Hurricane Andrew anniversary: Looking back at the deadly Category 5 storm

Thirty years ago, Hurricane Andrew smashed into Florida, causing $30 billion in damage, with at least 65 deaths blamed on the storm.

Hurricane Andrew made landfall on Aug. 24, 1992, as an unusually compact storm, according to WFTV. It roared east to west almost in a straight line and hit just south of the core of Miami.

As it moved over Homestead, winds were strong enough to peel paint from the buildings, flip and pile cars, and carry debris as far as a mile, according to WFTV.

The devastating storm also left over 160,000 homeless.

Meteorologists later upgraded it to a Category 5 hurricane with 167 mph winds at one point and a 17-foot storm surge, according to The Associated Press.

Andrew was also the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history, later surpassed by Hurricane Katrina.

Devastating hurricanes in U.S. history (NCD)

Extreme damage motivated a drive for more accurate forecasts and building codes adopted more rigid standards to withstand hurricane-force winds. It marked the turning point that set Florida on track to become a national leader in emergency management.

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