Hurricane Andrew: Museum exhibits mark 25th anniversary
By Johnny Diaz
May 26, 2017 | 12:00 AM
A quarter century later, Andrew's legacy is everywhere. He's there when we plan and prepare for potential disasters. He looms when we buy and build houses – and unfortunately when we buy property insurance.
It's been 25 years since Hurricane Andrew struck South Florida, reshaping lives and leaving memories and lessons.
The anniversary — and the approaching start of hurricane season — have two museums reflecting on the Category 5 storm and its aftermath with historic photos, video footage and stories from those who lived through it.
On June 1, HistoryMiami Museum opens "Hurricane Andrew: 25 Years Later." The 5,000-square-foot exhibit was curated by Bryan Norcross, the meteorologist who became known as the "voice of Andrew" for his 23-hour weather coverage for what was then WTVJ-Ch. 4.
"Most people think of Andrew as an incredible hurricane, but it was much more. It was an epic event like nothing we have seen since," said Norcross, a Miami Beach resident who lives part-time in Atlanta, where he now works at The Weather Channel.
Visitors entering the exhibit will literally walk into Andrew. Plexiglass screens will hang in a circular formation to represent hurricane feeder bands. Displayed on the screens: images of the formation of the hurricane and its path, news footage with Norcross and others, as well as photos and interviews with 18 people who survived the disaster.
"If you were here during Hurricane Andrew, you know what a life-altering moment it was for so many," said museum director Jorge Zamanillo, in a release. "Lives were changed, people were at a loss, but the community came together like never before."
Norcross shared with the museum some of the dozens of letters that he received from South Florida viewers. He also just self-published a book, "My Hurricane Andrew Story: The story behind the preparation, the terror, the resilience, and the renowned TV coverage of the Great Hurricane of 1992."
"People that went through it in south [Miami-Dade County] divide their lives between before Andrew and after Andrew," he said. "It was a life-altering and mind-altering event. Emotions that deep fade slowly. It's hard to forget what you can still feel."
He thinks past lessons learned from Andrew should help prepare South Florida for future storms.
"I hope everybody comes to see the exhibit to appreciate what people went through, but also to understand what we should prepare for," he said. "If we have a plan to deal with another Andrew, we can handle anything."
The exhibit is expected to remain open through Jan. 14 at HistoryMiami Museum, 101 W. Flagler St. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6 to 12, $8 for seniors and students with identification, and free for museum members and children younger than 6. Visit historymiami.org or call 305-375-1492.
More memories from Andrew
"When the sun came up, it looked like a bomb had hit."
"As far as my eyes could see, there was nothing left."
The words from survivors are part of a permanent mini-exhibit that opened May 20 at the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale. Images and information about Andrew grace columns adjacent to the museum's first-floor Storm Center.
"For many young people, a major hurricane in South Florida is just ancient history. It is important to raise awareness that the hurricane threat here is real, and that there are many ways to take precautions that will save lives and property," said Kim Cavendish, the museum's president and CEO.
9 things to do with the kids this weekend: July 18-21
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse will be able to tag along on your vehicle
Cirque du Soleil brings 'Corteo' to BB&T Center | Video
One panel lists statistics, such as that the storm had "165 mph winds at landfall with gusts to 175 mph," and how the storm surge reached "16.9 feet at Burger King International Headquarters," across from Miami International Airport.
Another column has a monitor playing a video loop of meteorologists Norcross and former Univision weatherman John Morales (who is now with WTVJ-Ch. 6) explaining the storm's path and impact to English- and Spanish-speaking viewers.
The exhibit is sponsored by the Florida Division of Emergency Management and Florida International University's International Hurricane Research Center.
The Museum of Discovery and Science is at 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale. Admission is $16 for adults, $15 for seniors, $13 for ages 2 to 12 and the military, and free for children younger than 2. Visit mods.org or call 954-467-6637.
Hurricane Andrew (1992)