Hurricane Risk for Tallahassee, FL
No tropical storms currently threaten the Tallahassee area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.
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Since 1851, 186 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Tallahassee. Here's what you should know.
By the numbers
Most recent hurricane
Helene (2024)
Passed within 45 miles of Tallahassee on September 27, 2024. Peak intensity: Cat 4 (138 mph).
Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby
Unnamed (1935)
Reached Cat 5 (184 mph) at its peak. Passed within 63 miles of Tallahassee.
Closest approach ever
Unnamed (1871)
Passed just 5.5 miles from Tallahassee on August 26, 1871.
When hurricanes hit Tallahassee
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 Tallahassee residents likely remember:
| Storm | Year | Peak | Closest | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helene | 2024 | Cat 4 | 45 mi | Sep 27, 2024 |
| Debby | 2024 | Cat 1 | 63 mi | Aug 05, 2024 |
| Idalia | 2023 | Cat 4 | 54 mi | Aug 30, 2023 |
| Nicole | 2022 | Cat 1 | 28 mi | Nov 11, 2022 |
| Elsa | 2021 | Cat 1 | 52 mi | Jul 07, 2021 |
| Eta | 2020 | Cat 4 | 117 mi | Nov 12, 2020 |
| Sally | 2020 | Cat 2 | 159 mi | Sep 17, 2020 |
| Barry | 2019 | Cat 1 | 190 mi | Jul 10, 2019 |
| Michael | 2018 | Cat 5 | 70 mi | Oct 10, 2018 |
| Irma | 2017 | Cat 5 | 56 mi | Sep 11, 2017 |
| Hermine | 2016 | Cat 1 | 18 mi | Sep 02, 2016 |
| Ida | 2009 | Cat 2 | 78 mi | Nov 11, 2009 |
| Paloma | 2008 | Cat 4 | 133 mi | Nov 14, 2008 |
Preparedness
- Know your zone. Tallahassee is in Leon 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.