Which Hurricane Hit Orlando?

Orlando, Florida, is known for its sunny weather and theme parks, but the city has also been impacted by powerful hurricanes over the years. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most significant hurricanes to affect Orlando and its surrounding areas.

Hurricane Donna (1960)

The first major hurricane to hit Orlando was Hurricane Donna, which made landfall on September 10, 1960. At the time, Donna was a Category 3 hurricane with winds of up to 129 miles per hour. The storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to the area, causing widespread damage and power outages. Donna is still considered one of the most destructive hurricanes to hit Orlando.

Hurricane Fran (1996)

Hurricane Fran made landfall on September 5, 1996, as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of up to 129 miles per hour. The storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to the area, causing significant damage and power outages. Fran was particularly destructive in the theme park areas, where winds caused extensive damage to buildings and attractions.

Hurricane Charley (2004)

Hurricane Charley made landfall on August 13, 2004, as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of up to 150 miles per hour. The storm brought widespread destruction to the area, particularly in the towns of Clermont and Winter Garden. Charley was the strongest hurricane to hit Orlando in over 40 years, causing an estimated $7.5 billion in damages.

Hurricane Irma (2017)

Hurricane Irma made landfall on September 10, 2017, as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of up to 130 miles per hour. Although the storm’s strongest winds were felt in the Florida Keys, the outer bands of the storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to the Orlando area. Irma caused widespread power outages and flooding in the area, with some areas experiencing over 10 inches of rain.

Hurricane Dorian (2019)

Hurricane Dorian made landfall on September 1, 2019, as a Category 5 hurricane with winds of up to 180 miles per hour. Although the storm’s strongest winds were felt in the Bahamas, the outer bands of the storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to the Orlando area. Dorian caused widespread power outages and flooding in the area, with some areas experiencing over 8 inches of rain.

What to Do in Case of a Hurricane

If you live in the Orlando area and a hurricane is forecasted to hit, it’s essential to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Here are a few tips:

• Stock up on non-perishable food, water, and medications.
• Make sure your emergency kit is fully stocked, including flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit.
• Charge your devices and consider purchasing a portable charger.
• Stay informed about the storm’s progress and any evacuation orders or instructions from local authorities.
• Consider relocating to a safe location if ordered to do so.

In conclusion, Orlando has been affected by several significant hurricanes over the years. By understanding the impact of these storms and taking necessary precautions, you can stay safe and minimize any disruption to your life.