Watch hurricane alerts for South Carolina and see how Hugo's 140 mph landfall compares with Matthew and Ian
Is there a hurricane in South Carolina right now?
No tropical watches or warnings are in effect for South Carolina right now, and none of the storms we track has alerts here.
Hurricanes that made landfall in South Carolina
South Carolina hurricane history: 25 in the official NHC record. Most recent first.
The most recent was Ian in 2022, with winds of 80 mph at landfall.
| Storm | Date | Winds at landfall | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ian (2022) | Sep 30, 2022 | 80 mph | Category 1 |
| Matthew (2016) | Oct 8, 2016 | 85 mph | Category 1 |
| Gaston (2004) | Aug 29, 2004 | 75 mph | Category 1 |
| Charley (2004) | Aug 14, 2004 | 80 mph | Category 1 |
| Hugo (1989) | Sep 22, 1989 | 140 mph | Category 4 |
| Bob (1985) | Jul 25, 1985 | 75 mph | Category 1 |
| Gracie (1959) | Sep 29, 1959 | 130 mph | Category 4 |
| Cindy (1959) | Jul 9, 1959 | 75 mph | Category 1 |
| Hazel (1954) | Oct 15, 1954 | 130 mph | Category 4 |
| Able (1952) | Aug 31, 1952 | 100 mph | Category 2 |
| Unnamed (1940) | Aug 11, 1940 | 100 mph | Category 2 |
| Unnamed (1928) | Sep 18, 1928 | 85 mph | Category 1 |
Show the other 13 storms
| Unnamed (1916) | Jul 14, 1916 | 110 mph | Category 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unnamed (1913) | Oct 8, 1913 | 75 mph | Category 1 |
| Unnamed (1911) | Aug 28, 1911 | 100 mph | Category 2 |
| Unnamed (1906) | Sep 17, 1906 | 90 mph | Category 1 |
| Unnamed (1904) | Sep 14, 1904 | 80 mph | Category 1 |
| Unnamed (1899) | Oct 31, 1899 | 110 mph | Category 2 |
| Unnamed (1898) | Aug 31, 1898 | 85 mph | Category 1 |
| Unnamed (1894) | Sep 27, 1894 | 90 mph | Category 1 |
| Unnamed (1893) | Oct 13, 1893 | 120 mph | Category 3 |
| Unnamed (1885) | Aug 25, 1885 | 105 mph | Category 2 |
| Unnamed (1878) | Sep 12, 1878 | 90 mph | Category 1 |
| Unnamed (1874) | Sep 28, 1874 | 90 mph | Category 1 |
| Unnamed (1867) | Jun 22, 1867 | 80 mph | Category 1 |
2020s: 1 · 2010s: 1 · 2000s: 2 · 1980s: 2 · 1950s: 4 · 1940s: 1 · 1920s: 1 · 1910s: 3 · 1900s: 2 · 1890s: 4 · 1880s: 1 · 1870s: 2 · 1860s: 1
Counts Atlantic hurricanes whose center crossed the South Carolina coast with winds of at least 74 mph at that moment, from NHC landfall records matched to the nearest state within 25 miles. A storm that weakened before landfall is not counted, and a storm that struck another state first is counted only where it made landfall. Winds shown are at landfall, not the peak of the storm. Source: NOAA National Hurricane Center HURDAT2. Past counts do not predict the next season.
Official sources for South Carolina
Evacuation orders and local forecasts come from these offices, not from us.
South Carolina evacuation zones, orders and routes
Evacuation is ordered by local officials. These are the official places to check your zone and any orders.
Hurricane season in South Carolina: dates and what to do
The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Activity usually peaks around September 10, with most storms between mid-August and mid-October (National Hurricane Center).
Hurricane trackers for other states
Common questions about hurricanes in South Carolina
How many hurricanes have made landfall in South Carolina?
The National Hurricane Center record lists 25 hurricane landfalls on South Carolina's coast since 1867. The table on this page shows each one.
When was the last hurricane in South Carolina?
The most recent hurricane landfall on South Carolina's coast in the National Hurricane Center record is Ian in 2022, with winds of 80 mph at landfall.
What was the strongest hurricane to hit South Carolina?
By wind speed, Hugo in 1989: 140 mph at landfall. Hurricanes are rated by wind speed only, so a storm with weaker winds can still cause more damage from surge or flooding.
Which decade had the most hurricanes in South Carolina?
The 1950s, with 4 of the 25 landfalls in the record. A busy decade does not predict the next one, because each season depends on that year's ocean and wind conditions.
Where do I find evacuation zones, orders and routes in South Carolina?
Start with South Carolina Emergency Management Division. Evacuation zones and orders are set by your county or state emergency management office, not by us. Follow local orders and check your zone before a storm threatens.