Hurricanes and tropical storms frequently affect South Carolina, which is considered one of the most vulnerable states in the nation to these weather systems. The state’s position on the Atlantic coast makes it a primary target during the official hurricane season. This recurring threat necessitates ongoing awareness and preparation from coastal residents and those farther inland. The impacts of these storms involve widespread flooding and dangerous storm surge along the entire coastline, in addition to high winds.
Historical Frequency and Notable Storms
South Carolina has a long history of tropical cyclone impacts, with 45 landfalls recorded on its coast between 1851 and 2024. Of the more than 300 hurricanes that have affected the United States since 1851, 31 have hit South Carolina, giving it the fifth-highest number of landfalls by state. The state has experienced four major hurricanes—Category 3 or higher—making landfall during this period, with no Category 5 landfall on record.
One of the most destructive storms was Hurricane Hugo, which made landfall near Sullivan’s Island in 1989 as a Category 4 hurricane with estimated maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. Hugo created the highest storm tide on record along the U.S. East Coast, with a surge of about 20 feet in the Bulls Bay area. Hurricane Florence in 2018, while making landfall in North Carolina, dumped record-breaking rainfall across parts of South Carolina. This excessive rain led to historic river crests and severe, prolonged inland flooding, demonstrating that a direct coastal hit is not necessary for catastrophic impacts. Earlier storms, such as Hurricane Hazel in 1954, also made landfall as a powerful Category 4 near the state border, causing immense damage along the Grand Strand.
Seasonal Timing and Geographic Vulnerability
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30 each year. While storms can occur throughout this six-month window, the peak activity typically happens between mid-August and late October. Historically, no major hurricane has made landfall in the state before mid-August or after mid-October.
The state’s geographic vulnerability is concentrated along its 187 miles of coastline, which is bordered by six counties. The Lowcountry region (including Charleston and Beaufort) and the Grand Strand area (encompassing Myrtle Beach) are particularly at risk due to their low coastal elevations. Charleston County is statistically the most likely to experience a hurricane strike. However, the threat is not confined to the immediate coast; inland areas, including the Midlands and the Upstate, face significant risks from heavy rainfall, high winds, and tornadoes spun off by the storm’s outer bands.
Understanding Hurricane Intensity and Impacts
The strength of a hurricane is classified using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which categorizes storms from 1 to 5 based on sustained wind speed. A Category 1 hurricane has winds between 74 and 95 mph, capable of causing some damage and power outages. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 (111-129 mph) or higher are considered major hurricanes due to their potential for devastating damage and significant loss of life.
The three primary threats from a hurricane are storm surge, high winds, and inland flooding. Storm surge is a dome of water pushed onto the shore by the force of the winds, and it is the leading cause of death in landfalling tropical cyclones. The low-lying elevation of South Carolina’s coast makes it highly susceptible to this rapid inundation. High winds cause widespread destruction to buildings and utility infrastructure. Even after a storm weakens inland, prolonged heavy rainfall can trigger life-threatening river and flash flooding far from the coast.
Official Warning Systems and Evacuation Procedures
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) coordinates official response and provides actionable information during a hurricane threat. Residents receive information through various channels, including the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, which sends alerts directly to mobile devices. The National Weather Service issues two primary alerts: a Hurricane Watch means hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours. A Hurricane Warning means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours, signaling that all preparations should be complete.
SCEMD encourages residents to “Know Your Zone” by checking the state’s official evacuation maps, which designate specific coastal areas for mandatory evacuation. When a mandatory evacuation order is issued by the Governor, residents in the affected zones must leave immediately to ensure their safety and the clear movement of traffic. The state utilizes systems like CodeRED to send public safety information and alerts to registered phone numbers and emails. These official warnings are designed to give residents enough time to secure property, follow evacuation routes, and reach a safe location before the storm’s arrival.