JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Over the last several years it has felt like Déjà vu for the Big Bend area of Florida. Back-to-back storms have hit the region leaving a lasting mark.
If you travel down I-10 between Lake City and Tallahassee you can see the path of trees down from four storms over the past several years. Here’s a breakdown of the four hurricanes that made landfall in the region all within 50 miles of each other since 2021.
1. Hurricane Elsa (2021)
- Date of Landfall: July 7, 2021
- Location: Taylor County just west of Perry, Florida
Although Elsa occurred in 2021, it remains a recent reminder of the power of Atlantic hurricanes. The storm made landfall in Taylor County as a Category 1 hurricane, bringing gusty winds and heavy rains but causing less severe damage compared to stronger hurricanes.
2. Hurricane Idalia (2023)
- Date of Landfall: Aug. 30, 2023
- Location: Keaton Beach, Florida
Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend area, striking Keaton Beach as a Category 3 storm. Bringing damaging winds and heavy rainfall. The storm impacted Perry and then pushed inland over Live Oak Florida.
3. Hurricane Debby (2024)
- Date of Landfall: Aug. 4, 2024
- Location: Steinhatchee, Florida
Hurricane Debby struck Steinhatchee, located along Florida's Big Bend, as a Category 2 storm. Strong winds and storm surges caused flooding along the coast, while inland areas faced heavy rain and power outages.
4. Hurricane Helene (2024)
- Date of Landfall: Sept. 26, 2024
- Location: Near Perry, Florida
The final storm in this series, Hurricane Helene, made landfall near Perry, Florida, as a Category 4 hurricane. The storm blew well inland carrying winds up to 100mph up to 150 miles away from the coast.
