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Hurricane Risk for Havana, CU

No tropical storms currently threaten northwestern Cuba. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.

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On this page
  1. By the numbers
  2. Most recent hurricane
  3. Strongest ever
  4. Closest approach
  5. When hurricanes hit
  6. Recent notable storms
  7. Preparedness

Since 1851, 172 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Havana. Here's what you should know.

Local note: Havana sits on the Gulf Stream side of Cuba — storms crossing the island from the south or moving up the Yucatán Channel are the most common direct threats.

By the numbers

Total storms
172
since 1851
Major (Cat 3+)
61
at closest approach
Hurricanes (Cat 1+)
105
all categories
County
Cuba

Most recent hurricane

Debby (2024)

Passed within 15 miles of Havana on August 03, 2024. Peak intensity: Cat 1 (80 mph).

Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby

Wilma (2005)

Reached Cat 5 (184 mph) at its peak. Passed within 137 miles of Havana.

Closest approach ever

Unnamed (1851)

Passed just 10.4 miles from Havana on August 21, 1851.

When hurricanes hit Havana

Distribution across the calendar year, based on every storm in the 150-mile radius since 1851:

Jan
0
Feb
1
Mar
0
Apr
0
May
5
Jun
19
Jul
8
Aug
28
Sep
44
Oct
52
Nov
15
Dec
0

Peak months are August through October, when the Atlantic season is most active. June, July, and November are secondary risk months.

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Recent notable storms (last 20 years)

Hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 200 miles in the last 20 years — these are the ones Havana residents likely remember:

Storm Year Peak Closest Date
Debby 2024 Cat 1 15 mi Aug 03, 2024
Rafael 2024 Cat 3 36 mi Nov 06, 2024
Idalia 2023 Cat 4 161 mi Aug 29, 2023
Ian 2022 Cat 5 65 mi Sep 27, 2022
Elsa 2021 Cat 1 28 mi Jul 06, 2021
Ida 2021 Cat 4 72 mi Aug 27, 2021
Laura 2020 Cat 4 82 mi Aug 25, 2020
Eta 2020 Cat 4 128 mi Nov 09, 2020
Sally 2020 Cat 2 178 mi Sep 12, 2020
Michael 2018 Cat 5 183 mi Oct 09, 2018
Irma 2017 Cat 5 79 mi Sep 10, 2017
Hermine 2016 Cat 1 20 mi Aug 29, 2016
Isaac 2012 Cat 1 74 mi Aug 26, 2012
Rina 2011 Cat 3 162 mi Oct 29, 2011
Paula 2010 Cat 2 28 mi Oct 15, 2010
Ike 2008 Cat 4 49 mi Sep 09, 2008
Gustav 2008 Cat 4 68 mi Aug 30, 2008
Paloma 2008 Cat 4 75 mi Nov 13, 2008
Ernesto 2006 Cat 1 166 mi Aug 29, 2006

Preparedness

  1. Know your zone. Havana sits in northwestern Cuba — look up your evacuation zone here.
  2. Get alerts early. Sign up below — we'll notify you when storms first form in the basin, not just when they're at your doorstep.
  3. Have 3+ days of supplies. Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash.
  4. Have an evacuation plan. Know where you'll go, how you'll get there, what you'll bring.
  5. Follow official orders. If your zone is told to evacuate, leave. Don't wait.