US Cities Hit Most Often By Tropical Storms and Hurricanes

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The Weather Hazards Associated With Hurricanes

By Tiffany Means

This list of the top 29 cities hit by hurricanes and tropical storms (1871-2004) is compiled from data presented by Hurricane City. Check the web site for methodology. Data from 2005 not included.

1. Cape Hatteras, NC (eastern - barrier islands)
   Hit every 2.53 years. Last hit by Alex in 2004.
2. Delray Beach, FL (southeastern)
   Hit every 2.36 years; located between Palm Beach and Miami. Last hit by Frances and Jeanne in 2004.
3. Grand Isle, LA (southern - barrier islands)
   Hit every 2.68 years; the most affected area in Louisiana, it is about 50 miles south of New Orleans (as the crow flies). Affected by Tropical Storm Matthew in 2004.
4. Ft Pierce, FL (eastern)
   Hit every 2.68 years. Last hit by Frances and Jeanne in 2004.
5. Hollywood, FL (southeastern)
   Hit every 2.68 years.
6. Deerfield Beach, FL (southeastern)
   Hit every 2.68 years. Touched by Frances in 2004.
7. Boca Raton, FL (southeastern)
   Hit every 2.68 years. Touched by both Frances and Jeanne in 2004.
8. Florida City, FL (southern)
   Hit every 2.73 years. Most direct hurricane hits (21).
9. Spring Hill, FL (Gulf)
   Hit every 2.73 years.
10. Stuart, FL (eastern)
    Hit every 2.79 years. Last hit by Frances and Jeanne in 2004.
11. Miami, FL (southeastern)
    Hit every 2.79 years.
12. Key West, FL (southern - barrier islands)
    Hit every 2.85 years. Number two on direct hurricane hits (20).
13. Palm Beach, FL (southeastern)
    Hit every 2.85 years. Last hit by Frances and Jeanne in 2004.
14. Lake Worth, FL (southeastern
    Hit every 2.85 years. Last hit by Frances and Jeanne in 2004.
15. Ft. Lauderdale, FL (southeastern)
    Hit every 2.85 years. Last hit by Frances and Jeanne in 2004.
16. Elizabeth City, NC (northeastern)
    Hit every 2.85 years. Last hit by Charley in 2004.
17. Jupiter, FL (southeastern)
    Hit every 2.91 years. Last hit by Frances and Jeanne in 2004.
18. Morgan City, LA (southwestern)
    Hit every 2.85 years. Last affected by Tropical Storm Matthew in 2004.
19. Ft. Walton, FL (panhandle)
    Hit every 3.05 years. Last hit by Ivan in 2004.
20. Pensacola, FL (panhandle)
    Hit every 3.05 years. Last hit by Ivan in 2004.
21. Key Largo, FL (southern - barrier islands)
    Hit every 3.05 years.
22. Jacksonville, FL (northeastern)
    Hit every 3.05 years.
23. Port Charlotte, FL (southwestern)
    Hit every 3.12 years. Last hit by Charley in 2004.
24. Fort Myers, FL ({link url=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Fort+Myers,+FL&spn=0.574893,0.952377&t=h&hl=en]southwestern)
    Hit every 3.12 years. Last hit by Charley in 2004.
25. Destin, FL (panhandle)
    Hit every 3.12 years. Last hit by Ivan in 2004.
26. Cedar Key, FL (north Gulf)
    Hit every 3.12 years. Last hit by Frances and Jeanne in 2004.
27. Norfolk, VA (southeastern)
    Hit every 3.12 years. Last hit by Charley (as a tropical storm) in 2004.
28. Naples, FL (southwestern)
    Hit every 3.19 years. Last brushed by Charley in 2004.
29. Morehead City, NC (eastern)
    Hit every 3.27 years. Last hit by Alex Charley in 2004.