Hurricane Risk Assessment
Evaluate storm surge zones, wind exposure, and hurricane probability for coastal properties
Check Hurricane Risk for Your Address
What is Hurricane Risk?
Hurricane risk encompasses the danger from tropical cyclones, including destructive winds, storm surge flooding, heavy rainfall, and tornadoes. The Atlantic and Gulf coasts face the highest risk, with hurricane season running June 1 through November 30.
Storm Surge: The #1 Hurricane Killer
Storm surge—the abnormal rise in sea level during a hurricane—causes 90% of hurricane fatalities. Water levels can rise 15-20 feet above normal, flooding coastal areas miles inland. A Category 4 hurricane can push storm surge 18 feet high, completely submerging single-story homes.
Hurricane Risk Components
- Storm surge zones: NOAA maps showing areas vulnerable to ocean water inundation
- Wind speed zones: Expected maximum wind speeds based on location and building codes
- Coastal proximity: Distance from coast determines surge and wind exposure
- Historical tracks: Past hurricane paths indicate future probability
- Elevation: Height above sea level determines flood risk from surge
- Building codes: Wind-resistant construction standards (varies by region)
Why Hurricane Risk Matters for Homeowners
- Insurance costs: Coastal properties pay $3,000-$10,000+ annually for wind/hurricane coverage
- Deductibles: Hurricane deductibles are 2-5% of home value (e.g., $10,000 on a $500,000 home)
- Total loss potential: Major hurricanes can completely destroy coastal homes
- Evacuation requirements: Mandatory evacuations disrupt life and business
- Property values: Hurricane-prone areas seeing declining values and buyer interest
- Rebuilding challenges: Post-hurricane construction costs often exceed insurance payouts
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
Category 1
74-95 mph
Damage Level
Very dangerous winds causing minor damage to homes
Examples
Roof shingle loss, gutter damage, broken tree branches
Category 2
96-110 mph
Damage Level
Extremely dangerous winds causing extensive damage
Examples
Major roof damage, windows broken, power outages for weeks
Category 3
111-129 mph
Damage Level
Devastating damage will occur to homes
Examples
Structural damage, loss of roof decking, total power loss
Category 4
130-156 mph
Damage Level
Catastrophic damage - area uninhabitable for weeks/months
Examples
Complete roof loss, exterior wall collapse, isolated for weeks
Category 5
157+ mph
Damage Level
Total destruction - high percentage of homes destroyed
Examples
Complete structural failure, entire neighborhoods leveled
Note: Storm surge is NOT included in hurricane categories, which only measure wind speed. A Category 2 hurricane can produce deadly 10+ foot storm surge if conditions are right. Always evacuate when ordered, regardless of category.
High Hurricane Risk Areas
South Florida (Miami, Keys, Fort Lauderdale)
Risk Level: Extreme - Direct hits from major hurricanes every 10-15 years
Historical impacts: Andrew (1992), Irma (2017), multiple Category 4-5 hurricanes. Faces both Atlantic and Gulf storm threats. Sea level rise amplifying storm surge risk.
Gulf Coast (New Orleans, Houston, Tampa)
Risk Level: Very High - Frequent major hurricanes with devastating storm surge
Historical impacts: Katrina (2005), Harvey (2017), Ian (2022). Shallow Gulf waters create massive storm surge. Low elevation exacerbates flooding.
Atlantic Coast (Carolinas, Georgia, Virginia)
Risk Level: High - Periodic major hurricanes with increasing frequency
Historical impacts: Hugo (1989), Florence (2018), Matthew (2016). Barrier islands extremely vulnerable. Increasing northward hurricane tracks due to climate change.
Northeast Coast (New York, New Jersey, New England)
Risk Level: Moderate but Increasing - Rare but impactful storms
Historical impacts: Sandy (2012), Gloria (1985). Climate change bringing more frequent northern hurricanes. Dense development amplifies damage potential.
Hurricane Mitigation Strategies
Strengthen your home against hurricane damage and reduce insurance costs
Install Impact-Resistant Windows
Hurricane-rated windows and shutters withstand 140+ mph winds and flying debris.
$10,000 - $30,000
Very High
30-45% discount
Strengthen Roof Connections
Hurricane straps and clips secure roof to walls, preventing blow-off.
$2,000 - $5,000
Very High
15-25% discount
Seal and Reinforce Garage Door
Garage doors are weak points. Bracing prevents collapse from wind pressure.
$500 - $2,000
High
10-15% discount
Install Storm Shutters
Removable shutters protect windows and doors from wind and debris impact.
$3,000 - $10,000
Very High
25-35% discount
Upgrade to Impact Doors
Reinforced entry doors resist hurricane winds and maintain building envelope.
$2,000 - $8,000
High
10-20% discount
Elevate Utilities
Raise HVAC, water heater, electrical panel above flood levels.
$3,000 - $10,000
Medium
Prevents flood damage
Fortified Home Certification: IBHS Fortified Home program certifies hurricane-resistant homes with inspected upgrades. Certified homes receive 20-50% insurance discounts and have experienced 85% less damage in major hurricanes.
Hurricane Risk Tips for Homebuyers
1. Check Storm Surge Zone Before Buying
Review NOAA storm surge maps at nhc.noaa.gov. Properties in surge zones face total destruction risk. Some areas have 30+ foot surge potential—no home survives that.
2. Verify Hurricane-Resistant Features
Homes built after 2002 Florida Building Code (post-Andrew) have superior hurricane resistance. Look for impact windows, reinforced roof, concrete block construction, and elevated utilities.
3. Get Detailed Insurance Quotes Early
Hurricane insurance is separate from homeowners insurance in many states. Get quotes for both wind coverage and flood insurance. Budget $5,000-$15,000 annually for coastal properties.
4. Understand Evacuation Routes
Barrier islands and low-lying coastal areas require evacuation for major storms. Ensure you have viable escape routes and are willing to evacuate 1-3 times per year.
5. Research Climate Change Projections
Hurricane intensity is increasing with warmer oceans. Sea level rise is amplifying storm surge. Consider whether the property will be safe and insurable in 20-30 years.
Check All Climate Risks for Your Property
Hurricane is just one of six climate risk factors we track