hurricane season

What We Know About This Year’s Hurricane Season

2020 has already delivered eight hurricanes, causing extensive damage and loss on the islands off the North Atlantic coast as well as along the Gulf of Mexico. However, we are nowhere near the end of the hurricane season.

Hurricane season typically begins on June 1st and ends on November 30th, with the majority of major disturbances occurring between August and late-October.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an above-normal hurricane season, with an 85% chance of an above-normal season, a 10% chance of a near-normal season, and a 5% chance of a below-normal season.

Due to the influx in storms, it is predicted that the Greek Alphabet will likely have to be used in the coming weeks as a way to name storms. The Greek Alphabet has not been utilized since the historic 2005 hurricane season that developed catastrophic hurricanes like Katrina and Rita.

We’ve still got a ways to go in this year’s hurricane season so it’s important for everyone, especially those in hurricane-prone areas like South Carolina, to always be prepared for the potentially devastating effects of a hurricane. Knowing evacuation routes and stocking up on emergency supplies like water and non-perishable foods are two ways to ensure you and your family are adequately prepared for a hurricane.

News

The Latest On Hurricane Dorian And What It Means For South Carolina

Source: Bloomberg

Hurricane Dorian is out in the Atlantic and headed for the United States. What does this mean for South Carolina? Well, that’s yet to be determined.

Predictions are saying a landfall in Florida is most likely but experts are saying it’s still too early to say for sure. A landfall anywhere between Florida to the South Carolina coast is possible. And Dorian has proven to be unpredictable.

It was originally thought the hurricane would pass over Peurto Rico and lose strength as it crossed over the high mountains. However, the storm shifted and passed just north of the country meaning the hurricane is now able to gain strength as it enters warmer water.

Hurricane #Dorian Advisory 19: Hurricane Hunters Find Dorian Strengthening. https://t.co/VqHn0u1vgc

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 29, 2019

In addition to the warmer water, the storm’s speed has slowed and is continuing to get more organized. By early Friday morning, Dorian is expected to be a strong category 2 hurricane.

As Dorian approaches the United States over the weekend, South Carolina should be watching the high-pressure system just off the coast that will keep Dorian from barrelling towards our state. If this system shifts north, a turn towards South Carolina is more possible.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in Florida ahead of the storm as they prepare for impact. Predictions have Dorian making landfall between Monday night and early Tuesday morning as a major category 4 hurricane.

As Hurricane #Dorian approaches, I’ve declared a state of emergency to ensure local governments and emergency management agencies have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared. Please continue to follow local reports and @FLSERT for updates. https://t.co/FyQM6wd8er

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 28, 2019

So while South Carolina is most likely in the clear, it’s still important to monitor as changes may occur. Stay up to date with the latest forecast by visiting the National Hurricane Center.

Guest Columns

Hurricane Season Is Here Yet Again And It’s Time To Get Prepared

Featured Image Credit: NOAA

Within the past century, South Carolina has been hit with billion-dollar storms and hurricanes causing nearly 100 deaths. This year, with the predictions leaning towards a more active Atlantic storm year, the first day of hurricane season isn’t something to be happy about.

Here are some of the worst storms to hit South Carolina in the last century:

Hurricane Hugo:

According to the Department of Natural Resources, when Hurricane Hugo landed on Sullivans Island in 1989 top winds were measured at 140 miles-per-hour. This Category 4 storm managed to travel all the way from West Africa to South Carolina. Hugo traveled up to Columbia during the early morning hours, causing about $7 billion in damage and killing 49 people. About 60,000 people lost their homes due to the storm.

Image Credit: Hugh Morton. North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives, UNC Chapel Hill

Hurricane Hazel:

Hurricane Hazel’s winds were at about 140 miles-per-hour when it hit near Little River. In 1954, this Category 4 storm made landfall in the little border town between North and South Carolina. The residents were only given a 24-hour heads up about the hurricane, which caused it about $163 million in damage and 95 deaths, and it continued to move north towards Canada. According to the Department of Natural Resources, every pier in Myrtle Beach and many beach-front homes were destroyed.

Image Credit: Beaufort County Library

Hurricane Gracie:

As Hurricane Gracie took aim at South Carolina, the residence on the coast prepared for a Category 4 hurricane. Luckily, before making landfall, Gracie was downgraded to a Category 3, with maximum winds at 125 miles-per-hour. Overall, the storm wracked up $14 million worth of damage and 22 deaths. About half of that damage was in Charleston County.

Image Credit: Joe Burbank, Orlando Sentinel

Hurricane Matthew:

Although only a Category 1 storm, Hurricane Matthew caused enough damage to retire its name from the list of Atlantic Hurricane names, according to the National Weather Service. The storm was the most powerful of the 2016 storm season. Before hitting South Carolina, the hurricane made three different landfalls. Winds were measured at 87 miles-per-hour in Hilton Head. Matthew cause 25 deaths in North Carolina and 4 deaths in South Carolina and an estimated $10.3 billion in damage.

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