Florida Marks The 10th Anniversary Of Hurricane Ivan
TALLAHASSEE – Today, September 16th marks the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Ivan, which remains one of the costliest storms to ever make landfall in the U.S.
Ivan was the third of the 2004 North Atlantic hurricanes to make landfall in Florida, and left behind an estimated $14.2 billion in damages.
In recalling the devastating 2004 hurricane season, Florida's residents and visitors are reminded to have a family emergency plan and a disaster supply kit. It only takes one storm to significantly impact your family, business and community.
"Hurricane Ivan became a real test of our resiliency, because it followed so closely behind Hurricanes Charley and Frances," said FDEM Director Bryan W. Koon. "Ivan demonstrated the true values of preparedness and continued vigilance, and all Floridians should use this anniversary to ensure their current levels of readiness."
On September 16, 2004, Hurricane Ivan made landfall just west of Gulf Shores, Ala., as a Category 3 storm, with winds that reached 120 mph. The eye of the storm grew to nearly 50 nautical miles in diameter, which resulted in the strongest winds impacting a narrow area between the southern Alabama border and Florida's panhandle.
Ivan's landfall in Florida came just 11 days after Hurricane Frances, and just six weeks after Hurricane Charley became the first hurricane to hit the state. Ivan was followed by Hurricane Jeanne just nine days later.
Ivan also rolled through Grenada, damaging nearly all of the homes on the tiny Caribbean island.
Floridians are encouraged to review and update their family and business emergency plans.
It is also important to keep your disaster supply kit stocked with essentials, including canned food and water, to last you and your family for up to seven days after a storm hits.
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