In 2018, one of the most powerful and devastating hurricanes to hit the United States made landfall in Florida. With a trail of destruction and devastation towards communities, in this iteration of Hurricane History, we will be discussing the 2018 category 5 Hurricane Michael.
Hurricane Michael would make landfall near Mexico Beach, Florida as a category 5 storm, with winds reaching up to 160 mph. Its rapid intensification in the days leading up to landfall caught many residents and officials off guard, leading to limited preparation. Storm surges would reach up to 14 feet in some areas, destroying thousands of homes and businesses. It would particularly affect the Florida Panhandle, though also causing devastation across other southeastern states such as Georgia and the Carolinas. Tens of thousands of people would be displaced and infrastructure damage was extensive.
In the aftermath, Michael claimed the lives of at least 60 individuals and the economic damage was estimated to be at least $25 billion, making Michael one of the deadliest and costliest hurricanes on record. In its wake, efforts were made to improve disaster preparedness and response systems. The lessons learned continue to highlight the importance of ongoing efforts and the resilience of community.
We hope you found this information about Hurricane Michael to be insightful on the power of hurricanes and how they can impact us. At AJS, we are committed to serving the Gulf Coast and beyond in moving, building, and leveling and we are here to help you and your properties. For lifting, construction, or moving, give us a call today to schedule a free consultation!
Comments