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States Most Affected by Hurricanes in the US
Which U.S. states are most affected by hurricanes? Using NOAA’s historical records and the HURDAT2 database, analysts consistently place Florida at the top for frequency of direct hits, followed by Texas, Louisiana, and North Carolina. The ranking reflects how often storms strike and how exposed each coastline is to Gulf and Atlantic tracks. While exact counts vary by methodology and update cycle, the order below matches long-running National Hurricane Center (NHC) summaries and NOAA/AOML landfall databases.
Did you know?
- Florida has the most hurricane landfalls in the historical record.
- Even without U.S. landfall, Pacific systems can drench the Southwest — as seen with Hilary (2023).
- Risk is not just coastlines: Harris County, TX, and Miami-Dade, FL, sit at the top of FEMA’s hurricane risk scoring.
Top 10 States Most Affected by Hurricanes (Frequency-Led Ranking)
Rounded counts synthesized from NOAA/NHC historical landfall tables (1851–present) to reflect long-term ordering; “Major” denotes Category 3–5. Sources at the end.
| Rank | State / Territory | All Hurricane Landfalls* | Major (Cat 3–5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida | ~110–125 | ~35–40 | Highest overall; panhandle, peninsula, Keys all exposed. |
| 2 | Texas | ~60–65 | ~18–20 | High Gulf exposure; notable Cat-4/5 risks on central & upper coast. |
| 3 | Louisiana | ~60–65 | ~18–20 | Frequent major landfalls; large surge vulnerability. |
| 4 | North Carolina | ~55–60 | ~6–10 | Outer Banks capture recurving Atlantic storms. |
| 5 | South Carolina | ~30–35 | ~5–7 | Charleston & Grand Strand exposure to Cape Verde & shelf-trackers. |
| 6 | Alabama | ~20–25 | ~6–8 | Lower count than neighbors, but high surge sensitivity. |
| 7 | Georgia | ~20–22 | ~3–5 | Fewer landfalls; frequent close-pass impacts and surge. |
| 8 | Mississippi | ~14–16 | ~8 | Katrina (2005) & Camille (1969) underscore risk severity. |
| 9 | New York | ~15 | ~3 | Lower frequency, high consequence (surge, population density). |
| 10 | Virginia | ~12–14 | ~1–2 | Tidewater surge & rainfall; many storms curve offshore. |
*“Landfalls” here reflect historical mainland direct hits; territories like Puerto Rico also face high hurricane exposure but are listed separately by many NOAA tables.
Why These States Rank Highest
- Geography: The Gulf of Mexico and the Southeast Atlantic shelf funnel storms toward Florida, Texas, and Louisiana.
- Steering & Seasonality: Peak Atlantic activity in Aug–Oct sends recurving Cape Verde systems toward the Southeast/Mid-Atlantic.
- Long coastlines & bays: Larger coastal perimeters (Florida, Texas) equal more strike opportunities and complex surge.
Hurricane Case Studies by State
Florida — Ian (2022) and Idalia (2023)
Florida’s exposure is unmatched. Hurricane Ian (2022) struck southwest Florida at near-Category 5 strength, with catastrophic surge and wind across multiple counties. A year later, Idalia (2023) hit the Big Bend region as a major hurricane. Both storms highlight Florida’s multiple strike corridors (Gulf, Keys, Atlantic).
Texas — Harvey (2017) and Ike (2008)
Texas faces intense rainfall and surge events. Harvey (2017) stalled over the state, producing record-shattering rainfall totals and catastrophic flooding in the Houston region. Ike (2008) delivered a destructive surge to Galveston and Bolivar Peninsula and widespread wind damage inland.
Louisiana — Ida (2021) and Katrina (2005)
Louisiana’s low-lying coast and delta make surge particularly dangerous. Ida (2021) rapidly intensified, striking near Port Fourchon with severe wind/surge and major downstream impacts to the Northeast. Katrina (2005) remains a benchmark for extreme surge and social vulnerability.
North Carolina — Florence (2018) and Fran (1996)
The Outer Banks jut into common storm tracks. Florence (2018) brought devastating freshwater flooding after landfall near Wrightsville Beach; Fran (1996) likewise caused widespread damage well inland.
Puerto Rico (US Territory) — Maria (2017)
Although not a state, Puerto Rico is among the most hurricane-exposed U.S. jurisdictions. Maria (2017) devastated the island’s infrastructure and power systems and remains a focal point for resilience planning.
Beyond Landfalls: Population, Cost, and Risk
Frequency doesn’t capture everything. FEMA’s National Risk Index emphasizes not just how often hurricanes strike, but who and what are in harm’s way. Recent analyses show Miami-Dade (FL) and Harris County (TX) at the top of national hurricane risk scoring due to exposure and potential losses.
Top exposure corridors
Gulf & SE Atlantic
Peak activity (Atlantic)
Aug–Oct
High-impact inland risk
TX, NC, NY
FEMA risk hot spots
Miami-Dade, Harris
How to Use This Ranking
- Planning: Coastal agencies and businesses should align preparedness with historical strike windows and evacuation timelines.
- Insurance & mitigation: Elevation projects, floodproofing, and surge-resilient design protect capital in the highest-ranked states.
- Monitoring: Local weather stations and rain gauges provide site-specific wind/rain/pressure alerts — crucial for facility operations.
What to Read Next
- When Is Hurricane Season in the USA?
- How to Prepare for Hurricane Season
- The Role of NOAA and the National Hurricane Center
- Atlantic vs Pacific Hurricane Season
- Hurricane Categories Explained
- What to Include in a Hurricane Emergency Kit
Sources: NOAA/AOML HURDAT landfall lists and hurricane database; NHC state-by-state landfall table (historical); NOAA Historical Hurricane Tracks & GIS viewer; FEMA National Risk Index.
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