Trends in U.S. Tropical Cyclone Mortality During the Past Century

Abstract

Hazard mitigation specialists in the United States, and particularly in Florida, are deeply concerned with hurricanes. Storm surge, heavy rainfall, and high winds combine to make them perilous events. Despite technological advances in monitoring and prediction, hurricanes retain their potential to cause severe damage and numerous deaths. Hurricane Mitch, which devastated Honduras and Guatemala in ]998 is a reminder that hurricanes can quickly kill thousands of people. Population and demographic shifts toward the coasts will make the problem worse.