Hurricane Andrew 1992 – The Category 5 Storm That Changed Florida Forever

In late August 1992, South Florida faced one of the most powerful hurricanes in American history: Hurricane Andrew. Striking as a Category 5 storm, Andrew’s winds reached more than 165 mph, tearing across Miami-Dade County and leaving behind devastation unlike anything the region had ever seen. For many, it was the night that redefined what a hurricane could do.

Andrew made landfall near Homestead, Florida, on August 24, flattening entire neighborhoods within hours. Over 63,000 homes were destroyed, and more than 100,000 others were severely damaged. Families huddled in bathtubs, closets, and shelters as roofs flew off and walls collapsed. The storm also caused widespread power outages, leaving residents in darkness for weeks.

The economic impact of Andrew was staggering. Losses reached an estimated $27 billion, making it the costliest U.S. natural disaster at the time. Insurance companies faced record claims, and the disaster forced changes in how policies were written and enforced. But beyond dollars, the storm left deep emotional scars — thousands were displaced, schools were closed, and many families lost everything they owned.

One of Andrew’s most lasting legacies is its role in transforming Florida’s building codes. The destruction revealed flaws in construction practices, leading to the creation of some of the toughest building standards in the country. These stricter codes helped ensure that homes and high-rises built after Andrew could better withstand future storms.

Today, Hurricane Andrew is remembered not just for its ferocity, but for how it changed Miami and Florida forever. It taught hard lessons about preparedness, resilience, and the importance of strong infrastructure. For those who lived through it, Andrew was more than a hurricane — it was a defining moment in their lives and in Miami’s history.