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the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the generally low coastal <br />elevations, significantly increases the County's vulnerability. <br />The potential for property damage and human casualties in <br />Indian River County has increased over the last several <br />decades primarily because of the rapid growth this County has <br />experienced since 1970, particularly along the vulnerable <br />coastline areas. <br />From 1871 — 2018, 60 storms of hurricane intensity have <br />passed within 125 miles of Indian River County. This <br />represents an average of one hurricane every 2.45 years. <br />The number of direct hits on the Florida coastline between <br />1851 and 2018 is 120. <br />(https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfag/El 9.html). <br />Probability. (Source: NMW Melbourne Jan. 2020) <br />• Tropical Storm (winds 39 to 73 mph) = 43 storms (24% <br />annual probability, or return period of once every 4 years); <br />• Category 1 Storms (winds 74 to 95 mph) = 15 storms (8% <br />annual probability, or return period of once every 12 years); <br />• Category 2 Storms (winds 96 to 110 mph) = 13 storms <br />(7% annual probability, or return period of once every 14 <br />years); <br />• Category 3 Storms (winds 111 to 129 mph) = 6 storms <br />(3% annual probability, or return period of once every 30 <br />years); <br />• Category 4 Storms (winds 130 to 156 mph) = 3 storms <br />(2% annual probability or return period of once every 59 <br />years); and <br />• Category 5 Storms (winds 157 mph >) = 0 storm (0% <br />annual probability) <br />Extent. While it is possible for Indian River County to be <br />impacted by a category 4 or 5 hurricane, according to the <br />statistics above it is very unlikely. Indian River County has a <br />history of impacts from tropical storms and category 1-3 <br />hurricanes as defined by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind <br />Scale. Impacts from these storms can cause major structure <br />damage, trees to be uprooted, and near total power loss for <br />several days to weeks after the storm passes. <br />Hurricane of September 1928. This hurricane made <br />Florida landfall near the City of Palm Beach as a strong <br />Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 20 <br />