Jacksonville, a beautiful coastal city located in the Sunshine state offers great weather all year round, clean beaches and deep-rooted culture that inspires tourists and locals alike. But like the rest of Florida, there is no hurricane-safe zone in Jacksonville. What the people who live in Jacksonville and who visit Jacksonville constantly wonder is: Is it going to get a hurricane? Read on to discover hurricane risk in Jacksonville, historical context, and how to prepare in this article.
A Mapper’s Guide to Hurricane Risk in Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s location on Florida’s northeast coast makes it at high risk for hurricanes, particularly during the Atlantic hurricane season (June 1 — November 30). Jacksonville hasn’t taken direct hits as often as many other parts of Florida, but the city’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean means it’s still in the path of tropical storms and hurricanes.
Hurricane History in Jacksonville
It’s not as if Jacksonville has been immune to hurricanes and tropical storms. Some notable storms include:
- Hurricane Dora (1964): The most recent hurricane to make landfall around Jacksonville. Dora destroyed homes, businesses and the coastline.
- Hurricane Irma (2017): Irma didn’t hit Jacksonville itself, but its effects were catastrophic, with flooding, outages and wind destruction surrounding the city.
- Tropical Storm Nicole (2022): Not a hurricane, but Nicole was a rainmaker and wind maker which showed Jacksonville was vulnerable to tropical system.
Deciding What Hits From a Hurricane
A few factors at play that determine whether a hurricane plows into Jacksonville:
- Storm Track: Hurricanes tend to turn north when they reach the Atlantic Coast, and Jacksonville could experience either peripheral winds and rain, or just the center of the storm.
- Storm Strength: How destructive a hurricane is depends on how strong. Even Category 1 hurricanes bring flooding, and bigger storms devastate.
- When: The late summer-early fall is hurricane season, which means that Jacksonville has an increased risk of severe weather at that time.
Hurricane prep in Jacksonville
So be prepared to limit your loss as much as possible. Here are hints from some of Jacksonville residents and visitors:
- Stay Informed: Stay informed with local weather information and updates from reliable sources such as the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
- Have an Emergency Kit: Water, non-perishable food, batteries, flashlights, a first aid kit.
- Action Plan — Jacksonville Evacuation Routes & Refuges Get ready for animals and special needs relatives.
- Secure Your Home: Install storm shutters, add soffit or jambs to door and window coverings, and remove outdoor items that may become missiles in high winds.
- Flood Preparedness : always required as Jacksonville is a flood-prone area so ensure flood insurance is purchased and valuables are protected inside waterproof storage;
Is Another Hazel Hurricane Possible for Jacksonville?
You never know if a hurricane will form any particular year, but you’re on the Atlantic coast in Jacksonville, so you’re bound to get one or the other from time to time, tropical storms and hurricanes. Meteorological technology and satellite tracking help make forecasting easier — so locals can stay ahead of the storms.
Final Thoughts
Whether it hits Jacksonville or not, preparing and watching is key for hurricanes. While the city has been fortunate not to receive direct hits with any regularity, Hurricane Dora and Hurricane Irma proved that even hurricanes can scare the pants off of us. Informed and ready Jacksonville residents can protect the home, family and community from what hurricane season can bring.
