Hurricane Hugo - Do you remember?

9/26/2023 (Permalink)

Hurricane Hugo over the Atlantic Ocean heading for the cost of South Carolina.

During the month of September, we have been alerting our residents to be prepared for an emergency. September has been identified as National Preparedness Month – a reminder to prepare for the potential of severe weather - let us all be reminded of Hurricane Hugo. Hurricane Hugo was a powerful Cape Verde tropical cyclone that inflicted widespread damage across the northeastern Caribbean and the Southeastern United States in September 1989. South Carolina was a direct hit of this Category 5 Hurricane. The scale of Hurricane Hugo impacts led to the retirement of the name Hugo from any Atlantic hurricane names.

Hugo was the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the continental US since Hurricane Cammille in 1969. Hugo set records across South Carolina and the storm surge heights and winds brought extensive damage to South Carolina. Forests were impacted between South Carolina into Virginia.

Hurricane Hugo left its mark on South Carolina and the barrier islands of the coast. Many people were not prepared for such an event. We encourage everyone to have a plan and be prepared for severe weather – Hurricane season is far from over – but our hope is that we never experience the devastation Hugo left in its path.