Hurricane Charley (2004)
| Landfall | Aug. 13, 2004 |
|---|---|
| Where | Cayo Costa, Florida |
| Strength at landfall | Category 4, about 150 mph sustained winds |
Charley strengthened quickly and turned toward Punta Gorda sooner than expected.
What happened
- Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte were devastated by small but extreme winds.
- It crossed the state as a hurricane, damaging the Orlando area.
Lessons for the next storm
Storm surge and flooding rain, not just wind, cause most of the damage and deaths in storms like Charley. Know your evacuation zone before the season, and leave when officials tell you to. See our hurricane prep guide and what the categories really mean.
Live trackers for towns in its path
- Orlando, FL hurricane tracker
- Fort Myers, FL hurricane tracker
- Naples, FL hurricane tracker
- Sarasota, FL hurricane tracker
More hurricane history
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Local storm-prep businessesGeneral information, not an official forecast. Always follow the National Hurricane Center, the National Weather Service and your local emergency management.