Hurricane Risk for Key West, FL
No tropical storms currently threaten the Key West area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.
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Since 1851, 184 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Key West. Here's what you should know.
By the numbers
Most recent hurricane
Debby (2024)
Passed within 102 miles of Key West on August 04, 2024. Peak intensity: Cat 1 (80 mph).
Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby
Unnamed (1935)
Reached Cat 5 (184 mph) at its peak. Passed within 56 miles of Key West.
Closest approach ever
Inez (1966)
Passed just 3.4 miles from Key West on October 05, 1966.
When hurricanes hit Key West
Distribution across the calendar year, based on every storm in the 150-mile radius since 1851:
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 Key West residents likely remember:
| Storm | Year | Peak | Closest | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debby | 2024 | Cat 1 | 102 mi | Aug 04, 2024 |
| Rafael | 2024 | Cat 3 | 136 mi | Nov 07, 2024 |
| Milton | 2024 | Cat 5 | 184 mi | Oct 09, 2024 |
| Idalia | 2023 | Cat 4 | 197 mi | Aug 29, 2023 |
| Ian | 2022 | Cat 5 | 72 mi | Sep 28, 2022 |
| Elsa | 2021 | Cat 1 | 59 mi | Jul 06, 2021 |
| Ida | 2021 | Cat 4 | 175 mi | Aug 28, 2021 |
| Eta | 2020 | Cat 4 | 38 mi | Nov 09, 2020 |
| Sally | 2020 | Cat 2 | 72 mi | Sep 12, 2020 |
| Laura | 2020 | Cat 4 | 184 mi | Aug 25, 2020 |
| Isaias | 2020 | Cat 1 | 185 mi | Aug 02, 2020 |
| Irma | 2017 | Cat 5 | 17 mi | Sep 10, 2017 |
| Hermine | 2016 | Cat 1 | 58 mi | Aug 28, 2016 |
| Isaac | 2012 | Cat 1 | 58 mi | Aug 27, 2012 |
| Paula | 2010 | Cat 2 | 116 mi | Oct 15, 2010 |
| Ike | 2008 | Cat 4 | 154 mi | Sep 09, 2008 |
| Gustav | 2008 | Cat 4 | 169 mi | Aug 31, 2008 |
| Paloma | 2008 | Cat 4 | 178 mi | Nov 13, 2008 |
| Ernesto | 2006 | Cat 1 | 76 mi | Aug 30, 2006 |
Preparedness
- Know your zone. Key West is in Monroe 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.