Hurricane Risk for Cape Coral, FL
No tropical storms currently threaten the Cape Coral area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.
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Since 1852, 198 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Cape Coral. Here's what you should know.
By the numbers
Most recent hurricane
Milton (2024)
Passed within 68 miles of Cape Coral on October 10, 2024. Peak intensity: Cat 5 (178 mph).
Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby
Unnamed (1935)
Reached Cat 5 (184 mph) at its peak. Passed within 20 miles of Cape Coral.
Closest approach ever
Unnamed (1888)
Passed just 3.3 miles from Cape Coral on August 17, 1888.
When hurricanes hit Cape Coral
Distribution across the calendar year, based on every storm in the 150-mile radius since 1852:
Peak months are August through October, when the Atlantic season is most active. June, July, and November are secondary risk months.
Prep your supplies before the storm is named
Our alerts can notify you of a storm long before it makes the news, giving you more time to get what you need — instead of joining the panic-buying public.
Sign Up FreeRecent notable storms (last 20 years)
Hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 200 miles in the last 20 years — these are the ones Cape Coral residents likely remember:
| Storm | Year | Peak | Closest | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milton | 2024 | Cat 5 | 68 mi | Oct 10, 2024 |
| Debby | 2024 | Cat 1 | 148 mi | Aug 04, 2024 |
| Helene | 2024 | Cat 4 | 188 mi | Sep 26, 2024 |
| Idalia | 2023 | Cat 4 | 171 mi | Aug 30, 2023 |
| Ian | 2022 | Cat 5 | 16 mi | Sep 28, 2022 |
| Nicole | 2022 | Cat 1 | 101 mi | Nov 10, 2022 |
| Elsa | 2021 | Cat 1 | 77 mi | Jul 07, 2021 |
| Sally | 2020 | Cat 2 | 52 mi | Sep 13, 2020 |
| Eta | 2020 | Cat 4 | 109 mi | Nov 11, 2020 |
| Isaias | 2020 | Cat 1 | 152 mi | Aug 02, 2020 |
| Irma | 2017 | Cat 5 | 22 mi | Sep 11, 2017 |
| Matthew | 2016 | Cat 5 | 159 mi | Oct 07, 2016 |
| Hermine | 2016 | Cat 1 | 195 mi | Aug 28, 2016 |
| Arthur | 2014 | Cat 2 | 181 mi | Jul 01, 2014 |
| Isaac | 2012 | Cat 1 | 150 mi | Aug 27, 2012 |
| Ernesto | 2006 | Cat 1 | 68 mi | Aug 30, 2006 |
Preparedness
- Know your zone. Cape Coral is in Lee County — look up your evacuation zone here.
- Get alerts early. Sign up below — we'll notify you when storms first form in the basin, not just when they're at your doorstep.
- Have 3+ days of supplies. Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash.
- Have an evacuation plan. Know where you'll go, how you'll get there, what you'll bring.
- Follow official orders. If your zone is told to evacuate, leave. Don't wait.