Hurricane Ivan’s 10th Anniversary Marked in Florida

Florida marked the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Ivan, which remains one of the costliest tropical storms to ever make landfall in the U.S.

Ivan came ashore just west of Gulf Shores, Alabama, on Sept. 16, 2004, as a Category 3 storm. The large hurricane’s strong winds also wreaked havoc in Florida’s Panhandle. Officials say it left behind an estimated $14.2 billion in damages.

Ivan was one of four hurricanes that hit Florida that year, along with Charley, Frances and Jeanne. Ivan also rolled through Grenada, damaging nearly all of the homes on the tiny Caribbean island.

Florida Department of Emergency Management Director Bryan Koon said Tuesday that Floridians should use this anniversary to prepare a family emergency plan and a disaster supply kit.