August 1992

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Hurricane Andrew made landfall in South Florida on Aug 24, 1992, leaving devastating destruction in its wake.

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Some of the extensive Damage to homes in Miami in an arial view image. (Credit: Huffington Post).

Hurricane Andrew, which struck in August 1992, caused devastation in the Caribbean before hitting South Florida and then Louisiana in the United States. It was one of the costliest and most damaging hurricanes in U.S. history and remains one of the top five most powerful hurricanes to ever hit the country. The storm highlighted the importance of improved forecasting and preparedness, as technology has evolved over the years. In the days of Hurricane Andrew, analog technologies like transistor radios were relied upon for communication during power outages. Today, people are encouraged to have a NOAA.com Weather Radio and backup power sources ready to stay informed and connected during emergencies. It is crucial to heed evacuation warnings and follow directions from authorities to ensure safety during major storms. Planning and preparedness are key to minimizing the impact of disasters and protecting lives and property.

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A piece of plywood driven through the trunk of a royal palm.

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Pine trees snapped by force of wind at Pinewoods Villa.

Hurricane Andrew originated from a tropical wave that developed into a tropical depression on August 16, 1992, before strengthening into Tropical Storm Andrew on August 17. Initially struggling due to an unfavorable environment, the storm eventually intensified and reached Category 5 status with winds of 175 mph and a minimum pressure of 922 millibars. The hurricane made landfall in the Bahamas and then Florida, causing significant damage and resulting in 23 direct deaths in the US and three in the Bahamas. Andrew caused $27 billion in damages in the US and $250 million in the Bahamas. It eventually dissipated over the mid-Atlantic states on August 28.

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Florida City landmark water tower still standing post-Hurricane Andrew in 1992. (Credit: AP Photo)

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Hurricane Andrew destroyed towns, killed 65 people, cost $26.5B in damage. (Credit: Huffington Post)

#Andrew30  Photos courtesy of weather.gov