Hurricane History History of Hurricanes in Alabama Coastal Alabama borders a part of the northern Gulf of Mexico that has a high incidence of hurricane destruction. High winds, wave action, and flooding cause damage to Alabama's shoreline, while wind and water damage can extend far inland. Studies of hurricanes Hugo, Andrew, Opal, Georges and Danny provide clear and indisputable evidence that inland counties can receive significant damage from a landfalling hurricane.
Hurricanes often spawn tornadoes or cause flooding from extensive rains.
In this respect, hurricanes pose a threat to the entire state. It is a phenomenon that occurs when the winds and forward motion associated with a hurricane pile water up in front as it moves toward the shore. Since 1900, Alabama has been significantly affected by 12 hurricanes.