Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers | February 27, 2025 | Personal Injury
In Florida, understanding the hurricane system is vital. Hurricanes are a fact of life in Florida, and the more you know about how they work and what to expect, the better. Hurricanes are a fact of life in Florida. Understanding how they work and what to expect is crucial for personal preparedness and safety. A personal injury lawyer can help you with any legal or insurance issues after a hurricane.
The Commonness of Florida Hurricanes
Ninety-four confirmed weather disasters have occurred in Florida in the last quarter century. Hurricane Katrina was the most expensive hurricane on record, with losses reaching over $100 billion. During “hurricane season” each year (June 1-November 30), numerous hurricane systems form in the Atlantic, but they only typically make landfall every few years. In 2024, though, three hurricanes tore through Florida, tying the record for the most hurricanes in a single season This is becoming the new norm, unfortunately.
Category One Hurricanes
Category One hurricanes are one step above tropical storms and the mildest types of hurricanes. Winds in a Category One hurricane reach 74-95 mph. This level of wind and rain damages landscaping, tree branches, outbuildings, roofing, gutters, and unattached mobile homes. Storm surge, which is the rising sea level after a hurricane, can reach four to five feet after a Category One hurricane. This might damage piers and smaller vessels.
Category Two Hurricanes
With winds reaching 96-110 mph, Category Two hurricanes can blow down trees, tear off siding, and damage frame homes built with the latest technology. Category Two hurricanes have more damage done by flying debris than Category One hurricanes. Flying debris breaks windows, damages vehicles, and can take out electrical lines. The storm surge from a Category Two hurricane generally ranges from 6-8 feet.
In 1998, Category Two Hurricane Georges caused the equivalent damage of 17 tornadoes. Hurricane Wilma in 2005 was also a Category Two and caused several dozen deaths. Both of these notable Category Two hurricanes struck the Florida Keys.
Category Three Hurricanes
Category Three hurricanes, like Debby and Helene, which occurred a month apart in 2024, reach wind speeds of 111-129 mph. Category Three hurricanes can cause structural damage, completely uproot trees, leave power outages that take weeks to restore, and demolish mobile homes. 9 to 12 feet of storm surge can also be expected after a Category Three storm.
Category Four Hurricanes
Only seven Category Four hurricanes have ever hit Florida. With wind speeds of 130-156 mph, they leave a catastrophic wake. Category Four hurricanes like Ian and Irma can ultimately leave an area uninhabitable. The storm surge of 13-17 feet can engulf low-lying areas.
Category Five Hurricanes
Since 1924, there have only been 40 hurricanes that have reached Category Five status. Only four Category Five hurricanes have touched down on US soil—three of which have hit Florida. Category Five hurricanes are catastrophic, with wind speeds of 157+ mph and storm surges of 18+ feet.
In 1935, the Great Labor Day Hurricane, a Category Five storm, became the most damaging storm to ever hit American soil. Hurricane Andrew in 1992, also a Category Five storm, reached wind speeds of 174 mph. In 2018, Hurricane Michael, another Category Five storm, killed 74 people.
Contact a Lawyer for Help With Insurance Negotiations After Hurricane Damages
Don’t let your homeowner’s insurance company sucker you into a lowball settlement amount. Reach out to Ft. Lauderdale hurricane attorneys who know their way around the typical post-Hurricane insurance run-around. If your property was damaged in a recent Florida storm, you may be able to recover economic damages and non-economic damages.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We proudly serve Fort Lauderdale, Clermont, and its surrounding areas:
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
633 S Andrews Ave Ste 401, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 361-3997
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
1655 E Hwy 50 ste 316, Clermont, FL 34711
(352) 77-33866