Hurricane Hugo (1989)
| Landfall | Sept. 21, 1989 |
|---|---|
| Where | Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina |
| Strength at landfall | Category 4, about 140 mph sustained winds |
Hugo hit just north of Charleston near midnight after devastating Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
What happened
- Storm surge of up to about 20 feet hit the coast north of Charleston.
- It caused heavy damage far inland, reaching Charlotte.
Lessons for the next storm
Storm surge and flooding rain, not just wind, cause most of the damage and deaths in storms like Hugo. Know your evacuation zone before the season, and leave when officials tell you to. See our hurricane prep guide and what the categories really mean.
Live trackers for towns in its path
More hurricane history
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Local storm-prep businessesGeneral information, not an official forecast. Always follow the National Hurricane Center, the National Weather Service and your local emergency management.