Top U.S. states most affected by hurricanes

Since 1851, only four Category 5 hurricanes have been recorded in the United States, which states have been affected?

The United States is facing a 2024 hurricane season that has begun early and with intense storms, causing flooding, power outages, and losses. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates an 85% chance that this season will be more active than usual, extending from June 1 to November 30.

Category 1 hurricanes Beryl and Debby have struck Texas and Florida, respectively. Additionally, a tropical storm made landfall in South Carolina. Recently, Tropical Storm Ernesto strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane, wreaking havoc in Puerto Rico and other areas.

The Saffir-Simpson scale classifies hurricanes of Category 3 or higher as major hurricanes. Since 1851, only four Category 5 hurricanes have been recorded in the United States, the highest category. A recent USA Today article, provides a list of the states most prone to hurricanes and the number of storms they have experienced since 1851. Here are the key details from that list.

States with the most recorded hurricanes in the United States

1. Florida

Florida tops the list, which is not surprising. The Sunshine State has recorded 120 hurricanes, 37 of which were Category 3 to 5. Hurricane Michael in October 2018 and Hurricane Andrew in August 1992 both reached Category 5. Together, these hurricanes caused nearly 140 deaths.

2. Texas

In second place is Texas. The state has recorded a total of 64 hurricanes, nearly half as many as Florida. Of these, 19 have reached Categories 3 or 4, and fortunately, Texas has never experienced a Category 5 hurricane.

3. Louisiana

In the Southwest, Louisiana ranks third, having recorded 63 hurricanes, 19 of which were Category 3 to 5. Louisiana has faced one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history: Hurricane Katrina. In August 2005, this Category 5 hurricane caused approximately 1,400 deaths and inflicted millions of dollars in damage. Hurricane Katrina was a storm with winds of 175 miles per hour, which destroyed everything in its path.

4. North Carolina

Heading north, North Carolina ranks fourth on the list, having recorded a total of 58 hurricanes, of which 7 reached Categories 3 or 4. To date, the state has not experienced a Category 5 hurricane.

5. South Carolina

In fifth place is South Carolina, which has recorded a total of 32 hurricanes. Although this number is smaller compared to the state in first place, only 5 of these hurricanes have reached Categories 3 or 4, and the state has yet to experience a Category 5 hurricane.