The U.S. faces ongoing hurricane risks, with certain states particularly vulnerable. Florida leads the nation in hurricane landfalls, followed by Texas, Louisiana, and North Carolina. Coastal hotspots like South Florida, the Outer Banks, and the Northern Gulf Coast experience major storms every several years.
Storm surge remains a major concern, especially in Gulf Coast cities with flat terrain. Areas including Miami, New Orleans, Tampa, New York, and Savannah are at heightened risk when hurricanes approach.
Inland flooding is another serious threat, responsible for about 60% of hurricane-related deaths. Even regions far from the coast, such as inland Texas, can experience significant damage as storms maintain strength further inland.
Climate change is increasing hurricane risks, pushing strong winds further inland. The share of major hurricanes has risen sharply over recent decades. Tools like FEMA’s National Risk Index and NOAA’s storm surge maps help communities prepare and understand potential impacts.
