These Areas of the U.S. Are Most Vulnerable to Hurricanes, Historic Data Shows
The Atlantic hurricane season is officially underway, and Americans up and down the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico are preparing for any storms coming their way. In the past, certain areas of the country have been more susceptible to hurricanes for a variety of reasons, and heading into the 2024 season, residents of these areas should exercise extra caution.
Researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Hurricane Center compiled hurricane data from the past decades to predict which parts of the country are most at risk of seeing a hurricane this year. Experts are predicting a more active than normal season this year, so preparation is key.
"With another active hurricane season approaching, NOAA’s commitment to keeping every American informed with life-saving information is unwavering," NOAA administrator Rick Spinrad said in a statement.
Related: All the Gear You Need in a Hurricane Preparedness Kit
The country's hottest spots for hurricanes are, perhaps unsurprisingly, south Florida, North Carolina, and Louisiana. In general, residents in southeast Florida, the region around New Orleans, and the North Carolina coast can expect to see a hurricane every seven years or so, per Fox Weather. Southwest Florida, the eastern central Florida coast, and southeast Louisiana usually see storms approximately every eight years, while South Carolina sees a hurricane about every nine years.
Meanwhile, the northeast can rest a little easier heading into this season. The tri-state area has a storm return period of approximately 18 to 20 years. It's even less when you get into New England, with parts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine only seeing storms every 50 years or so.
If you live anywhere along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, be sure you're ready once the season starts to heat up later this summer.
