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Hurricane Risk for Pensacola, FL

No tropical storms currently threaten the Pensacola area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.

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On this page
  1. By the numbers
  2. Most recent hurricane
  3. Strongest ever
  4. Closest approach
  5. When hurricanes hit
  6. Recent notable storms
  7. Preparedness

Since 1851, 169 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Pensacola. Here's what you should know.

Local note: Pensacola's exposed position on the northern Gulf and low-lying barrier beaches make storm surge and coastal inundation the primary hazards—Hurricane Sally's 2020 surge and prolonged battering exemplified how even Category 2 storms can produce severe flooding and damage.

By the numbers

Total storms
169
since 1851
Major (Cat 3+)
30
at closest approach
Hurricanes (Cat 1+)
79
all categories
County
Escambia County
Florida

Most recent hurricane

Fred (2021)

Passed within 109 miles of Pensacola on August 17, 2021. Peak intensity: TS (63 mph).

Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby

Camille (1969)

Reached Cat 5 (172 mph) at its peak. Passed within 128 miles of Pensacola.

Closest approach ever

Dennis (2005)

Passed just 7.6 miles from Pensacola on July 10, 2005.

When hurricanes hit Pensacola

Distribution across the calendar year, based on every storm in the 150-mile radius since 1851:

Jan
0
Feb
0
Mar
0
Apr
0
May
1
Jun
16
Jul
23
Aug
36
Sep
54
Oct
35
Nov
4
Dec
0

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

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Recent notable storms (last 20 years)

Hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 200 miles in the last 20 years — these are the ones Pensacola residents likely remember:

Storm Year Peak Closest Date
Francine 2024 Cat 2 183 mi Sep 12, 2024
Nicole 2022 Cat 1 165 mi Nov 11, 2022
Ida 2021 Cat 4 195 mi Aug 29, 2021
Sally 2020 Cat 2 23 mi Sep 16, 2020
Marco 2020 Cat 1 145 mi Aug 24, 2020
Zeta 2020 Cat 3 160 mi Oct 29, 2020
Barry 2019 Cat 1 140 mi Jul 10, 2019
Michael 2018 Cat 5 107 mi Oct 10, 2018
Nate 2017 Cat 1 100 mi Oct 08, 2017
Irma 2017 Cat 5 196 mi Sep 12, 2017
Hermine 2016 Cat 1 176 mi Sep 02, 2016
Isaac 2012 Cat 1 158 mi Aug 28, 2012
Ida 2009 Cat 2 12 mi Nov 10, 2009
Paloma 2008 Cat 4 144 mi Nov 14, 2008

Preparedness

  1. Know your zone. Pensacola is in Escambia County — look up your evacuation zone here.
  2. 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.
  3. Have 3+ days of supplies. Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash.
  4. Have an evacuation plan. Know where you'll go, how you'll get there, what you'll bring.
  5. Follow official orders. If your zone is told to evacuate, leave. Don't wait.