Hurricane Andrew#Florida 3

{{main|Meteorological history of Hurricane Andrew}}

{{Storm path|alt=The path of Hurricane Andrew, which starts in the open Atlantic Ocean and tracks northwestward. It curves westward while between Puerto Rico and Bermuda, eventually crossing the Bahamas and Florida. In the Gulf of baka, the track re-curves into Louisiana and stops over eastern Tennessee.|Andrew 1992 path.png|colors=new}}

Andrew's origins can be traced back to August 14, when a tropical wave moved off the west coast of Africa. A ridge of high pressure to its north caused the wave to move quickly westward. An area of convection developed along the wave axis to the south of the Cape Verde islands, and on August 15, meteorologists began classifying the system with the Dvorak technique. The thunderstorm activity became more concentrated, and narrow spiral rainbands began to develop around a center of circulation. It is estimated that Tropical Depression Three developed late on August 16, about {{convert|1630|mi|km|abbr=on}} east-southeast of Barbados.{{cite report|author=Edward Rappaport|date=December 10, 1993|title=Hurricane Andrew|type=Preliminary Report|work=National Hurricane Center|access-date=June 21, 2012|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1992andrew.html|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|location=Miami, Florida|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906055141/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1992andrew.html|archive-date=September 6, 2016|url-status=live}} Embedded within the deep easterlies, the depression tracked west-northwestward at {{convert|20|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{cite report|author=Max Mayfield|date=August 17, 1992|title=Tropical Depression Three discussion one|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|access-date=June 21, 2012|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/tropdisc/nal0492.001|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|work=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022112101/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/tropdisc/nal0492.001|archive-date=October 22, 2012|url-status=live}} Initially, moderate wind shear prevented strengthening, until a decrease in shear allowed the depression to intensify into Tropical Storm Andrew at 12:00 UTC on August 17.

By the morning hours of August 18, the storm had maintained convection near its center, with spiral bands to its west, as the winds increased to {{convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{cite report|author=Edward Rappaport|date=August 18, 1992|title=Tropical Storm Andrew discussion five|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|work=National Hurricane Center|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=June 21, 2012|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/tropdisc/nal0492.005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022112108/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/tropdisc/nal0492.005|archive-date=October 22, 2012|url-status=live}} Shortly thereafter, the storm began to lose velocity due to increased southwesterly wind shear from an upper-level low. On August 19, a Hurricane Hunters flight into the storm failed to locate a well-defined center{{cite report|author=Miles Lawrence|date=August 20, 1992|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|location=Miami, Florida|title=Tropical Storm Andrew discussion thirteen|work=National Hurricane Center|access-date=June 21, 2012|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/tropdisc/nal0492.013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410194625/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/tropdisc/nal0492.013|archive-date=April 10, 2012|url-status=live}} and on the following day, a flight found that the cyclone had degenerated to the extent that only a diffuse low-level circulation center remained; observations indicated the barometric pressure rose to an unusually high {{convert|1015|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4}}. The flight indicated that Andrew maintained a vigorous circulation aloft. After the upper-level low weakened and split into a trough, the wind shear decreased over the storm. A strong high pressure system then developed over the southeastern United States, which built eastward and caused Andrew to turn to the west. Convection became more organized as upper-level outflow became better established.{{cite report|author=Max Mayfield|date=August 21, 1992|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|location=Miami, Florida|title=Tropical Storm Andrew discussion twenty|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|work=National Hurricane Center|access-date=June 21, 2012|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/tropdisc/nal0492.020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022112125/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/tropdisc/nal0492.020|archive-date=October 22, 2012|url-status=live}} An eye formed, and Andrew attained hurricane status early on August 22, about {{convert|650|mi|km|abbr=on}} east-southeast of Nassau, Bahamas. In the forecast issued six hours after becoming a hurricane, the cyclone was predicted to make landfall near Jupiter, Florida, with winds of {{convert|105|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} on August 25.{{cite report|author=Max Mayfield|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|location=Miami, Florida|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|date=August 22, 1992|title=Hurricane Andrew discussion twenty-three|work=National Hurricane Center|access-date=June 21, 2012|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/tropdisc/nal0492.023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022112137/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/tropdisc/nal0492.023|archive-date=October 22, 2012|url-status=live}} This underestimated both the strength and the speed of the storm, which would eventually make landfall in South Florida.

File:Hurricane Andrew sequence.jpg

The hurricane accelerated westward into an area of highly favorable conditions, and began to rapidly intensify late on August 22; in a 24‑hour period the atmospheric pressure dropped by {{convert|47|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} to a minimum of {{convert|922|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4}}. On August 23, the storm attained Category 5 status on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale, reaching peak winds of {{convert|175|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} a short distance off Eleuthera island in The Bahamas at 18:00 UTC.{{#tag:ref|All wind speeds in the article are maximum sustained winds sustained for one minute, unless otherwise noted.|group="nb"}}{{cite journal|doi=10.1175/BAMS-85-11-1699|first1=Christopher|last1=Landsea|first2=James|last2=Franklin|first3=Colin|last3=McAdie|first4=John|last4=Beven II|first5=James|last5=Gross|first6=Brain|last6=Jarvinen|first7=Richard|last7=Pasch|first8=Edward|last8=Rappaport|first9=Jason|last9=Dunion|first10=Peter|last10=Dodge|author10-link=Peter Dodge|date=November 2004|title=A re-analysis of Hurricane Andrew's intensity|access-date=June 22, 2012|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Landsea/landseabams2004.pdf|pages=1707–1708|journal=Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society|volume=85|issue=11|bibcode=2004BAMS...85.1699L|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614043512/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Landsea/landseabams2004.pdf|archive-date=June 14, 2012|url-status=live}} Despite its intensity, Andrew was a small tropical cyclone, with winds of {{convert|35|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} extending out only about {{convert|90|mi|km|abbr=on}} from the center.{{cite report|author=Christopher Landsea|date=August 20, 2009|title=Aren't big tropical cyclones also intense tropical cyclones?|work=Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|access-date=June 21, 2012|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/C3.html|location=Miami, Florida|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731202157/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/C3.html|archive-date=July 31, 2012|url-status=live}} After reaching that intensity, the hurricane underwent an eyewall replacement cycle.{{cite report|author1=Edward Rappaport|author2=Harold Gerrish|author3=Richard Pasch|date=August 23, 1992|orig-year=11 p.m. EDT Sunday|title=Hurricane Andrew discussion thirty-one|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|location=Miami, Florida|work=National Hurricane Center|access-date=June 21, 2012|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/tropdisc/nal0492.031|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022112151/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/tropdisc/nal0492.031|archive-date=October 22, 2012|url-status=live}} At 21:00 UTC on August 23, Andrew made landfall on Eleuthera as a Category 5 hurricane, with winds of {{convert|160|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. The cyclone weakened further while crossing the Bahama Banks, and at 01:00 UTC on August 24, Andrew hit the southern Berry Islands of The Bahamas as a Category 4 hurricane, with winds of {{convert|150|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. As it crossed over the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, the hurricane rapidly re-intensified as the eye decreased in size and its eyewall convection deepened. At 08:40 UTC on August 24, Andrew struck Elliott Key as a Category 5 hurricane, with winds of {{convert|165|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and a pressure of {{convert|926|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4}}. About 25 minutes after its first Florida landfall, Andrew made another landfall just northeast of Homestead, with a slightly lower pressure of {{convert|922|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4}}. This barometric pressure made Andrew the most intense hurricane to strike the United States since Hurricane Camille in 1969 and the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall in Florida since the Labor Day hurricane of 1935. The United States would not experience another landfall from a hurricane at Category 5 intensity until Hurricane Michael in 2018.{{cite web|author1=John L. Beven II|author2=Robbie Berg|author3=Andrew Hagan|date=April 19, 2019|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Michael|access-date=April 19, 2019|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL142018_Michael}}|agency=NOAA|format=PDF|publisher=National Hurricane Center}}

{{Most intense US hurricanes|align=left}}

As the eye moved onshore in Florida, the convection in the eyewall strengthened due to increased convergence, and Hurricane Hunters reported a warmer eyewall temperature than two hours prior. However, Andrew weakened as it continued further inland, and after crossing southern Florida in four hours, the storm emerged into the Gulf of Mexico with winds of {{convert|130|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. In the Gulf of Mexico, the eye remained well-defined as the hurricane turned to the west-northwest, a change due to the weakening of the ridge to its north.{{cite report|author1=Lixion Avila|author2=Max Mayfield|date=August 24, 1992|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|location=Miami, Florida|title=Hurricane Andrew discussion thirty-five|work=National Hurricane Center|access-date=June 21, 2012|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/tropdisc/nal0492.035|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020151921/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/tropdisc/nal0492.035|archive-date=October 20, 2012|url-status=live}} Andrew steadily re-intensified over the Gulf of Mexico, reaching winds of {{convert|145|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} late on August 25. As the high pressure system to its north weakened, a strong mid-latitude trough approached the area from the northwest. This caused the hurricane to decelerate to the northwest, and winds decreased as Andrew approached the Gulf Coast of the United States.

At 08:30 UTC on August 26, the cyclone made landfall about {{convert|20|mi|km|abbr=on}} west-southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, with winds of {{convert|115|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Andrew weakened rapidly as it turned to the north and northeast, falling to tropical storm intensity within 10 hours. After entering Mississippi, the cyclone deteriorated to tropical depression status early on August 27. Accelerating northeastward, the depression began merging with the approaching frontal system, and by midday on August 28, Andrew had lost its tropical identity while located over the southern Appalachian Mountains. The storm's remnants continued moving towards the northeast, fully merging with the remnants of Hurricane Lester and the frontal zone over the Mid-Atlantic, in Pennsylvania, on August 29.{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima Rainfall Data|chapter-url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/andrew1992.html|chapter=Hurricane Andrew – August 23–28, 1992|date=May 2, 2007|author=David Roth|work=Weather Prediction Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|access-date=June 21, 2012|location=College Park, Maryland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060536/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/andrew1992.html|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|author=Michael Dickinson and L. F. Bosart and K. L. Corbosiero|year=2006|title=The extratropical transitions of eastern Pacific Hurricane Lester (1992) and Atlantic Hurricane Andrew (1992)|publisher=American Meteorological Society|access-date=January 26, 2007|url=http://ams.confex.com/ams/27Hurricanes/techprogram/paper_108829.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061004194551/http://ams.confex.com/ams/27Hurricanes/techprogram/paper_108829.htm|archive-date=October 4, 2006|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|author=Florida Historical Society|year=2003|title=Today in Florida's History|access-date=January 31, 2007|url=http://list.florida-historical-soc.org/pipermail/fhstoday/2003-August/001097.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928151047/http://list.florida-historical-soc.org/pipermail/fhstoday/2003-August/001097.html|archive-date=September 28, 2007}}

Post-analysis on Andrew revealed that the storm was often stronger than operationally reported between early on August 22 and early on August 26. In real time, the National Hurricane Center assessed its peak intensity as {{convert|150|mph|km/h|abbr=on}},{{cite report|author=Max Mayfield|date=August 23, 1992|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|location=Miami, Florida|title=Hurricane Andrew discussion thirty|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|access-date=June 21, 2012|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/tropdisc/nal0492.030|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022112143/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/tropdisc/nal0492.030|archive-date=October 22, 2012|url-status=live}} which was upgraded to {{convert|155|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in a post-storm analysis after the season ended. However, a 2004 paper by Christopher Landsea and others concluded that Andrew became a Category 5 hurricane near the Bahamas on August 23 and reached maximum sustained winds of {{convert|175|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. The paper also indicated that Andrew briefly re-intensified into a Category 5 hurricane around the time of landfall in South Florida early on August 24. The storm was found to have been slightly stronger than originally assessed while approaching Louisiana, but the landfall winds were decreased from {{convert|120|to|115|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.

File:Andrew-Floyd.jpg and Hurricane Andrew while at similar positions and nearly identical intensities]]

At 1500 UTC on August 22, about 30 hours prior to landfall, the government of the Bahamas issued a hurricane watch for the northwest Bahamas, including Andros and Eleuthera islands, northward through Grand Bahama and Great Abaco. Six hours later, the watch was upgraded to a hurricane warning, and about 15 hours before landfall a hurricane warning was issued for the central Bahamas, including Cat Island, Exuma, San Salvador Island, and Long Island.{{cite web|author=Ed Rappaport|year=1993|title=Hurricane Andrew Preliminary Report|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-08-31|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1992andrew.html}} All watches and warnings were discontinued on August 24. The advance warning was credited for the low death toll in the country.{{cite news|author=Jonathan Freedland|date=September 2, 1992|title=Storm ravaged island in Bahamas|agency=The Washington Post|newspaper=The Tech|location=Washington, D.C.|access-date=December 8, 2008|url=http://tech.mit.edu/V112/N36/bahamas.36w.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005042654/http://tech.mit.edu/V112/N36/bahamas.36w.html|archive-date=October 5, 2011|url-status=live}} A total of 58 shelters were opened at churches, government buildings, and schools.

Prime Minister of the Bahamas Hubert Ingraham, who took office while the storm was active, urged residents to "take this hurricane seriously".{{cite news|url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/08/23/Andrew-heads-through-Bahamas-toward-Miami/4403714542400/|title=Andrew heads through Bahamas toward Miami|author=Jane Sutton|date=August 23, 1992|work=United Press International|access-date=June 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808075254/http://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/08/23/Andrew-heads-through-Bahamas-toward-Miami/4403714542400/|archive-date=August 8, 2017|url-status=live}} Before the hurricane passed through the Bahamas, forecasters predicted a storm surge of up to {{convert|18|ft|m|abbr=on}}, as well as up to {{convert|8|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain.{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/public/pal0492.030|date=August 23, 1992|orig-year=5 p.m. EDT|title=Hurricane Andrew public advisory thirty|author=Max Mayfield|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|location=Miami, Florida|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|work=National Hurricane Center|access-date=May 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121085103/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/public/pal0492.030|archive-date=November 21, 2011|url-status=live}}

In a subsequent analysis by Arthur Rolle, the Bahamas Chief Meteorological Officer, national emergency agencies including the Red Cross and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force "responded exceptionally well to the hurricane alerts." The same report cited the public "[exhibiting] a degree of complacency, particularly in New Providence and The Current, Eleuthera." Ultimately, the advance warning of the hurricane contributed to the low death toll from the storm. The hurricane struck four days after Hubert Ingraham became Bahamian Prime Minister, the first new Prime Minister in 25 years. There was initially a concern over how Ingraham would handle the hurricane, due to many of the government officials remaining in power from the previous administration; however, government response to the hurricane was normal.

{{main|Effects of Hurricane Andrew in Florida}}

File:HurricaneAndrew.jpg

Initially, forecasters predicted tides up to {{convert|14|ft|m|abbr=on}} above normal along the east coast of Florida, near the potential location of landfall.{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/public/pal0492.027|title=Hurricane Andrew special advisory number twenty-seven|author=Harold Gerrish|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|date=August 23, 1992|access-date=May 8, 2012|location=Miami, Florida|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216163328/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/public/pal0492.027|archive-date=December 16, 2013|url-status=live}} Rainfall was projected to be between {{convert|5|and|8|in|mm|abbr=on}} along the path of the storm. In addition, the National Hurricane Center noted the likelihood of isolated tornadoes in Central and South Florida during the passage of Andrew on August 23 and 24.{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/public/pal0492.031|title=Hurricane Andrew advisory number thirty-one|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|work=National Hurricane Center|author1=Edward Rappaport|author2=Richard Pasch|author3=Harold Gerrish|date=August 24, 1992|access-date=May 8, 2012|location=Miami, Florida|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121075436/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/public/pal0492.031|archive-date=November 21, 2011|url-status=live}} Several tropical storm and hurricane warnings were issued for much of Central and South Florida, from Titusville on the east coast to Venice on the west coast. Included in the warnings were Lake Okeechobee and all of the Florida Keys. By 18:00 UTC on August 24, all watches and warnings issued were discontinued after Andrew progressed into the Gulf of Mexico.

Governor Lawton Chiles declared a state of emergency and activated about one-third of the Florida National Guard. Many residents evacuated, most voluntarily, from Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Lee, Martin, Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach, and Sarasota counties. A total of 142 shelters opened in these counties and collectively housed at least 84,340 people.{{cite report|url=http://www.csc.noaa.gov/hes/docs/postStorm/H_ANDREW_ASSESSMENT_REVIEW_HES_UTILIZATION_INFO_DISSEMINATION.pdf|title=Hurricane Andrew assessment – Florida|date=January 1993|author=((Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc.))|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|pages=31, 32, 43, and 44|access-date=May 31, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305094502/http://www.csc.noaa.gov/hes/docs/postStorm/H_ANDREW_ASSESSMENT_REVIEW_HES_UTILIZATION_INFO_DISSEMINATION.pdf|archive-date=March 5, 2012}} In Dade County alone, 515,670 people were ordered to evacuate.{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/pshmia03.gif|title=Post storm hurricane report updated|author=Paul J. Hebert|date=September 3, 1992|page=3|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|work=National Weather Service Miami, Florida|access-date=May 31, 2017|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810091910/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/pshmia03.gif|archive-date=August 10, 2017|url-status=live}} As Andrew was approaching, an estimated 20,000–30,000 tourists were in the Florida Keys (Monroe County).{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/psheyw.gif|title=Hurricane Andrew Post Storm Report|author=Dennis Henize|date=August 30, 1992|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|work=National Weather Service Key West, Florida|access-date=May 8, 2012|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|location=Key West, Florida|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230235858/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/psheyw.gif|archive-date=December 30, 2013|url-status=live}} Overall, almost 1.2 million people evacuated, which contributed to the low number of fatalities, despite the intensity of the storm. Many evacuees also checked into hotels, with rooms completely booked as far north as Ocala. Ultimately, the sheer number of evacuees led to likely the largest traffic jam in the history of Florida, mostly along Interstate 95. United States Coast Guard vessels on or near the Florida coastline were either secured onshore or sent to ride out the storm at sea.{{cite news|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/news/dn0826p2.gif|title=Storm: Andrew could be strongest|date=August 26, 1992|page=3A|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|access-date=May 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304034141/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/news/dn0826p2.gif|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}} Government offices and public and private schools were closed from Monroe County northward to St. Lucie County.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11450937/the_palm_beach_post|title=Winds rip Bahamas, head for U.S.|author=Gary Kane|date=August 24, 1992|newspaper=The Palm Beach Post|page=9A|access-date=June 3, 2017|via=Newspapers.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810091140/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11450937/the_palm_beach_post/|archive-date=August 10, 2017|url-status=live}} {{free access}} Many colleges and universities in southeast Florida also closed.{{cite news|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1992-08-24/news/9201170556_1_hurricane-forecasters-tropical-storm-national-hurricane-center|title='A Mike Tyson storm' unpredictable Hurricane Andrew caught South Florida off guard|author=Seth Borenstein|date=August 24, 1992|newspaper=Sun-Sentinel|access-date=June 3, 2017|location=Deerfield Beach, Florida|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810091035/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1992-08-24/news/9201170556_1_hurricane-forecasters-tropical-storm-national-hurricane-center|archive-date=August 10, 2017|url-status=dead}} Major airports such as the Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood, Key West, Miami, and Palm Beach international airports closed.

File:Andrew 1992-08-25 2000Z.png

Shortly after the storm emerged into the Gulf of Mexico from southern Florida, the National Hurricane Center issued hurricane watches and warnings for the Gulf Coast of the United States beginning at 13:00 UTC on August 24. After the initial hurricane watch from Mobile, Alabama, to Sabine Pass, Texas, the watches and warnings were expanded to eventually include areas from Mobile, Alabama, to Freeport, Texas. All watches and warnings on the Gulf Coast were discontinued late on August 26 after the hurricane moved inland over Louisiana.

Due to the hurricane's threat, workers fled oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, while the Coast Guard moved their boats inland.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-08-26-mn-5918-story.html|title=Hurricane rips into Louisiana|author=Douglas Frantz and Glenn Bunting|date=August 26, 1992|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|page=1|access-date=May 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502213458/http://articles.latimes.com/1992-08-26/news/mn-5918_1_morgan-city|archive-date=May 2, 2018|url-status=live}} Officials in Mississippi suggested that about 100,000 people evacuate the coastal counties.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-08-26-mn-5918-story.html|title=Hurricane rips into Louisiana|author=Douglas Frantz and Glenn Bunting|date=August 26, 1992|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|page=2|access-date=May 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502213313/http://articles.latimes.com/1992-08-26/news/mn-5918_1_morgan-city/2|archive-date=May 2, 2018|url-status=live}} Shelters were opened in Hancock and Harrison counties, though only 68 people went to a shelter in the former. Gambling ships were moved into harbors and inland canals. Two run-offs for special legislative elections scheduled for August 25 were postponed.

In Louisiana, Governor Edwin Edwards declared a state of emergency. About 1.25 million people evacuated from the central and southeast Louisiana, while approximately 60,000 others fled parishes in southwest Louisiana.{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/pshlch01.gif|title=Final Storm Report ... Hurricane Andrew ... correction for date|date=September 4, 1992|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|work=National Weather Service Lake Charles, Louisiana|access-date=May 31, 2017|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025120343/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/pshlch01.gif|archive-date=October 25, 2012|url-status=live}} A mandatory evacuation from Grand Isle was ordered by Mayor Andy Valence and the city council.{{cite news|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/news/mh0827p2.gif|title=Mayors of N.O., Grand Isle call for preparedness|date=August 27, 1992|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Miami Herald|page=1|access-date=May 30, 2017|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215123341/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/news/mh0827p2.gif|archive-date=December 15, 2018|url-status=live}} In New Orleans, Mayor Sidney Barthelemy ordered the evacuation of about 200,000 residents in the low-lying areas of the city.{{cite news|title=Gulf coast gets ready|author=Alan Sayre|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Standard-Speaker|page=2|date=August 25, 1992|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11373927/standardspeaker/|access-date=May 31, 2017|location=Hazleton, Pennsylvania|via=Newspapers.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120043231/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11373927/standardspeaker/|archive-date=January 20, 2019|url-status=live}} {{free access}} Nine shelters were opened in the city, which were occupied by thousands of people. In response to computer simulations showing that storm surge from a tropical cyclone like Hurricane Andrew could over-top the levees, workers closed 111 floodgates. The New Orleans International Airport closed, with jumbo jets being flown to other airports. A total of 250 members of the Louisiana National Guard patrolled the streets during the storm. The Red Cross assisted with opening a shelter at the University of Southwest Louisiana's Cajundome in Lafayette, equipped to handle about 2,000 people.

In Texas, about 250,000 people evacuated Orange and Jefferson counties. Galveston City Manager Doug Matthews advised residents to develop an evacuation plan in case the city chose to call for evacuations. The city later decided against ordering an evacuation.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11373607/the_galveston_daily_news/|title=Islanders advised to remain|author=Lora Bernard|date=August 26, 1992|newspaper=The Daily News|page=1|access-date=May 31, 2017|location=Galveston, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810092140/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11373607/the_galveston_daily_news/|archive-date=August 10, 2017|url-status=live}} {{free access}} School was canceled on August 25 for Beaumont, Port Arthur, and other areas of central Jefferson County, while schools were closed in Dickinson, High Island, Hitchcock, La Marque, Santa Fe, and Texas City on August 26. College of the Mainland, Galveston College, and Texas A&M University at Galveston were also closed.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11373858/the_galveston_daily_news/|title=At a glance|date=August 26, 1992|newspaper=The Daily News|page=10|access-date=May 31, 2017|location=Galveston, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810092124/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11373858/the_galveston_daily_news/|archive-date=August 10, 2017|url-status=live}} {{free access}} Emergency management crews in Corpus Christi began testing emergency generators and severe weather gear.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11371602/new_braunfels_heraldzeitung/|title=Hurricane Andrew threatens Texas coast|date=August 25, 1992|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung|page=2|access-date=May 31, 2017|via=Newspapers.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810092132/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11371602/new_braunfels_heraldzeitung/|archive-date=August 10, 2017|url-status=live}} {{free access}} The Comal County chapter of the Red Cross placed their disaster alert teams on standby and ready to respond if the hurricane threatened the Corpus Christi area.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11371677/new_braunfels_heraldzeitung/|title=Local agency preparing for evacuations|author=Stephanie Ferguson|date=August 25, 1992|newspaper=New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung|page=1|access-date=May 31, 2017|via=Newspapers.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810091642/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11371677/new_braunfels_heraldzeitung/|archive-date=August 10, 2017|url-status=live}} {{free access}}

{{Costliest U.S. Atlantic hurricanes by wealth normalization|align=right}}

Even though Andrew was a small tropical cyclone for most of its lifespan, it caused extreme damage, especially in the Bahamas, Florida, and Louisiana. The vast majority of the damage was as a result of extremely high winds, although a few tornadoes spawned by Andrew caused considerable damage in Louisiana. Throughout the areas affected, almost 177,000 people were left homeless. Outside of The Bahamas, Florida, and Louisiana, effects were widespread, although damage was minimal. Overall, $27.3 billion in losses{{cite report|archivedate=January 26, 2018|url-status=live|date=January 12, 2018|title=Costliest U.S. tropical cyclones tables update|accessdate=January 12, 2018|publisher=United States National Hurricane Center|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/news/UpdatedCostliest.pdf|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6wlV5fBNV?url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/news/UpdatedCostliest.pdf}} and 65 fatalities were attributed to Andrew, although many other estimates range as high as $36 billion.{{cite book|title=Comet/Asteroid Impacts and Human Society: An Interdisciplinary Approach|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|date=June 10, 2017|chapter=Chapter 29. The Economic Consequences of Disasters due to Asteroid and Comet Impacts|author=Peter T. Bobrowsky|isbn=978-3540327110|author2=Hans Rickman|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Gpwgm022ltMC&pg=PA483|access-date=April 3, 2020|location=New York City}} Andrew was the costliest hurricane in U.S. history at the time, but is now ninth following hurricanes Katrina (2005), Ike (2008), Sandy (2012), Harvey (2017), Irma (2017), Maria (2017), Ida (2021), and Ian (2022).{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/nws-nhc-6.pdf|title=The deadliest, costliest and most intense United States tropical cyclones from 1851 to 2010 (and other frequently requested hurricane facts)|author1=Eric Blake|author2=Christopher Landsea|author3=Ethan Gibney|page=47|access-date=August 10, 2011|date=August 10, 2011|type=NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS NHC-6|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|location=Miami, Florida|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221124852/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/nws-nhc-6.pdf|archive-date=December 21, 2012|url-status=live}}

Hurricane Andrew brought maximum sustained winds of over {{convert|119|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} to five districts – North Eleuthera, New Providence, North Andros, Bimini, Berry Islands – as well as three cays.{{cite report|author=Arthur Rolle|location=Nassau, Bahamas|date=October 30, 1992|title=Hurricane Andrew in the Bahamas|page=2|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|work=Bahamas Meteorological Service|access-date=October 11, 2008|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/bahamas2.gif|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303223901/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/bahamas2.gif|archive-date=March 3, 2016|url-status=live}} The storm first struck North Eleuthera,{{cite report|author=Edward Rappaport|date=February 7, 2005|title=Hurricane Andrew Report Addendum|location=Miami, Florida|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|access-date=May 8, 2012|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1992andrew_add.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219040743/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1992andrew_add.html|archive-date=December 19, 2014|url-status=live}} The hurricane also produced tropical storm force winds in seven districts, including Cat Island, South Abaco, Central Andros, the northern island chain in Exuma, and the three districts on Grand Bahama.{{cite web|author=Arthur Rolle|year=1992|title=Hurricane Andrew in the Bahamas (2)|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2008-10-11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/bahamas2.gif}} At the capital city of Nassau, sustained winds reached {{convert|92|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, while gusts up to {{convert|115|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} were reported. Harbour Island, near Eleuthera, reported wind gusts of {{convert|138|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} – the strongest gust speed observed in the Bahamas during Andrew's passage. Much of the northwestern Bahamas received damage, with monetary damage throughout the country totaling about $250 million (1992 USD, $384 million 2008 USD). The severe damage primarily occurred on sparsely populated islands, and in contrast the more populated areas largely received rainfall and gusty winds. The hurricane affected about 2% of the places available for rent in the country, resulting in a drop in tourism.{{cite web|author=Edwin McDowell|date=1992-09-27|title=After the storms: Three reports; Bahamas|work=New York Times|access-date=2008-12-18|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE7D91E3CF934A1575AC0A964958260&sec=travel&spon=&pagewanted=print}} A total of 800 houses were destroyed, leaving 1,700 people homeless. Additionally, five schools were destroyed, and overall the storm left severe damage to the sectors of transport, communications, water, sanitation, agriculture, and fishing. The hurricane caused four deaths in the country, of which three directly; the indirect fatality was due to a heart failure during the passage of the storm.

Hurricane Andrew first made landfall on August 23 as a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with winds of {{convert|260|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. The hurricane struck the island of Eleuthera, which has a population of around 8,000,{{cite web|author=Commonwealth of the Bahamas|year=2005|title=Eleuthera Island Information|access-date=2008-10-11|url=http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/bahamasweb2/home.nsf/vContentW/0D7EF8CD432BE65106256ECF00810A38!OpenDocument}} and is generally about {{convert|1.6|km|mi|abbr=on}} in width.{{cite web|author=Embassy of the United States - Bahamas|title=Bahamas Information|access-date=2008-10-11|url=http://nassau.usembassy.gov/resources.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006104413/http://nassau.usembassy.gov/resources.html|archive-date=2008-10-06}} Prior to its arrival, the hurricane caused the coastline to recede about {{convert|3|mi|km|abbr=on}}, which was followed by what was described as a "mighty wall of water", or a storm surge.{{cite news|author=Jonathan Freedland|date=1992-09-02|title=Storm Ravaged Island in Bahamas|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=2008-12-08|url=http://tech.mit.edu/V112/N36/bahamas.36w.html|archive-date=2011-10-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005042654/http://tech.mit.edu/V112/N36/bahamas.36w.html|url-status=dead}} The Current, a small village in the northwestern portion of the island, recorded a surge of {{convert|7.2|m|ft|abbr=on}}. There, more than half of the houses in the village were destroyed, and the rest of the buildings sustained minor to major damage. On nearby Current Island, the hurricane destroyed 24 of the 30 houses in the village. The island's only road was heavily damaged, with parts still flooded more than a week after the storm.

The hurricane was estimated to have spawned several tornadoes in Eleuthera district, based on a subsequent analysis of damage to buildings and shrubbery; tornadoes were also reported in the nearby districts of Harbour Island and Spanish Wells.{{cite web|author=Arthur Rolle|year=1992|title=Hurricane Andrew in the Bahamas (3)|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2008-10-11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/bahamas3.gif}} Towns south of where Andrew moved ashore received fairly minor damage, although the control tower at Governor's Harbour Airport was destroyed. High surf caused damage to roads and docks along the coast. In Spanish Wells, located near the north coast of Eleuthera, three buildings were destroyed, and a bridge connecting to a neighboring island was wrecked. All of Harbour Island, located northeast of Eleuthera, sustained damage, with several small houses destroyed. Overall, news reports indicated severe damage to 36 houses on the island. One person drowned from the storm surge in Eleuthera, and two others died in nearby The Bluff.{{cite web|author=Arthur Rolle|year=1992|title=Hurricane Andrew in the Bahamas (4)|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2008-10-12|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/bahamas4.gif}}

On New Providence, the hurricane destroyed one house, but caused no major damage in the capital city of Nassau.{{cite web|author=United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs|year=1992|title=Bahamas and U.S.A. - Hurricane Andrew Aug 1992 UN DHA Information Reports 1-3|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=2008-12-06|url=http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/ACOS-64D966?OpenDocument}} The Lynden Pindling International Airport near Nassau recorded {{convert|61|mm|in|abbr=on}} of precipitation during the passage of Andrew. Further west, damage on Andros Island was fairly minor and limited to the northernmost portion of the island. One dock was destroyed, and two parks were severely damaged. On South Bimini, the storm caused light damage, including to two hotels on the island.{{cite web|author=Carl Sommers|date=1993-01-10|title=Q & A|work=New York Times|access-date=2008-12-07|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=travel&res=9F0CE2D7123BF933A25752C0A965958260}} The private island of Cat Cay in the Bimini Islands was severely impacted by the hurricane, with damage estimated at $100 million (1992 USD). Many wealthy homes and the island's marina received heavy damage, with hundreds of trees downed by the strong winds. Later, Hurricane Andrew made its second landfall in the Berry Islands early on August 24 as a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Damage was heavy and estimated "in the millions of dollars".

{{Main|Effects of Hurricane Andrew in Florida}}

File:Hurricane andrew fema 2563.jpg

{{Strongest U.S. landfalling hurricanes}}

Overall, Andrew caused about $25.3 billion in damage in Florida, making it the costliest hurricane to hit the state at the time.{{cite news|url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100202/COLUMNISTS0207/2020311/Changes-wind-hurricane-insurance-discounts-calculators|title=Changes in wind for hurricane insurance discounts calculators|date=February 10, 2010|newspaper=Florida Today|author=Matt Reed|type=Column|access-date=September 30, 2015|location=Melbourne, Florida|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001014604/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100202/COLUMNISTS0207/2020311/Changes-wind-hurricane-insurance-discounts-calculators|archive-date=October 1, 2015|url-status=dead}} Some estimates in Florida put the damage as high as $34 billion (1992 USD, ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|34000000000|1992}}}} {{#time:Y}} USD).{{Cite book|title=The Focus on Terrorism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r9Zesh7cd0gC&q=hurricane+andrew+%22%2434+billion%22&pg=PA50|access-date=September 16, 2018|isbn=9781590332849|author=Edward V. Linden|publisher=Nova Science Publishers|page=50|year=2002|location=New York City}} Almost all of the damage in Florida was caused by strong winds, rather than storm surge or flooding that is usually associated with a major hurricane.{{cite news|title=Hurricane Idalia Strengthens, Other Florida Hurricanes|publisher=The Yahoo News|url=https://news.yahoo.com/tropical-storm-idalia-forecasted-hit-053514878.html|access-date=January 24, 2024}}{{cite journal|author=Ann Bostrom|author2=Rebecca E. Morss|author3=Jeffrey K. Lazo|author4=Julie L. Demuth|author5=Heather Lazrus|author6=Rebecca Hudson|date=April 2016|page=124|title=A Mental Models Studies of Hurricane Forecast and Warning Production|journal=Weather, Climate, and Society|issn=1948-8335|volume=8|issue=2|doi=10.1175/WCAS-D-15-0033.1|s2cid=55438976|doi-access=free}} Of the 44 deaths attributed to the storm, 15 were direct fatalities, while 29 were indirectly caused by the storm. It was later noted that if Andrew had been slightly larger or made landfall a few miles further north, it would have significantly affected Miami and Fort Lauderdale, which would have resulted in an even higher damage and death toll. An analysis by the American Meteorological Society indicated that unlike most hurricanes, wind damage from Andrew was mostly north of the geometric center and occurred primarily on the eastern edge of the storm.{{cite journal|author1=Roger Wakimoto|author2=Peter Black|date=February 1994|title=Damage survey of Hurricane Andrew and its relationship to the eyewall|volume=75|issue=2|pages=189 and 193|issn=1520-0477|doi=10.1175/1520-0477(1994)075<0189:DSOHAA>2.0.CO;2|journal=Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society|bibcode=1994BAMS...75..189W|doi-access=free}} Some officials in Florida considered Andrew the worst storm in the state since the Labor Day hurricane in 1935.{{cite news|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/news/mt0825p2.gif|title=Andrew aims for Gulf Coast|page=A4|date=August 25, 1992|newspaper=Mesa Tribune|access-date=May 9, 2012|format=GIF|location=Tempe, Arizona|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231000200/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/news/mt0825p2.gif|archive-date=December 31, 2013|url-status=live}} But most others (particularly the media, former National Hurricane Center director Max Mayfield) in retrospect stated that Andrew was hardly "The Big One",{{cite news|title=Hurricane Andrew – The Legacy|author=Greg Allen|date=August 23, 2012|newspaper=National Public Radio|url=https://www.npr.org/2012/08/23/159613339/hurricane-andrews-legacy-like-a-bomb-in-florida|access-date=October 10, 2021}}{{cite news|title=Andrew is Hardly the Big One|date=August 19, 2012|author=Sheila Stieglitz|newspaper=The Miami Community News|url=https://communitynewspapers.com/pinecrest-tribune/hurricane-andrew-was-not-the-big-one-max-mayfield|access-date=October 10, 2021}} but still very devastating.{{cite news|title=Miami-Dade map changes affect Keys|page=2A|author=Kevin Wadlow|newspaper=Florida Keys Keynoter|date=May 25, 2013|url=http://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/UF/00/09/05/13/00660/05-25-2013.pdf|access-date=October 10, 2021|location=Marathon, Florida}}{{cite news|date=August 24, 2017|title=Hurricane Andrew – Monster Storm Who Devastated South Florida|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/hurricane-andrew-25-years-monster-storm-devastated-south/story?id=49389188|newspaper=ABC News|author=Julio Jacobo|access-date=October 10, 2021}}

The storm surge from Andrew was very limited in its overall coverage due the compactness of the hurricane,{{cite news|title=Max Mayfield: Reflections on Hurricane Andrew 25 years later|date=August 24, 2017|newspaper=WPLG|url=https://www.local10.com/weather/2017/08/24/max-mayfield-reflections-on-hurricane-andrew-25-years-later|access-date=October 10, 2021}} although it caused between $96 million and more than $500 million in losses to boats and buildings, based on various sources.{{cite report|title=Hurricane Damage to Residential Structures: Risk and Mitigation (Natural Hazards Research Working Paper #94)|date=November 1996|author=John K. Ayscue|work=The Natural Hazards Center|url=https://hazards.colorado.edu/research/working-papers/94|publisher=Johns Hopkins University|access-date=October 10, 2021}}{{cite news|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/news/fw0824p2.gif|title=Andrew hits with horrific vengeance|page=2|agency=Associated Press|date=August 24, 1992|newspaper=The News-Sentinel|location=Fort Wayne, Indiana|access-date=June 22, 2012|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117231337/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/news/fw0824p2.gif|archive-date=November 17, 2015|url-status=live}} At the height of the storm, more than 1.4 million people lost electricity and another 150,000 were without telephone service.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mCAfAAAAIBAJ&pg=3668,3958333&dq|page=47|title=Hurricane facts|date=September 24, 1994|newspaper=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|access-date=May 9, 2012|via=Google News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119110439/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mCAfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=P30EAAAAIBAJ&pg=3668,3958333&dq|archive-date=November 19, 2015|url-status=live}} It is estimated that throughout Florida, the storm damaged 101,241 homes and destroyed approximately 63,000 others – the vast majority in Dade County – with about 175,000 people rendered homeless.{{cite news|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/news/mh0828p1.gif|title=The hurricane that changed everything|author=John Dorschner|page=1|date=August 30, 1992|newspaper=The Miami Herald|access-date=May 9, 2012|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230233803/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/news/mh0828p1.gif|archive-date=December 30, 2013|url-status=live}} Smaller tropical cyclones like Andrew or Charley tend to produce less overall coverages and damage from the storm surge, in contrast to hurricanes such as Hugo, Ike, Ivan, and Katrina.{{cite report|title=Hurricane Ike Storm Surge|url=http://doctorflood.rice.edu/sspeed/downloads/December%2011/Presentation5_Hafele%20-%20HURRICANE%20IKE%20SSPEED.pdf?m_b_c=hurricane|date=June 9, 2009|publisher=Rice University|page=12|access-date=October 10, 2021}} In addition to homes, the storm damaged or destroyed 82,000 businesses, {{convert|32900|acres|abbr=on}} of farmland, 31 public schools, 59 health facilities/hospitals, 9,500 traffic signals, {{convert|3300|mi|km|abbr=on}} of power lines, and 3,000 watermains. Approximately 20 million cubic yards (15 million m³) of debris left by the storm were disposed of.{{cite book|author1=David Godschalk|author2=Timothy Beatley|author3=Philip Berke|author4=David Brower|author5=Edward Kaiser|title=Natural hazard mitigation: recasting disaster policy and planning|publisher=Island Press|year=1999|isbn=978-1-55963-602-5|page=114|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WN_RgufVR6YC&q=Hurricane+Andrew&pg=PA103|location=Washington, DC|access-date=June 1, 2012}}

Tides were generally between {{convert|4|and|6|ft|m|abbr=on}} above normal in the Biscayne Bay area, though near the Burger King International Headquarters, tides reached as high as {{convert|16.9|ft|m|abbr=on}} above normal. Storm surge on the west coast was widespread but generally light, with a peak height of {{convert|6|ft|m|abbr=on}} in Everglades City and Goodland. Strong winds from the storm were confined to a relatively small area, stretching from Key Largo to the Miami Beach area. A house near Perrine initially reported a wind gust of {{convert|212|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} before the structure and instrument were destroyed; this measurement was reduced to {{convert|177|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, after wind-tunnel testing at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University of the same type of anemometer revealed a 16.5% error. Several other anemometers measuring the highest wind speeds on land were destroyed or failed. At the National Hurricane Center building in Coral Gables, sustained winds of {{convert|115|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and gusts to {{convert|164|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} were measured before the anemometer failed. The highest sustained wind speed for the storm was {{convert|146|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, recorded at the Turkey Point Nuclear Generating Station, before instruments also failed there. In Key Largo, a 13-minute wind speed of {{convert|114|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} was reported. Tropical storm force winds reached as far north as West Palm Beach. On the west coast of Florida, sustained winds remained just below tropical storm force on Marco Island, though a wind gust of {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} was reported in Collier County. Rainfall was generally light, possibly as a result of the storm's relatively fast movement. Overall, precipitation from Andrew peaked at nearly {{convert|14|in|mm|abbr=on}} in western Dade County. Heavy rainfall in other areas was sporadic, with precipitation reported as far north as Central Florida.

File:Destruction following hurricane andrew.jpg]]

Although effects from Andrew were catastrophic, the extent of damage was limited mainly from Kendall to Key Largo due to the small wind field of the storm. The hurricane destroyed 90% of mobile homes in the county, including 99% of mobile homes in Homestead. At the Homestead Air Force Base, most of the 2,000 buildings on the base were severely damaged or rendered unusable.{{cite news|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/news/wp0825p1.gif|title=At least 10 killed; City under curfew|page=1|author1=William Booth|author2=Mary Jordan|date=August 25, 1992|location=Washington, D.C.|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=May 9, 2012|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714142252/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/news/wp0825p1.gif|archive-date=July 14, 2014|url-status=live}} Damage to the base was extensive enough that it was recommended for closure.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11418121/the_palm_beach_post/|title=Homestead high on list for closing|date=March 7, 1993|agency=The New York Times|newspaper=The Palm Beach Post|page=1|access-date=June 2, 2017|via=Newspapers.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810210540/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11418121/the_palm_beach_post/|archive-date=August 10, 2017|url-status=live}} {{free access}} Nearby, in the small town of Florida City, over 120 homes were demolished and 700 others were damaged, while a number of other buildings were damaged beyond repair, including City Hall.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tiNUAAAAIBAJ&pg=3553%2C4438149|title=A city reborn|date=May 29, 2001|newspaper=Boca Raton News|agency=Associated Press|access-date=May 24, 2017|via=Google News}} Further north, damage to poorly constructed homes in communities such as Country Walk and Saga Bay resembled that of an F3 tornado. Winds in the area were estimated to have ranged from {{convert|130|to|150|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, slightly below the threshold for an F3 tornado.{{cite report|author=Michael Koziara|date=September 10, 1992|title=Hurricane Andrew Damage Assessment|page=3|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|work=National Weather Service New Orleans, Louisiana|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|access-date=June 8, 2017|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/newdam03.gif|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042416/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/newdam03.gif|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}} Four of the five condominiums at Naranja Lakes were destroyed. The Cutler Ridge Mall suffered severe wind and water damage; after the storm, significant looting was reported at that location.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IolKAAAAIBAJ&pg=1553,8853585&dq=cutler+ridge+mall+hurricane+andrew&hl=en|location=Youngstown, Ohio|title=Debartolo rebuilding damaged Fla. mall|date=August 31, 1992|newspaper=The Vindicator|access-date=May 9, 2012|via=Google News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119060522/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IolKAAAAIBAJ&sjid=nYYMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1553,8853585&dq=cutler+ridge+mall+hurricane+andrew&hl=en|archive-date=November 19, 2015|url-status=live}} More than 50 streets were blocked by fallen trees and power lines.{{cite news|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/news/we0825p2.gif|title=Floridians mop up; Gulf Coast is next|page=4A|author1=Mark Silva|author2=Charles Strouse|author3=John Donnelly|date=August 25, 1992|agency=Knight Ridder|access-date=June 1, 2012|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527215903/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/news/we0825p2.gif|archive-date=May 27, 2014|url-status=live}} Agriculture suffered extensively as well, with an 85% loss to fruit crops such as avocados, limes, and mangoes. Crop damage in Dade County totaled about $509 million.{{cite news|url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/09/08/Dade-agriculture-hit-hard-by-hurricane/4418715924800/|title=Dade agriculture hit hard by hurricane|date=September 8, 1992|work=United Press International|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804052845/http://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/09/08/Dade-agriculture-hit-hard-by-hurricane/4418715924800/|archive-date=August 4, 2017|url-status=live}} The county suffered the vast majority of the damage from the hurricane, totaling approximately $25 billion. Andrew left at least 40 deaths in the county, 15 direct and 25 indirect.

File:Dadeland Mobile Home Park after Andrew - Flickr - NOAA Photo Library.jpg

Elsewhere, effects were relatively minimal, except in Broward, Monroe, and Collier counties. In Broward County, on the north side of the storm's path, damage in several municipalities was primarily limited to downed trees, several of which fell onto roads and power lines. In Pembroke Park, one of the worst affected cities in the county, approximately 260 mobile homes were damaged. Storm surge left coastal flooding in some areas, especially along state roads A1A and 858.{{cite news|title=City by city, Broward takes inventory, gets to work|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77475244/the-miami-herald/|date=August 26, 1992|newspaper=Miami Herald|page=2BR|access-date=May 10, 2021|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} Property damage reached about $100 million and three fatalities were reported in Broward County. In Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park, more than 25% of trees were damaged or destroyed, including one-fourth of the royal palms and one-third of the pine trees in the former.{{cite report|url=http://water.usgs.gov/nwsum/WSP2425/andrew.html|location=Reston, Virginia|title=Effects of Hurricane Andrew (1992) on wetlands in Southern Florida and Louisiana|author1=John Lovelace|author2=Benjamin McPherson|date=June 24, 1998|publisher=United States Geological Survey|access-date=May 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043945/https://water.usgs.gov/nwsum/WSP2425/andrew.html|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}} In addition to the damage at Everglades National Park, effects in Monroe County were significant, especially in the Upper Florida Keys. Strong winds damaged billboards, awnings, commercial signs, several boats, planes, trees,{{cite news|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/news/mh0827p1.gif|title=Keys are islands in every sense after Andrew|author1=Dan Keating|author2=Nancy Klingener|page=1|date=August 27, 1992|newspaper=The Miami Herald|access-date=December 6, 2011|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527214456/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/news/mh0827p1.gif|archive-date=May 27, 2014|url-status=live}} and 1,500 homes, with 300 of those becoming uninhabitable. Damage in that county was about $131 million. In Collier County, to the north of the storm's path, sustained winds up to {{convert|98|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} were observed in Chokoloskee.{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/collier2.gif|title=Hurricane Andrew fact sheet|date=1992|page=2|access-date=May 31, 2017|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|location=Collier County, Florida|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811005912/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/collier2.gif|archive-date=August 11, 2017|url-status=live}} Storm surge flooded low-lying areas, particularly in Goodland, Everglades City, and Marco Island. Many boats were damaged or destroyed by the rough seas and strong winds.{{cite news|url=http://www.coastalbreezenews.com/2010/07/30/hurricane-andrew-1992/|title=Hurricane Andrew 1992: The "Greatest Storms on Earth" – Part VI|date=July 30, 2010|newspaper=Coastal Breeze News|location=Marco Island, Florida|access-date=May 31, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001080042/http://coastalbreezenews.com/2010/07/30/hurricane-andrew-1992/|archive-date=October 1, 2010}} The storm destroyed 80 mobile homes and severely damaged 400 others.{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/collier2.gif|title=Hurricane Andrew fact sheet|date=1992|page=1|access-date=May 31, 2017|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|location=Collier County, Florida|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811005912/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/collier2.gif|archive-date=August 11, 2017|url-status=live}} Property damage in the county reached about $30 million.

File:Andrewlaplacetornado.png

After hitting Florida, Andrew moved across the Gulf of Mexico and made landfall about {{convert|23|mi|km|abbr=on}} west-southwest of Morgan City in south-central Louisiana; at landfall, the maximum sustained winds were {{convert|115|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. The highest sustained wind speed observed was {{convert|96|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, while a wind gust as strong as {{convert|120|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} was recorded; both measurements were taken at the fire station in Berwick. As it moved ashore, the hurricane produced storm tides of at least {{convert|8|ft|m|abbr=on}} above normal, causing flooding along the coast from Vermilion Bay to Lake Borgne. Offshore, a group of six fishermen from Alabama drowned. Heavy rains accompanied the storm's passage through the state, peaking at {{convert|11.02|in|mm|abbr=on}} in Robert. River flooding was also reported, with the Tangipahoa River in Robert cresting at {{convert|3.8|ft|m|abbr=on}} above flood stage. Before making landfall, Andrew spawned an F3 tornado in LaPlace, which killed two people and injured 32. The tornado was on the ground for about 10 minutes, during which it damaged or destroyed 163 structures, leaving 60 families homeless.{{cite report|date=September 15, 1992|title=Final Storm Report ... Hurricane Andrew ... corrected|page=2|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|work=National Weather Service New Orleans, Louisiana|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|access-date=May 10, 2011|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/new02.gif|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004233558/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/new02.gif|archive-date=October 4, 2013|url-status=live}} Collectively, 14 tornadoes were reported in the parishes of Ascension, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, and Avoyelles, as well as in Baton Rouge.

Along the Louisiana coastline, damage largely resembled that of a Category 2 hurricane. Damage was heaviest in St. Mary Parish, about {{convert|32|mi|km|abbr=on}} east of where Andrew made landfall. Twenty-six schools were affected, with damage totaling $2.6 million. Berwick High School, sheltering about 2,000 people, was deroofed during the storm. Generally, single-family homes fared well, with most losing only roofing shingles, though others suffered severe damage after large trees fell on them. In Cypremort Point State Park, several mobile homes were destroyed.{{cite report|author=Michael Koziara|date=September 10, 1992|title=Hurricane Andrew Damage Assessment|page=1|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|work=National Weather Service New Orleans, Louisiana|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|access-date=November 18, 2011|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/newdam01.gif|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304220918/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/newdam01.gif|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}} Houses in Berwick, Morgan City, and Patterson suffered major damage. Throughout the parish, 1,367 dwellings were destroyed, 2,028 were severely damaged, and 4,770 others were impacted to a minor degree. Property damage alone in St. Mary Parish reached approximately $150 million. Iberia Parish was also among the most severely impacted parishes. Two schools collectively sheltering about 3,600 people in Jeanerette and New Iberia lost their roofs. One death occurred in the parish due to electrocution. A total of 407 residences were demolished, 2,528 others were extensively damaged, and 3,526 others were inflicted with minor damage. Overall, the parish suffered $125 million in property damage, while an additional $200 million in damage was inflicted on sugar crops.

Across the state, the hurricane damaged 23,000 homes and destroyed 985 homes and 1,951 mobile homes; private property damage was estimated at $1 billion. The high winds destroyed large areas of sugar and soybean crops, estimated at $289 million in damage. Strong winds also left at least 230,000 people without electricity. During the storm's passage, upwelling occurred in the Atchafalaya Basin and Bayou Lafourche, killing 187 million freshwater fish. Damage to the fishing industry was estimated at $266 million. Overall, losses in the state of Louisiana reached approximately $1.56 billion.{{cite journal|volume=34|number=8|title=Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena with late reports and corrections|author=Grant Goodge|journal=Storm Data|date=August 1992|pages=31–35, 42, 69–72, 88–89, 93, 123, 146–147, and 161|issn=0039-1972|access-date=June 1, 2017|url=https://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-98485609-C49C-478E-A760-01E01157FE61.pdf|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6qsw4Tcdh?url=https://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-98485609-C49C-478E-A760-01E01157FE61.pdf|archive-date=June 1, 2017|url-status=dead}} A total of 17 deaths occurred in Louisiana, 8 directly and 9 from indirect causes. At least 75 injuries were reported.{{cite news|title=Louisiana hit hard by Hurricane Andrew|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=A7FUAAAAIBAJ&pg=3132,2790149&dq=hurricane+andrew&hl=en|location=Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia|newspaper=New Straits Times|agency=Associated Press|date=August 27, 1992|access-date=March 18, 2012|via=Google News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119060203/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=A7FUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YJADAAAAIBAJ&pg=3132,2790149&dq=hurricane+andrew&hl=en|archive-date=November 19, 2015|url-status=live}}

File:Andrew 1992 rainfall.gif

While Andrew was entering the Gulf of Mexico, oil companies evacuated hundreds of employees from offshore drilling platforms.{{cite news|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/news/ad0825p2.gif|author=Alan Sayre|title=State|agency=Associated Press|date=August 25, 1992|page=A2|location=Alexandria, Louisiana|newspaper=The Town Talk|access-date=May 8, 2012|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060720/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/news/ad0825p2.gif|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}} The storm damaged 241 oil and gas facilities and toppled 33 platforms off the coast of Louisiana,{{cite report|url=http://www.naturalgasintel.com/articles/8102-hurricane-andrew-in-92-toppled-platforms-damaged-241-offshore-installations|title=Hurricane Andrew in '92 toppled platforms, damaged 241 offshore installations|date=October 7, 2002|work=NGI The Weekly Gas Market Report|publisher=Natural Gas Intelligence|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023120040/https://www.naturalgasintel.com/articles/8102-hurricane-andrew-in-92-toppled-platforms-damaged-241-offshore-installations|archive-date=October 23, 2018|url-status=live}} causing significant disruptions in production. Additionally, 83 pipeline segments suffered damage to some degree. The oil industry lost about $12 million per day in the days following Andrew and $4 million daily by three weeks later. Initially, a production loss of 240,000 to 270,000 barrels per day occurred – approximately one-third of production throughout the Gulf of Mexico.{{cite news|url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/09/03/Andrew-inflicts-severe-damage-on-oil-and-gas-platforms/4823715492800/|title=Andrew inflicts severe damage on oil and gas platforms|author=Harihar Krishnan|date=September 3, 1992|work=United Press International|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202081939/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/09/03/Andrew-inflicts-severe-damage-on-oil-and-gas-platforms/4823715492800/|archive-date=February 2, 2018|url-status=live}} Overall, Hurricane Andrew caused about $500 million in damage to oil facilities.

As Andrew moved ashore in Louisiana, its outer fringes produced a storm tide of about {{convert|1.3|ft|m|abbr=on}} in Sabine Pass, Texas. Winds were generally light in the state, reaching {{convert|30|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in Port Arthur. As Andrew crossed into Mississippi, 3 severe thunderstorm warnings, 21 tornado warnings, and 16 flood warnings were issued. Funnel clouds were observed near the path of the storm,{{cite report|author=Steve Rich|work=National Weather Service Jackson, Mississippi|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|date=September 3, 1992|title=Tropical Storm Andrew|page=1|access-date=March 27, 2011|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/jackson1.gif|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121081403/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/jackson1.gif|archive-date=November 21, 2011|url-status=live}} along with 26 tornadoes.{{cite report|work=National Weather Service Jackson, Mississippi|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=September 22, 2010|title=A look back at Hurricane Rita|access-date=March 27, 2011|url=http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jan/?n=2005_09_24_25_hurr_rita_tor|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042533/http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jan/?n=2005_09_24_25_hurr_rita_tor|url-status=dead}} Structural damage was generally minimal, occurring from the tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. One tornado in Kemper County destroyed a mobile home, while another twister in Lauderdale County demolished a mobile home, damaged five other dwellings, and injured four people.{{cite news|author=Steve Rich|agency=National Weather Service Jackson, Mississippi|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|date=September 3, 1992|title=Tropical Storm Andrew|page=3|access-date=May 23, 2017|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/jackson2.gif|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304133225/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/jackson2.gif|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}} Additionally, a possible tornado damaged a home and two trailers in Lawrence County. Strong winds knocked down trees in the southwestern portion of the state. Much of Mississippi received {{convert|3|to|5|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain, while areas near the southwest corner of the state observed over {{convert|7|in|mm|abbr=on}} of precipitation,{{cite report|author=Steve Rich|work=National Weather Service Jackson, Mississippi|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|date=September 3, 1992|title=Tropical Storm Andrew|page=2|access-date=March 27, 2011|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/jackson2.gif|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121083627/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/jackson2.gif|archive-date=November 21, 2011|url-status=live}} with a peak of {{convert|9.30|in|mm|abbr=on}} at Sumrall.{{cite web|author=David Roth|title=Tropical cyclone rainfall for the Gulf Coast|website=Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Data|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/tcgulfcoast.html|date=September 21, 2011|access-date=April 2, 2013|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|location=Camp Springs, Maryland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721055926/http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/tcgulfcoast.html|archive-date=July 21, 2011|url-status=live}} Flooding was mostly limited to the inundation of minor roads and low-lying areas in several counties.

In Alabama, precipitation amounts in the state peaked at {{convert|4.71|in|mm|abbr=on}} in Aliceville. The rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas and creeks, covering a few county roads but not entering many houses or businesses. Along the coast, the storm produced flooding and high tides.{{cite report|author=Faulkner|work=National Weather Service Mobile, Alabama|date=August 28, 1992|series=Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wallet Digital Archives|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|title=Post Storm Report ... Hurricane Andrew|access-date=March 29, 2011|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/pshmob.gif|format=GIF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121084714/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/pshmob.gif|archive-date=November 21, 2011|url-status=live}} Along Dauphin Island, high tides left severe beach erosion, with portions of the island losing up to {{convert|30|ft|m|abbr=on}} of sand. Three damaging tornadoes occurred in the state. The most damaging tornado was spawned in Elmore County and moved from an area northeast of Montgomery to the south of Wetumpka and briefly lifted during its {{convert|0.5|mi|km|abbr=on}} track. The tornado destroyed 2 homes and damaged 18 homes, 1 mobile home, 2 barns, and 1 vehicle. One person was injured by the twister. Sustained winds in the state were below tropical storm force, though a wind gust of {{convert|41|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} was observed in Huntsville. Although 48 counties in Alabama reported wind damage, impact across the state was generally minor.

Tropical storm force wind gusts and damaging tornadoes extended eastward into Georgia. Several counties in the northwest and west-central portions of the state reported downed trees and tree limbs and fallen power lines, causing scattered power outages, but structural damage was generally minor. In Carroll County, several dwellings and barns were damaged, with one mobile home destroyed. At the Columbus Metropolitan Airport, buildings, billboards, and signs were damaged. Additionally, a tornado in Floyd County near Rome snapped and uprooted several trees, damaged several fences and homes, and flipped over a trailer, tossing it on top of four cars. Monetary losses in the state reached about $100,000. In Tennessee, thunderstorm winds and tornadoes associated with Andrew downed trees and power lines, but caused little overall impact to homes and buildings. Similarly, in North Carolina, thunderstorm winds toppled trees and power lines at a number of locations in the mountainous areas of the state, especially in Avery County. Rainfall from Andrew spread across the southeastern United States along the Appalachian Mountains corridor; totals of over {{convert|5|in|mm|abbr=on}} were reported where Georgia and South Carolina meet North Carolina. In West Virginia, the remnants of Andrew combined with a cold front to produce {{convert|1.5|to|2.5|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain over portions of the state, causing flooding in areas of Morgantown with poor drainage. The remnants of Andrew also spawned several tornadoes in Maryland. A tornado in Howard County damaged several homes, some extensively. The twister also tossed and wrecked a recreational vehicle and its trailer, downed trees, and flattened cornfields. Precipitation continued along the path of Andrew's remnants through the Mid-Atlantic and Ohio Valley, with precipitation measured as far north as Upstate New York.

Initially, the Bahamas National Disaster Coordinator believed that foreign aid was not required, but shortly after the storm, the Government of the United Kingdom began distributing blankets, food, ice, and water. {{HMS|Cardiff|D108|6}}, a Royal Navy Type 42 destroyer, was the operational guard ship at the time and assisted in relief operations in and around the Gregorytown area.{{cite book|url=http://reliefweb.int/node/34555|title=Bahamas and U.S.A. – Hurricane Andrew Aug 1992 UN DHA Information Reports 1–3|publisher=United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs|type=Report|location=New York City|via=ReliefWeb|date=August 26, 1992|access-date=June 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616134101/http://reliefweb.int/node/34555|archive-date=June 16, 2012|url-status=live}} In addition, assistance came from Canada, Japan, and the United States, as well as the United Nations. The American Red Cross delivered 100 tents, 100 rolls of plastic sheeting, and 1,000 cots. Rebuilding began quickly on the hardest hit islands. However, trees and vegetation were expected to take years to recover. Despite reconstruction efforts and the small number of resort lodgings affected (around 2%), officials expected a 10–20% decline in tourism. The Government of the Bahamas, observing that their response mechanisms were not sufficient, reformed the National Emergency and Management Agency.{{cite web|url=https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/wcm/connect/b5c3c82b-f3c4-4a32-9988-0b3436a574c5/Stamp+Brochure_Hurricane+Awareness.pdf?MOD=AJPERES|title=Hurricane awareness|date=September 28, 2010|publisher=Government of the Bahamas|page=2|access-date=June 2, 2017|location=Nassau, Bahamas|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023080156/https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/wcm/connect/b5c3c82b-f3c4-4a32-9988-0b3436a574c5/Stamp+Brochure_Hurricane+Awareness.pdf?MOD=AJPERES|archive-date=October 23, 2018|url-status=live}}

The passage of the hurricane disrupted several breeding colonies of the white-crowned pigeon throughout the country. Though the hurricane did not affect many tourist areas, officials predicted a decline in tourism by up to 20% in the months after the storm.

After assessing the devastation in Florida and Louisiana, U.S. President George H. W. Bush initially proposed a $7.1 billion aid package to provide disaster benefits, small-business loans, agricultural recovery, food stamps, and public housing for victims of Hurricane Andrew.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cUFWAAAAIBAJ&pg=5502,3697034&dq=lawton+chiles+hurricane&hl=en|title=Chiles hints at future tax hike|author=Alan Judd|date=September 12, 1992|agency=The New York Times|newspaper=The Gainesville Sun|access-date=May 8, 2012|via=Google News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119050658/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cUFWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=XeoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5502,3697034&dq=lawton+chiles+hurricane&hl=en|archive-date=November 19, 2015|url-status=live}} After the House of Representatives appropriated aid to victims of Hurricane Iniki in Hawaii and Typhoon Omar in Guam, the cost was later increased to $11.1 billion. The bill, which was the most costly disaster aid package at the time, was passed by Congress as House Resolution 5620 on September 18,{{cite news|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1992/09/19/disaster-aid-bill-goes-to-bush/|title=Disaster aid bill goes to Bush|author=Sean Holton|date=September 19, 1992|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|access-date=January 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513000514/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1992-09-19/news/9209190402_1_hurricane-hugo-disaster-aid-florida|archive-date=May 13, 2015|url-status=live}} and signed into law by President Bush on September 23.{{cite web|url=http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d102:HR05620:|title=Bill Summary & Status 102nd Congress (1991–1992) H.R.5620|publisher=Library of Congress|access-date=January 17, 2013|location=Washington D.C.|date=September 23, 1992|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215202605/http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d102:HR05620:|archive-date=December 15, 2012|url-status=live}} The state of Florida alone received $9 billion through the disaster relief bill.{{cite news|title=Bush will stop in Homestead on Florida campaign swing|date=October 2, 1992|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107646020/tallahassee-democrat/|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Tallahassee Democrat|page=3B|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=August 15, 2022}} {{free access}}

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was criticized for its slow response in both Florida and Louisiana. Even a month prior to Andrew, the House Committee on Appropriations – which oversees the budget for FEMA – released a report calling the agency a "political dumping ground" and a "turkey farm" due to its "weak, inexperienced leaders". Congressman S. William Green of New York, a member of the Appropriations Committee, stated that he believed the agency learned little from its botched response to Hurricane Hugo in 1989. However, Green also criticized local officials for expecting "them [FEMA] to come and run the whole show". Some FEMA officials responded that it was impossible to respond as they had been requested while also continuing to provide aid for the Los Angeles riots. FEMA spokesman Grant Peterson stated, "24 hours is not reasonable to expect to have all the resources of the federal government landing in the middle of a disaster."{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11260865/santa_cruz_sentinel/|date=August 29, 1992|title=FEMA lambasted once again for another relief effort failure|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel|page=6|access-date=May 26, 2017|via=Newspapers.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810210543/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11260865/santa_cruz_sentinel/|archive-date=August 10, 2017|url-status=live}} {{free access}} Some responsibility for the slow response must rest with Florida Governor Lawton Chiles, who waited five days to submit the formal request for Federal assistance that FEMA officials believed was required before they were empowered to act.{{cite news|author=Robert Pear|title=Hurricane Andrew; Breakdown Seen in U.S. Storm Aid|date=August 29, 1992|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/29/us/hurricane-andrew-breakdown-seen-in-us-storm-aid.html|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=June 1, 2020}}

File:FEMA - 2378 - Photograph by Bob Epstein taken on 08-24-1992 in Florida.jpg|alt=People working to clear debris off of a damaged home]]

President George H.W. Bush declared the region a disaster area and provided public assistance to victims in counties Broward, Collier, Dade, and Monroe.{{cite report|url=http://www.fema.gov/disaster/955|title=Florida Hurricane Andrew (DR-955)|series=Federal Emergency Management Agency's Archive of Declared Disasters & Emergencies|date=October 18, 2004|location=Washington D.C.|author=Federal Emergency Management Agency|access-date=May 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630194218/http://www.fema.gov/disaster/955|archive-date=June 30, 2013|url-status=live}} Governor Lawton Chiles considered asking the Florida Legislature to raise taxes but instead signed a bill into law on December 17 that created a three-year reserve fund for losses to uninsured businesses, homes, government, and school buildings and functions. The bill allowed South Floridians to keep an estimated $500 million in sales tax generated by rebuilding efforts.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11605493/the_palm_beach_post/|title=Chiles signs bill for Andrew relief|date=December 18, 1992|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Palm Beach Post|page=12A|access-date=June 10, 2017|via=Newspapers.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814221148/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11605493/the_palm_beach_post/|archive-date=August 14, 2017|url-status=live}} {{free access}}

Crime, especially looting and theft, rose sharply in the areas south of Miami immediately after Andrew. Reports indicate that merchandise was stolen at damaged or destroyed shopping centers in southern Dade County, and looting occurred in neighborhoods severely affected by the storm.{{cite news|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2002/webspecials02/andrew/day1/story1.shtml|title=Storm's howl fills the ears of survivors|author=Craig Pittman|date=August 18, 2002|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|access-date=May 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204162542/http://www.sptimes.com/2002/webspecials02/andrew/day1/story1.shtml|archive-date=December 4, 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/26/us/hurricane-andrew-down-to-the-basics-hunting-for-food-water-and-shelter.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm|title=Hurricane Andrew; down to the basics: hunting For food, water and shelter|date=August 26, 1992|newspaper=The New York Times|author=Larry Rohter|access-date=May 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811012353/http://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/26/us/hurricane-andrew-down-to-the-basics-hunting-for-food-water-and-shelter.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm|archive-date=August 11, 2017|url-status=live}} To provide temporary housing for the homeless, military personnel initially set up a total of five tent cities in Florida City and Homestead,{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=alJWAAAAIBAJ&pg=5604,606036&dq=hurricane+andrew+tent+cities&hl=en|title=Only 300 people go to tent cities|date=September 4, 1992|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Eugene Register-Guard|access-date=May 10, 2012|via=Google News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118144730/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=alJWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_usDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5604,606036&dq=hurricane+andrew+tent+cities&hl=en|archive-date=November 18, 2015|url-status=live}} while a sixth tent city was opened at the Miccosukee Indian Reservation shortly after Labor Day weekend.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YfpNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6727,1213458&dq=hurricane+andrew&hl=en|location=Fredericksburg, Virginia|title=After Andrew hurricane victims fill tent cities|author=Michael Fleeman|date=September 8, 1992|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Free Lance–Star|access-date=May 10, 2012|via=Google News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512184431/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YfpNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dYsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6727,1213458&dq=hurricane+andrew&hl=en|archive-date=May 12, 2016|url-status=live}} The Government of Canada dispatched a team of 90 military engineers to repair community centers, hospitals, and schools, and a crew of 300 military personnel was sent to Miami via HMCS Protecteur to assist American relief teams.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-09-08-mn-233-story.html|title=Canada to send hurricane relief team|date=September 8, 1992|agency=Reuters|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=June 11, 2017}}

In the aftermath of the storm, extensive psychological effects were documented, including increased divorce rates and a spike in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A panel of psychiatrists and psychologists at the University of Miami agreed that as many as 90% of residents in the worst impacted areas would experience at least a few symptoms of PTSD.{{cite news|url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/09/25/Psychologists-observe-mixed-signs-in-hurricane-survivors/4668717393600/|title=Psychologists observe mixed signs in hurricane survivors|date=September 25, 1992|work=United Press International|access-date=June 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803171607/http://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/09/25/Psychologists-observe-mixed-signs-in-hurricane-survivors/4668717393600/|archive-date=August 3, 2017|url-status=live}} Within six months, the circumstances related to the aftermath of Andrew led to at least five suicides and four homicides.{{cite journal|journal=Journal of Forensic Sciences|date=May 1996|pmid=8656186|author1=Emma O. Lew|author2=Charles V. Wetli|title=Mortality from Hurricane Andrew|oclc=669243194|volume=41|issue=3|pages=449–452|doi=10.1520/JFS13933J}}

File:FEMA - 2399 - Photograph by Bob Epstein taken on 08-24-1992 in Florida.jpg

As homes were being rebuilt, FEMA provided free temporary mobile homes for 3,501 families and financial assistance to more than 40,000 other families for staying in hotel rooms, paying rent, and repairing homes.{{cite news|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1995-02-16/news/9502160086_1_fema-travel-trailers-mobile-home|title=Post-Andrew housing aid from FEMA ready to end|author=Maya Bell|date=February 16, 1995|agency=Orlando Sentinel|newspaper=Sun-Sentinel|access-date=June 2, 2017|location=Deerfield Beach, Florida|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810211432/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1995-02-16/news/9502160086_1_fema-travel-trailers-mobile-home|archive-date=August 10, 2017|url-status=dead}} Nearly two years after Andrew, about 70% of homes in Homestead that were damaged or destroyed were repaired or rebuilt. Additionally, of the homes destroyed or severely damaged throughout Dade County, 36,000 had been restored by July 1994.{{cite news|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1994-08-21/news/9408200376_1_hurricane-recovery-dade-county-cutler-ridge|title=Homes And lives rebuilt|author1=Marjorie Lambert|author2=Seth Borenstein|author3=John Maines|date=August 21, 1994|newspaper=Sun-Sentinel|access-date=June 2, 2017|location=Deerfield Beach, Florida|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810211618/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1994-08-21/news/9408200376_1_hurricane-recovery-dade-county-cutler-ridge|archive-date=August 10, 2017|url-status=dead}}

Over 930,000 policyholders in South Florida lost coverage after 11 insurance companies went bankrupt, resulting in over 600,000 insurance claims. The Florida Legislature created new entities like the Joint Underwriting Association, Florida Windstorm Underwriting Association, and Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund to restore insurance capacity.{{cite news|url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-1992-ap-mainstory,0,7290462.story|location=Deerfield Beach, Florida|title=Ten years after Hurricane Andrew, effects are still felt|author=Adrian Sainz|date=August 24, 2002|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Sun-Sentinel|access-date=May 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014215256/http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-1992-ap-mainstory%2C0%2C7290462.story|page=1|archive-date=October 14, 2012|url-status=dead}} Stricter building codes were established in Florida after Hurricane Andrew. A survey by Timothy P. Marshall and Richard Herzog of the Haag Engineer Company in Carrollton, Texas, highlighted construction issues in homes. Concrete tiles were glued to felt paper, while shingles were stapled perpendicular to the long axis, allowing them to be torn away. This exposed plywood and prefabricated trusses to weather, leading to structural failure and roof collapses.{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/newdam03.gif|title=Hurricane Andrew Damage Assessment|page=3|date=September 10, 1992|publisher=National Weather Service New Orleans/Baton Rouge, Louisiana|access-date=May 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042416/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/preloc/newdam03.gif|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}

In 1996 Governor Chiles established the Florida Building Codes Study Commission to assess and improve the system.{{cite web|url=http://www.floridabuilding.org/fbc/information/building_commission.htm|title=History of the Florida Building Association|date=2004|publisher=Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation|access-date=June 4, 2017|location=Tallahassee, Florida|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222130513/http://www.floridabuilding.org/fbc/information/building_commission.htm|archive-date=February 22, 2018|url-status=live}} The Florida Building Code was established in 1998 and put into effect by 2002,{{cite report|url=http://www.floridabuilding.org/FBC/publications/CodeViolationsFinalReport4.pdf|title=Top ten Florida residential building code violations|author1=Robert Cox|author2=R. Raymond Issa|author3=Jessica Ligator|date=June 2006|work=University of Florida|publisher=Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation|page=vi|access-date=March 31, 2013|location=Gainesville, Florida|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413035333/http://www.floridabuilding.org/fbc/publications/CodeViolationsFinalReport4.pdf|archive-date=April 13, 2012|url-status=live}} replacing local laws and regulations with universal statewide building codes. After hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne in 2004, a study by the University of Florida found that homes built under the new code sustained less damage on average than those built between 1994 and 2001. A report by the Florida Legislature in 2006 and after hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, and Wilma in 2005 also concluded that the Florida Building Code is working.{{cite news|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2012-08-21/news/fl-codes-oped0822-20120821_1_code-officials-codes-work-codes-and-standards|title=Strong building codes work only if they are enforced|author=Dominic Sims|date=August 21, 2012|newspaper=Sun-Sentinel|access-date=March 31, 2013|location=Deerfield Beach, Florida|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703151539/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2012-08-21/news/fl-codes-oped0822-20120821_1_code-officials-codes-work-codes-and-standards|archive-date=July 3, 2013|url-status=dead}}

File:FEMA - 2599 - Photograph by Bob Epstein taken on 08-24-1992 in Florida.jpg

The hurricane also transformed Dade County, with a migration of mostly White families northward to Broward and Palm Beach County, which was accelerated after Andrew.{{cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1aOc5qmj59YC&pg=PA13|title=Lessons learned between hurricanes: from Hugo to Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne|chapter=Disaster Recovery|author1=Patricia Jones Kershaw|author2=Byron Mason|date=2005|page=13|publisher=National Academies Press|location=Washington, D.C.|isbn=978-0-309-65667-2}} Many Jews relocated to areas with significant Jewish populations.{{cite book|title=The Jewish Traveler: Hadassah Magazine's guide to the world's Jewish communities and sights|author=Alan M. Tigay|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v3Pf4qand_8C&pg=PA303|page=303|date=1994|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|chapter=Miami to Palm Beach|access-date=May 22, 2017|isbn=978-1-56821-078-0}} The county experienced a net loss of about 36,000 people in 1992, while Broward and Palm Beach counties gained about 17,000 and 2,300 residents, respectively.{{cite news|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1995-06-05/news/9506050101_1_dade-s-population-dade-county-irs-report|title=Andrew sent many to Broward|newspaper=Sun-Sentinel|author=John Maines|date=June 5, 1995|access-date=May 22, 2017|location=Deerfield Beach, Florida|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827223000/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1995-06-05/news/9506050101_1_dade-s-population-dade-county-irs-report|archive-date=August 27, 2017|url-status=dead}} The Hispanic population in the southern part of Dade County climbed rapidly, with the Latino population in Homestead increasing from 30% to 45% between 1990 and 2000.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/21/us/immigrants-rebuild-a-city-that-others-fled.html|title=Immigrants rebuild a city that others fled|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 21, 2000|author=Peter T. Kilborn|access-date=May 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810211909/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/21/us/immigrants-rebuild-a-city-that-others-fled.html|archive-date=August 10, 2017|url-status=live}}

On August 26, George H. W. Bush toured devastated areas of Louisiana with Governor Edwin Edwards.{{cite news|url=http://photos.newhavenregister.com/2012/08/24/photos-on-this-day-august-24-1992-hurricane-andrew-demolishes-south-florida/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216124629/http://photos.newhavenregister.com/2012/08/24/photos-on-this-day-august-24-1992-hurricane-andrew-demolishes-south-florida/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 16, 2013|title=Photos: on this day – August 24, 1992 – Hurricane Andrew demolishes South Florida|date=August 24, 2012|newspaper=New Haven Register|access-date=February 3, 2013}} President Bush remarked, "The destruction from this storm goes beyond anything we have known in recent years," but noted that damage was less severe than in Florida. After his visit to Louisiana, President Bush declared only Terrebonne Parish as a disaster area,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/27/us/hurricane-andrew-hurricane-rips-louisiana-coast-before-dying-out.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm|title=Hurricane Andrew; hurricane rips Louisiana coast before dying out|author=Peter Applebome|date=August 27, 1992|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=May 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123054209/http://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/27/us/hurricane-andrew-hurricane-rips-louisiana-coast-before-dying-out.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm|archive-date=January 23, 2014|url-status=live}} but later included 34 other parishes under this declaration.{{cite report|url=http://www.fema.gov/disasters/grid/year/1992?field_disaster_type_term_tid_1=All|title=Louisiana Hurricane Andrew (DR-956)|location=Washington D.C.|date=October 18, 2004|series=Federal Emergency Management Agency's Archive of Declared Disasters & Emergencies|author=Federal Emergency Management Agency|access-date=January 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304162210/http://www.fema.gov/disasters/grid/year/1992?field_disaster_type_term_tid_1=All|archive-date=March 4, 2013|url-status=live}} FEMA initially opened five field offices throughout Louisiana. These centers allowed residents to submit applications for aid.{{cite news|title=Louisiana storm survivors give thanks during cleanup|date=August 30, 1992|newspaper=The Gettysburg Times|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11259912/the_gettysburg_times/|agency=Associated Press|author=Mary Foster|page=5|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905100257/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11259912/the_gettysburg_times/|archive-date=September 5, 2017|url-status=live}} {{free access}} After Franklin mayor Sam Jones and Congressman Billy Tauzin criticized FEMA for failing to open a field office in Franklin, FEMA promised to do so. In the first few days following the storm, Louisiana National Guard members and local residents worked to remove debris such as downed trees, roofing shingles, and torn aluminum siding. The state National Guard also dispatched water purification units and tanks with filled potable water.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11259872/the_salina_journal/|title=Water and food flow into Louisiana|date=August 29, 1992|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Salina Journal|page=9|access-date=May 26, 2017|via=Newspapers.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905094017/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11259872/the_salina_journal/|archive-date=September 5, 2017|url-status=live}} {{free access}} About 1,300 National Guardsmen were deployed to southern Louisiana.

In early September, officials announced that 1,400 mobile homes, homes, and apartments would become available to residents whose dwellings became uninhabitable.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qhdRAAAAIBAJ&pg=5648,679201&dq=hurricane+andrew+louisiana+small+business+administration&hl=en|title=Rain plagues storm victims|agency=Associated Press|date=September 4, 1992|newspaper=Telegraph Herald|page=13|access-date=February 3, 2013|location=Dubuque, Iowa|via=Google News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118214210/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qhdRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=v9AMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5648,679201&dq=hurricane+andrew+louisiana+small+business+administration&hl=en|archive-date=November 18, 2015|url-status=live}} House Resolution 5620 also included disaster aid to the state of Louisiana. In early December, the Small Business Administration (SBA) approved $33.2 million worth of low-interest loans for repairs to homes and businesses. By then, FEMA had received about 43,600 applications for aid, while approving $35.9 million in grants to over 18,000 households that were ineligible for loans from the SBA or were uninsured. In addition to the mobile homes already provided, FEMA spent $22.6 million on disaster housing.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11260284/the_galveston_daily_news/|title=Louisiana rebuilding is hit and miss after Andrew|date=December 27, 1992|page=12|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Daily News|access-date=May 26, 2017|location=Galveston, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905093126/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11260284/the_galveston_daily_news/|archive-date=September 5, 2017|url-status=live}} {{free access}}

{{see also|List of retired Atlantic hurricane names}}

Due to the hurricane's impact and damage, the World Meteorological Organization retired the name Andrew from its rotating Atlantic hurricane name lists in the spring of 1993, and it will never again be used for another Atlantic hurricane. It was replaced with Alex for the 1998 season.{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames_history.shtml|title=Tropical cyclone naming history and retired names|work=National Hurricane Center|date=April 13, 2012|location=Miami, Florida|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service|access-date=June 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627193026/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames_history.shtml#greek|archive-date=June 27, 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/names.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19971210185319/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/names.html|archive-date=December 10, 1997|last1=Maher|first1=Brian|last2=Beven|first2=Jack|title=World-wide Tropical Cyclone Names|date=August 10, 1997|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=November 17, 2011}}{{cite web|title=1992– Hurricane Andrew|work=Hurricanes: Science and Society|publisher=University of Rhode Island|location=Kingston, Rhode Island|url=https://hurricanescience.org/history/storms/1990s/andrew/index.html|access-date=April 7, 2024}}

{{Portal|Tropical cyclones|Florida}}

• Timeline of the 1992 Atlantic hurricane season
• List of Category 5 Atlantic hurricanes
• List of Florida hurricanes (1975–1999)
• 1926 Miami hurricane – A Category 4 hurricane that caused catastrophic damage when it moved directly over Miami
• 1947 Fort Lauderdale hurricane – Another destructive Category 4 hurricane that took a similar track
• Hurricane Betsy (1965) – Another devastating Category 4 storm that took a similar track in August–September 1965 in The Bahamas, southern Florida and eastern Louisiana
• Hurricane Georges (1998) – Another Category 4 hurricane that caused major damage in Florida and Louisiana
• Hurricane Katrina (2005) - A Category 5 hurricane that took a similar track and devastated New Orleans and parts of Florida
• Hurricane Michael (2018) - Also made a very destructive impact in Florida as a Category 5 hurricane
• Hurricane Dorian (2019) – A Category 5 hurricane that devastated the Northern Bahamas when it stalled over it at peak intensity

{{Reflist|group=nb}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category-inline}}

• [http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1992.pdf Monthly Weather Review – Atlantic hurricane season of 1992]
• [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1992/andrew/ National Hurricane Center's archive on Hurricane Andrew]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf4VPd4rbKQ&t=2s Hurricane Andrew: As It Happened] – a television documentary aired on WTVJ, posted by Bryan Norcross

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