How Hurricane Idalia Compares to Last 25 Most Destructive Named Storms to Hit Gulf Coast

Hurricane Nicole, a rare November storm, caused significant damage across eastern and central Florida just six weeks after the area was hit by Hurricane Ian. Many coastal homes and condominiums were washed into the ocean.

Hurricane Ian reached Category 5, wreaking havoc on Florida’s coastal towns and causing 152 deaths. Fort Myers and Cape Coral were some of the hardest hit areas, with significant property damage and infrastructure disruption. The storm resulted in an estimated $113 billion in damages, making it the third costliest hurricane in the U.S. ever.

Hurricane Ida, a Category 4 storm, was the deadliest and most destructive storm in 2021, causing significant damage and over 91 deaths across nine states. Hardest hit areas include the town of LaPlace in Louisiana, which experienced severe flooding, and Grand Isle, Louisiana, a barrier island that was decimated by the storm’s ferocity.

Tropical Storm Claudette caused significant damage in Alabama and Mississippi. The storm resulted in flash floods, tornadoes, and heavy rainfall, leading to property damage and loss of life, especially in the towns of Brewton and East Brewton, Alabama, where a tornado spawned by Claudette caused extensive destruction.

Hurricane Zeta, a Category 3 storm, caused an estimated $4.4 billion in damages in the United States. The hardest hit areas include New Orleans and Grand Isle, Louisiana, where Zeta caused widespread power outages and substantial property damage.