More than 24,000 people inhabit the island of Key West, a popular vacation spot off the Florida Coast. But like much of Florida, Key West weather can take a vacation or living situation from incredible to devastating under certain conditions, like those created by Hurricane Eta. The residents of Key West, Florida are used to preparing for hurricanes as they have survived many powerful storms, including Irma in 2017.
Hurricane History Of The Florida Keys
If you’ve been to Key West you may know of some of its ornate history, from being a cultural hub for a blend of Cuban and Bahamian lifestyles and practices to being a home for writers like Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. One part of Key West’s history you may not have studied is its hurricane history. Unfortunately, the beautiful tourist destination of the Florida Keys is no stranger to hurricanes. Here are some notable hurricanes caused disturbances:
Hurricane Irma 2017
When Irma made its way into the keys it had been 12 years since the Keys experienced hurricane conditions, and when Wilma came through in 2005 it wasn’t nearly as strong as Irma. Irma was a Category 4 hurricane, with wind gusts reported at 160 miles per hour. Residents and vacationers were forced to evacuate lest they be present for the storm that ripped off roofs and damaged buildings while causing high floodwaters.
Hurricane Andrew 1992
While Irma was a powerful storm that posed many challenges for the Keys, it doesn’t hold the notoriety of 1992’s Hurricane Andrew. The Category 5 hurricane, called Andrew, was tricky because in its earliest days it wasn’t projected to get as large as it did, but the storm devastated with wind gusts that topped out at 177 mph, causing deadly disastrous conditions in the Keys.
What to Expect from Hurricane Eta Damage
The Florida Keys took a direct hit from Hurricane Eta in the early morning hours of Monday November 9. If you have property in Key West, or you’re staying in a vacation home or condo, here’s the kind of damage you can expect from the Category 4 hurricane:
- Windstorm damage: Windstorm damage occurs when the structure of a building is damaged due to the forcefulness of wind. This could occur when a construction brick from a nearby lot is lobbed through a nearby bathroom window or when the shingles being ripped off a roof by strong winds allows water to enter the home.
- Flood damage: Flood damage is water damage caused by flooding and storm surge. This damage has not to do with the velocity of the storm but by the sheer amount of water covering your local area.
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Hurricane Damage Covered By Florida Homeowners’ Insurance Policies
Florida homeowner’s insurance policies usually cover windstorm damage, but they may not cover flood damage unless you purchase separate flood insurance. So it’s important to reread your policy if you’ve sustained property damage from Hurricane Eta and then contact the attorneys at Florin|Roebig right away.
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Contact A Key West Hurricane Damage Lawyer Today
We have attorneys working around the clock to ensure you receive the most for your insurance claim, helping you to rebuild and move on. When you’re a homeowner who has experienced hurricane damage, you may feel overwhelmed, frustrated and like you don’t understand what to do next. Call Florin Roebig and speak to someone today.
