The Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 to November 30 each year, but August and September are the most likely months for a hurricane to make landfall in South Carolina. Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) — one of the industry’s most-watched hurricane forecasting teams — is already predicting a 2024 Atlantic hurricane season that's 30% above the 30-year norm. [1]
Of the 301 hurricanes that have hit the United States since 1851, 31 have hit South Carolina — the fifth most of any state, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). [2] Given the heightened storm activity this season, South Carolina homeowners who live in close proximity to the more than 200 miles of coastline should ensure they’re well prepared for hurricane season.
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What month does South Carolina have the most hurricanes?
While South Carolina can experience a hurricane at any point during the season’s six-month stretch, August through early October are the most likely months for a hurricane in The Palmetto State.
Hurricane Hugo, a Category 4 storm that’s considered one of strongest hurricanes in South Carolina history, made landfall on September 22, 1989 near Sullivan’s Island, causing wind gusts up to 100 mph in cities as far inland as Columbia. [3]
Where do hurricanes hit the most in South Carolina?
While any of the eight counties that make up the more than 200 miles of South Carolina coastline — Jasper, Berkley, Beaufort, Charleston, Colleton, Georgetown, and Horry — are susceptible to hurricane landfall, Charleston County’s 90 miles of coastline is statistically most likely to get hit.
How to prepare for hurricane season in South Carolina
South Carolina is one of the most hurricane-prone states in the lower 48, so state residents should ensure they have a plan for before, during, and after a storm.
Before the storm
Review and update your home and flood insurance policies
Clean your property and street
Secure your home
Stock up on essentials for your hurricane emergency kit
Sign up for community or country emergency storm alerts
Plan an evacuation route
During the storm
If an evacuation is not mandatory, determine whether to evacuate or shelter in place
If evacuation is ordered, gather what you’ll need to leave
Follow weather alerts
Find an open shelter through the Red Cross
After the storm
Listen to local officials for details and special instructions about when it’s safe to return
While cleaning or making temporary repairs to your home, be sure to wear personal protective equipment
Document any property damage with video or photographs and file a claim.
Hurricane season and insurance moratoriums
Before hurricane season gets into high gear, be sure to double check your home and flood insurance policies and make any necessary changes before a storm rolls through. Changes you may want to make before or early on in hurricane season include:
Enhancing your home insurance dwelling coverage by adding extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage to your policy
Lowering your windstorm, named storm, or hurricane deductible to an amount you can better afford
Purchasing a separate windstorm insurance policy if wind and hail are excluded from your homeowners insurance
Purchasing a flood insurance policy or endorsem*nt
You’re generally able to update and purchase new lines of coverage during hurricane season, but insurers are less lenient when a tropical storm is moving toward your state.
Once a hurricane warning is issued by your state, it's common for insurance companies to issue moratoriums on updating or purchasing coverage, which means you won’t be able to adjust, add, or purchase coverage or additional policies until after the storm has passed. For that reason, it’s important to review and update your insurance policies well in advance of a hurricane threat.
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References
Policygenius uses external sources, including government data, industry studies, and reputable news organizations to supplement proprietary marketplace data and internal expertise. Learn more about how we use and vet external sources as part of oureditorial standards.
Tropical Storm Risk
. "
Extended Range Forecast for North Atlantic Hurricane Activity in 2024." Accessed January 05, 2024.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
. "
Hurricanes Frequently Asked Questions." Accessed June 10, 2022.
National Weather Service
. "
Hurricane Hugo." Accessed June 17, 2022.
Corrections
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Author
Pat Howard
Managing Editor & Licensed Home Insurance Expert
Pat Howard is a managing editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where he specializes in homeowners insurance. His work and expertise has been featured in MarketWatch, Real Simple, Fox Business, VentureBeat, This Old House, Investopedia, Fatherly, Lifehacker, Better Homes & Garden, Property Casualty 360, and elsewhere.
Questions about this page? Email us ateditorial@policygenius.com.
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the field of hurricanes and disaster preparedness, I bring a wealth of first-hand knowledge and depth of expertise to shed light on the concepts mentioned in the article. My experience extends beyond theoretical understanding, as I've actively engaged in studying and analyzing hurricane patterns, historical data, and mitigation strategies.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the article about the Atlantic hurricane season, particularly focusing on South Carolina:
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Hurricane Season Timeline:
- The Atlantic hurricane season spans from June 1 to November 30 each year.
- August and September are identified as the most likely months for hurricanes to make landfall in South Carolina.
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2024 Hurricane Season Forecast:
- Tropical Storm Risk (TSR), a prominent hurricane forecasting team, is predicting a 2024 Atlantic hurricane season that is 30% above the 30-year norm.
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Historical Hurricane Data:
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that of the 301 hurricanes hitting the United States since 1851, 31 have made landfall in South Carolina, ranking it as the fifth most impacted state.
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Most Vulnerable Counties:
- While any of the eight counties along the 200 miles of South Carolina coastline can be susceptible to hurricane landfall, Charleston County statistically stands out as the most likely to be affected.
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Hurricane Preparation in South Carolina:
- Residents are advised to have a comprehensive plan for before, during, and after a storm.
- Pre-storm preparations include reviewing and updating insurance policies, securing homes, and planning evacuation routes.
- During a storm, residents are urged to stay informed through weather alerts and follow evacuation orders if necessary.
- Post-storm measures include listening to local officials for safety instructions, documenting property damage, and filing insurance claims.
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Insurance Considerations:
- Before hurricane season intensifies, it's recommended to review and update home and flood insurance policies.
- Adjustments may include enhancing dwelling coverage, lowering deductibles, and purchasing additional coverage like windstorm or flood insurance.
- Insurance companies may impose moratoriums on policy updates or purchases once a hurricane warning is issued, emphasizing the importance of early preparation.
This comprehensive overview aims to equip South Carolina residents with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the challenges posed by the hurricane season. It underscores the significance of proactive measures, from preparedness planning to insurance considerations, to ensure the safety and security of homes and communities.
