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The 2004 hurricane season in Florida was by far the
worst in modern history. Within a six-week period,
four major hurricanes crossed portions of the state,
causing widespread devastation from wind and floodwaters.
It is estimated that one out of every five homes
in Florida suffered some storm damage in 2004. Insurance
claims are expected to be more than double those filed
in the wake of Hurricane Andrew—formerly the
gold standard when it came to storm-related misery
for Floridians.
The ordeal began on August 13, when Hurricane
Charley slammed into Punta Gorda, packing
winds up to 145 mph. Charley was to become the second-most-expensive
single hurricane in the state's history, after Andrew.
Within three weeks, Charley was followed up by Hurricane
Frances, striking this time along the Treasure
Coast, 35 miles north of Palm Beach. Frances caused
extensive flood and wind damage as it cut a swath
across the state before entering Georgia. And by the
time Frances had gone, another storm was waiting in
the wings.
Hurricane Ivan
could have been the worst storm of the season—but
instead of veering as Charley did and hitting the
Gulf Coast of Florida, it continued north, weakening
as it went, and made landfall on Sept. 16 just east
of Mobile, Alabama. But the Florida panhandle still
suffered major damage—especially from the severe
tornadoes spawned by Ivan.
The final chapter took place ten days after Ivan,
when Hurricane Jeanne,
following almost exactly in the path of Frances, roared
ashore along the Atlantic coast 40 miles north of
Palm Beach, and then crossed the state into Georgia.
Not since 1964 had Florida been struck by three hurricanes
in one season. Not since 1886 had any state been struck
by four.
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