Hurricane Sandy moved slowly northwest, parallel to the Florida coast, 200-250 miles offshore. Due to the very expansive wind fields associated with the hurricane, sustained tropical storm winds reached the east-central Florida beaches and adjacent portions of the barrier islands.
Every event with a place to put it; 1 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS MLB wrote it up.
Hurricane Sandy moved slowly northwest, parallel to the Florida coast, 200-250 miles offshore. Due to the very expansive wind fields associated with the hurricane, sustained tropical storm winds reached the east-central Florida beaches and adjacent portions of the barrier islands. Gusts to tropical storm force occurred throughout the coastal counties, with some interior counties also experiencing tropical storm gusts, especially during passing squalls. Large and pounding surf affected the beaches for six or more high tide cycles, during a period of high astronomical tides. By the end of the event, many of the beaches had sustained moderate to major beach erosion. The erosion damaged several home foundations/patios/pools, and endangered many other beach-front residences and two businesses. Numerous beach cross-overs and lifeguard towers were damaged and sand was washed onto coastal roadways and beach parking areas in several locations. Damage estimates for the east-central Florida beaches totalled 46 million dollars.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Melbourne, FL wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Oct 25, 8:15 PM EST, 3 hours 45 minutes earlier.
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</html>The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
5 tropical storm, 4 coastal flood. Local standard time, as filed.
A mesonet site near the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant (XSTL) recorded sustained northeast winds of 45 mph. These winds impacted much of the St. Lucie County barrier islands. Gusts of 50-60 mph occurred, especially during passing squalls.
A mesonet site at Jensen Beach (XJEN) recorded sustained north winds of 39 mph. These winds impacted much of the Martin County barrier islands. Gusts of 50-55 mph occurred, especially during passing squalls.
The Melbourne Airport ASOS (KMLB) and a mesonet site at Cocoa Beach Pier (XCCO) recorded sustained north-northeast winds of 39 mph. These winds impacted much of the Brevard County barrier islands as well as some eastern portions of the mainland. Gusts of 50-55 mph occurred, especially during passing squalls.
Emergency Management and spotter reports indicated that sustained winds reached minimal tropical storm force along the barrier islands of Indian River County. Gusts of 50-55 mph occurred, especially during passing squalls.
Moderate to major beach erosion. Erosion caused damage to two homes and washed sand and debris across a coastal roadway, temporarily isolating residents. Several piers, boardwalks and retaining walls were also damaged.
A New Smyrna Beach mesonet site (XNSB) recorded sustained north winds of 43 mph and other spotter reports confirmed tropical storm winds along the immediate coast of Volusia County. Gusts of 50-55 mph occurred, especially during passing squalls.
Moderate to major beach erosion, with approximately 17 structures in danger or threatened by additional short-term erosion. Of these 17 structures, two were multi-family buildings and two were businesses. Seven of the sites experienced structural damage to the primary structure or to attached patios or pools. Several beach crossovers and lifeguard towers were also damaged, as well as a boat ramp.
Moderate to major beach erosion. Several beach crossovers and a lifeguard tower were damaged. Sea water and sand washed onto one coastal road.
Moderate to major beach erosion. Sand over-washed two beach access parking areas and erosion damaged the foundation of a pump station.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Florida in 2012Every state in 2012This day in weather historyWarnings in Florida, October 2012The 2012 hurricane season
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 411517, 411520, 411515, 411516, 411525, 411514, 411521, 411523, 411524.