Which states are most at risk from hurricanes in 2024?

The storm forecast for 2024 looks to be one of the worst on record. Which areas are at risk and where are the safe alternatives? Realtor.

Photo: iStock.com/da-kuk

In the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Season Report hurricanes 2024 said that the Atlantic Ocean has now reached August temperatures limits.

This could produce between 17 and 25 named storms with wind speeds of 62 mph or higher. Of these, 8 to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes (wind speeds of at least 120 mph), including 4 to 7 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4, or 5 with wind speeds greater than 180 mph) .

Buying a home is in doubt

This news caused a flurry of concern. In this situation, anyone can think. Why even live in a hurricane-prone area? Should you buy a house where a hurricane might hit?

On the subject: Hurricane season 2024: a list of names and forecasts of storm activity in the Atlantic

For many homebuyers, climate issues hang like a dark cloud when choosing where they want to live.

According to a 2024 Realtor.com® survey, 70% of homeowners and sellers consider the potential impact of natural disasters and climate events when purchasing a home. Just under half said they let climate events determine where they live.

Home buyers have good reason to be concerned. In 2024, approximately 18,1% of homes in the country could potentially be damaged by wind events such as hurricanes and tornadoes.

Which cities have the greatest risk of hurricanes?

NOAA has identified cities that are most at risk from hurricanes. They turned out to be Miami and Key West, Florida (the probability of being affected by the elements each year is 16%). They are followed by Cape Hatteras, North Carolina (15%), Tampa and New Orleans (both 11%).

But even though Florida ranks as three of the top five places at risk for hurricanes, it's still one of the most popular places to move. In 2023, Florida boasted four of the five fastest-growing cities in the United States.

Another piece of hope for homebuyers: Florida isn't always at risk from hurricanes, with the danger varying by region.

From 1851 to 2022, 120 hurricanes hit Florida. Northeast Florida had the fewest reported cases, with just 28 hurricanes, compared to 48 in Southeast Florida, 51 in Northwest Florida and 66 in Southeast Florida.

Some agents recommend moving to Central Florida or the northeastern part of the state if hurricanes are a concern. Some metropolitan areas, such as Orlando, Leesburg, Kissimmee and Lake City, topped several lists of places considered "safer" to live in Florida.

Finally, when it comes to hurricanes, nowhere in Florida is 100% safe.

How hurricanes affect the real estate buying process

Hurricanes can make it difficult for buyers and sellers of real estate in Florida and other risky areas to move.

“In my 23-year career, I have sold many homes to buyers in Northeast Florida, and almost all of them were in hurricane-prone areas,” shared Florida real estate agent Kara Amir. “Buyers moving to the area are often understandably nervous.”

Wherever you shop, understanding the environmental risks you'll face will help you make smart decisions.

Buyers should ask home sellers about their property's history with hurricanes.

“Ask the sellers of the homes you are considering if they have had problems with flooding or water intrusion in the past, and get details about what caused it,” said Amir. — You need to check the home's insurance history. If you are purchasing in an area that has experienced tropical storms and hurricanes in the past, you should talk to neighbors in the area where you want to buy property.”

You can also check to see if the home has storm protection.

“Home buyers should request a CLUE report on the property from their homeowner's insurance agent,” advised Texas real estate agent Wendy Flynn. This report provides a history of all homeowners insurance claims against a property.

If you can't resist moving to a hurricane-prone area, Flynn recommends purchasing an independent generator.

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Because hurricanes involve more than just wind, the real estate agent recommends flood insurance as well. Additionally, consider purchasing a new roof if your home is more than 5 years old—it will withstand hurricane-force winds much better than an old one.

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