US Landfall Hurricanes

The number of US landfall hurricanes since 1850 ranged between 14 and 23 per year. From 1850 to 1900 we had 93 landfall hurricanes. From 1900 to 1950 we had 93. The average is 18.6 per decade.  From 1950 to 2000 we had 73. The average is 14.6 per decade. Since 2000 we’ve had 30. The average is 15 per decade. These only affect coastal areas. Hurricanes appear to be declining.

Decade – Hurricane Totals

1850s 16

1860s 15

1870s 18

1880s 23

1890s 21

1900s 17

1910s 20

1920s 15

1930s 18

1940s 23

1950s 16

1960s 15

1970s 12

1980s 16

1990s 14

2000s 19

2010s 11

Since 2010 we’ve had 11 landfall hurricanes

Year-Name-States- Cat-Wind-Month

2018 Michael - FL GA 5-140 Oct.

2018 Florence NC 1-80 Sep

2017 Nate LA MS 1-65 Oct

2017 Irma FL 4-115 Sep

2017 Harvey TX 4-115 Aug

2016 Matthew FL GA SC NC 2-85 Oct

2016 Hermine FL 1-70 Sep

2015 none

2014 Arthur NC 2-85 Jul

2013 none

2012 Sandy NY NJ 7-65 Oct

2012 Isaac LA 1-70 Aug

2011 Irene NC 1-75 Aug

2010 none

https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/E23.html

Comments

Affected coastal cities continue to deal with hurricane damage mitigation with more wind resistant structures, grading and levies. Land erosion is inevitable and some cities are looking at expensive ocean surge protection gates.

Resort areas continue to replenish beaches, clean up and get ready for tourists. Zoning restrictions go into effect in other areas and flood insurance becomes unsustainable. Coastal areas are vulnerable to land loss due to ocean erosion. Some cities have bought this land for parks.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader