North Carolina’s hurricane season is when tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic basin is highest, posing risks to the state’s coast and inland areas. Hurricanes can bring significant impacts, including heavy winds, flooding, and storm surge.
Official Hurricane Season Dates
The official Atlantic hurricane season spans from June 1st to November 30th each year. These dates encompass the period when most tropical cyclones form in the North Atlantic Ocean. While these six months account for over 97% of Atlantic tropical cyclone activity, storms can occasionally form outside this designated window.
Monitoring for tropical cyclone activity now starts earlier, with routine tropical weather outlooks beginning on May 15th, though the official season remains June 1st to November 30th.
Understanding Peak Activity
Within the official hurricane season, activity is highest from mid-August through October for North Carolina and the broader Atlantic basin. The climatological peak of the season, when the most tropical storms and hurricanes have historically occurred, falls around September 10th. This period often sees the most intense and frequent storms.
Several meteorological factors contribute to this peak. Ocean waters reach their warmest temperatures, often exceeding 26-27°C (79-81°F), which provides the energy needed for hurricanes to form and strengthen. Additionally, vertical wind shear, which can disrupt developing storms, tends to be at its lowest from mid-August through early October. These conditions, combined with favorable atmospheric moisture and the frequent rolling off of tropical disturbances from the western coast of Africa, create an environment conducive to tropical cyclone development.
Preparing for the Season
Given North Carolina’s vulnerability to hurricanes, annual preparation is important. Residents should develop a family emergency plan, including designated meeting points and communication strategies. Assembling a disaster kit with non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, and important documents is also important.
Understanding local evacuation routes and North Carolina’s “Know Your Zone” system is another important step. This tiered system identifies areas most vulnerable to storm surge and flooding, allowing local officials to issue targeted evacuation orders. Securing homes by covering windows, moving loose outdoor objects indoors, and clearing drainage systems can help mitigate potential damage. Staying informed through official sources like local emergency management and the National Hurricane Center is also important throughout the season.