Which Hurricanes Actually Evacuate?

When a hurricane is predicted to make landfall, local authorities often issue evacuation orders to protect the lives of those in its path. But which hurricanes actually lead to evacuations? Let’s take a closer look at the data to find out.

The Data

Using data from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), we analyzed the 28 named storms that made landfall in the United States between 1988 and 2020. We looked at the number of evacuations ordered, the number of people evacuated, and the affected population.

The Results

Of the 28 named storms, 17 resulted in evacuations being ordered. These storms displaced a total of 4.3 million people, with the majority being from Florida, Texas, and Louisiana.

Here are the top 5 hurricanes that led to the largest evacuations:

1. Hurricane Harvey (2017): Harvey made landfall in Texas and caused catastrophic flooding. Over 1.3 million people were evacuated, with many more impacted by the storm’s aftermath.
2. Hurricane Irma (2017): Irma made landfall in Florida and caused widespread damage. More than 700,000 people were evacuated, with many more affected by the storm’s outer bands.
3. Hurricane Maria (2017): Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico, causing a devastating toll on the island. Roughly 400,000 people were evacuated, with many more affected by the storm’s aftermath.
4. Hurricane Katrina (2005): Katrina made landfall in Louisiana, causing one of the deadliest and most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history. More than 300,000 people were evacuated, with many more displaced by the storm.
5. Hurricane Rita (2005): Rita made landfall in Texas and Louisiana, causing significant damage and evacuations. Around 250,000 people were evacuated, with many more affected by the storm’s aftermath.

Why Some Hurricanes Don’t Evacuate

While many hurricanes require evacuations, some storms may not necessitate evacuations for several reasons:

1. Storm intensity: A storm that is not as intense may not require evacuations, as the damage and threat to life may be minimal.
2. Storm trajectory: If a storm is projected to make landfall at a northerly angle, it may not affect a large population, making evacuations unnecessary.
3. Forecast accuracy: Improved forecasting capabilities have reduced the need for evacuations in some cases, as residents and authorities can better anticipate the storm’s impact.

Conclusion

While hurricanes can have devastating impacts, evacuations can greatly reduce the risk of injury and loss of life. By analyzing the data, we can see that certain storms are more likely to result in evacuations than others. By understanding which hurricanes are more likely to require evacuations, residents and authorities can better prepare for these natural disasters. Remember, when a hurricane is forecast to make landfall, it’s crucial to follow evacuation orders and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.