Climate and Storm History of Bradenton Florida

The City of Bradenton Beach is located on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. Just like most of the cities in Florida, Sarasota has subtropical climate. The city is truly perfect for those who love to enjoy mild climate. The city’s January temperature (winter) ranges from 51 F to 72 F while on April (spring) it goes from 60 F to 82 F. Whereas, during summer, the temperature makes it to the highest in July with 73 F to 91 F and in October (autumn) the temperature ranges from 65 F to 85 F. Its annual precipitation is 54.1 inches. Snow also does not fall in this city. Current issues on the climate of this place were about the “too” cold winter in Florida and the above normal temperature in spring. The government is also currently tackling about climate change. The ebb and flow of high tide at the beach has also shown a considerable change.  

On the other hand, hurricanes regularly passed Bradenton. A hurricane can usually go through any part of Florida, including Bradenton. Most of its residents have been aware of it, and does prepared for any storm to come. In fact, most homes have undergone Four Point Inspections and Wind Mitigation Inspections to ensure the safety of the people. So, most homeowners have a generator & 6 gas cans, a "hurricane stash" of non-perishable food and bottled water for emergency. In 2004, hurricane Charley made destroying hit in many cities in Florida but fortunately, Bradenton was not included. To say that Bradenton has not had "the big one" doesn’t mean the next one won't be it. Additionally, because Bradenton is located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Anna Maria Sound, along with low elevations, the City is highly vulnerable to the dangers of flooding. The most significant life-threatening flood threat lies in the tidal surges from the Gulf of Mexico associated with coastal or tropical storms and hurricanes. However, an additional major threat for property damage is due to tidal flooding from Sarasota Bay, combined with any significant rain event regardless of the time of year. The City of Bradenton Beach falls entirely with the 100 year floodplain, and is identified as a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In fact, In June 1992, an unnamed tropical depression developed in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm produced fourteen (14) inches of rain in Manatee County. Combined with high winds, it destroyed seventy (70) homes in west central Florida killing two people. In March 1993, what became known as the storm of the century rapidly intensified producing seventy (70) mph winds and strong bands of thunderstorms locally as it moved north toward the Florida panhandle. Then, in September 2004, two hurricanes passed the city. Hurricane Frances came first in the earlier part of the month causing local flooding and beach erosion. Subsequently, in the middle part of the month, Hurricane Ivan stayed three miles off shore, but still, it produced tides 3 to 4 feet higher than the normal flooding. Still, in September 2004, Hurricane Jeanne, similar to Hurricane Frances, took the same track causing additional flooding and beach erosion. Lastly, in 2008, Hurricane Gustave and Hurricane Ike both have been classified as a category 4, traversed the Gulf of Mexico, which has led to flooding along the Gulf of Mexico.