Is Central Florida Prone To Hurricanes?

No, Central Florida is not prone to hurricanes. All of Florida residents are subject to being hit by hurricane force winds during hurricane season. However, Follow the insurance rates and you will see that Central Florida is not considered to be as prone to hurricanes.

Central Florida

The Gulf Of Mexico & Tropical Storms & The Sunshine State

The Gulf of Mexico should be considered synonymous with tropical storms. Actually tropical storm force winds are experienced all over the United States they are just called thunder storms. Of course the difference is duration as a topical storm can take days to pass through. Just remember that when winds hit 35 mph the Weather Channel and the National Weather Center will say, Tropical Storm Warning.

Generally Orlando and Tampa have been safe from hurricanes. Hurricane force winds will hit this part of Florida but storm surge has not caused near the damage in Tampa as it has everywhere else. Tampa very rarely takes a direct hit, which is a good thing as downtown Tampa is just over 20 feet above sea level. Just over 100 years ago Tampa did take a direct hit during a hurricane season and it was not pretty.

Walt Disney World In A Hurricane Prone Area?

Of course not. There were two primary reasons the theme parks were built in Central Florida. Availability of land and safer from direct hurricane hits. Walt Disney knew a hurricane would again hit Florida and after considering the entire state, he chose Central Florida. We complain about homeowner's insurance. Think about the insurance premiums for Disney World and Universal Studios.

Hurricane Season Runs from June 1 to November 30

Most hurricanes never have landfall. They dissipate in the Atlantic Ocean. Tropical storm risk is always a consideration as is lightning and tornadoes in The Central Florida region. For whatever reason the Atlantic Coast (east of Walt Disney World) has been relatively safe from recent hurricanes and hurricane force high winds. What will tomorrow bring? Who knows, but the homes here are built expecting storms to come and we have ample warning. Overall we are in a low risk area of a hurricane.