storm Ian on way into Atlantic & hit by hurricane Nicole in 2022 and once again cracks the top 50. Top of the 2.32 group with 25 hurricane hits. (affected 65 times since 1871)
49) Acklins Island, Bahamas every 2.32 years Had a quiet 2022 season second in a row and drops 2 positions. Near top of the 2.32 group with 23 hurricane hits. (affected 65 times since 1871)
50) Panama City, Florida every 2.32 years Brushed by tropical storm Nicole back door from the Atlantic in 2022 and cracks the top 50. Has 23 direct hurricane hits same as Acklins isl Bahamas above but 7 less majors. (affected 65 times since 1871)

Just to let you know the last ranked city #139 is Prinzapolca, Nicaragua (only 11 times or every 13.72 years by a named storm).
To see the rest of the unranked cities click here.

How is this done? Example #1 Cape Hatteras affected (within or near core) 116 times since 1871 or 151 years divided by 116 times = 1.30 years (rounded). These city rankings are based on the HurricaneCity list of cities located here. Your coastal city may not be ranked because it is not in the database but just figure in between the nearest cities to you.

NOTE: If your city or island gets action (for example every 3 years) that does not mean you will get hit every 3 yrs or within 3 years but most do, as these are just averages over the last 151 years.

Here is a map from NOAA showing mean occurrence of named storms 1944-1997 showing how accurate these rankings are.
Sources include National Hurricane Center tracking charts and advisory archives.

Questions? Please contact Jim Williams... jim@hurricanecity.com

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