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.
Explore related topics
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 endorsement
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.
