Engineering Overview of Hurricane Andrew in South Florida

Abstract

On August 24, 1992 Hurricane Andrew became the first major hurricane to attack south Florida in 57 years. Although adequate warnings were given as the storm approached, after the hurricane had passed, it was found that no plan was in place to provide a quick response for the victims. Workers and equipment needed to be repositioned and brought in from long distances. Hurricane-resistive building codes were found to be inadequate. Essential electrical power networks were lost. Manufactured homes were devastated. Obviously, changes would be needed to plan for the next major hurricane to hit the area.