Here are 3 major hurricanes that have hit Hilton Head Island in the past decade
Quickly approaching, Hilton Head Island’s hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts until November 30.
Here’s a list of what you should know and a list of three major hurricanes that impacted the area.
What constitutes a major hurricane?
According to the National Hurricane Center, hurricanes rated Category 3 and higher are ranked as major hurricanes. Major hurricanes have extremely strong wind strength, which can potentially cause catastrophic damages and significant loss of life. This doesn’t mean that Category 1 and 2 hurricanes won’t cause any major damage. All hurricanes, regardless of their ranked category, have the potential to produce deadly storm surges, flooding from rain and resulting spin off tornadoes. The Saffir- Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale estimates the potential property damage from a hurricane’s sustained wind speed based off of a 1 to 5 scale rating.
Major hurricanes that have impacted Hilton Head
Hurricane Dorian
Staying off the coast of South Carolina in 2019, this hurricane blew damaging wind and rain onto Hilton Head Island Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning on Sept. 4-5. Dorian caused significant tree damage throughout the island due to high wind speeds. Ranked as a Category 3 hurricane when off the coast of South Carolina, Dorian’s maximum sustained wind speed was near 115 mph at the time. The Island Packet previously reported on damages and several downed trees scattered around the island following the hurricane.
Hurricane Irma
Although beginning as a Category 5, the highest ranking on the Saffir- Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, Irma hit the Lowcountry only as a tropical storm. Hitting Hilton Head Island on Sept. 11, 2017, Irma caused flooding due to storm surges, which was the primary cause of more than $1.3 million in structural damage on the island, as previously reported by The Island Packet. At the hurricane’s maximum strength, Irma had recorded maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, which was recorded on Sept. 5, 2017.
Hurricane Matthew
After hitting Hilton Head during the early hours of Oct. 8, 2016, Hurricane Matthew flooded the island. Initially beginning as a Category 5 hurricane, Matthew hit the island as a Category 2 hurricane that substantially flooded and bore down numerous trees. Wind speeds presumably reached a total of 88 mph, had a total of 14.04 inches of rainfall, destroyed many of the island’s dunes and properties and reportedly cost over $51 million in hurricane response efforts, according to previous Island Packet reporting.
Hurricane preparedness
Know your zone: As Hilton Head Island is on the coast, it’s important to know zoning for evacuation and informational purposes. Zoning information can be found here.
Be prepared: Before hurricane season begins, it’s important to consider these factors in advance.
Be in-the-know: If a hurricane strikes, it’s important to have a reliable source for obtaining essential emergency information. Here is a list of important sources to know.
- Questions: The Town of Hilton Head Island provides a list of frequently asked questions for hurricane preparedness in case one threatens the island. These answers are essential to know ahead of time in order for families to be prepared and stay safe.
This story was originally published April 9, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
