
Location | Max Wind Gust (mph) | Location |
---|---|---|
Wilmington, NC (airport) | 105 | Sunny Point, NC (RAWS station) |
Cape Fear Comm. College, Wilmington | 100 | Lumberton, NC (airport) |
Federal Point, NC | 99 | Ocean Isle Beach, NC |
Hampstead, NC (EMS/Fire station) | 92 | Tabor City, NC |
When was the last hurricane in Wilmington NC?
Wilmington, NC is in a very high risk hurricane zone. 91 hurricanes have been recorded in the Wilmington, NC since 1930. The largest hurricane was Charley in 2004. The most recent Wilmington, NC hurricane was Ana in 2015. View By Year.
What are facts about Hurricane Florence?
Hurricane Florence: Fast Facts
- Hurricane Florence moved over the Carolinas at a menacingly slow pace. Hurricane Florence made landfall near Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, on Sept. ...
- Dozens of people lost their lives. More than 40 people, including several children, were killed in the slow-moving storm. ...
- The risk of flooding still remains. ...
Is evacuating for Hurricane Florence?
People are evacuating South Carolina, Virginia, and North Carolina on Wednesday ahead of Hurricane Florence. It's predicted to make landfall on Saturday morning in North Carolina, before turning south.
How big was Hurricane Florence?
Florence’s hurricane force winds Wednesday evening were about 140 miles wide. That’s almost the distance you would drive if you traveled from Spartanburg to Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

What was the worst hurricane to hit Wilmington NC?
Category 4 Hurricane Hazel made landfall on October 15, 1954, near Wilmington, North Carolina. Hazel was a Category 4 hurricane when it struck North Carolina, and its winds were estimated to be 125 mph at Wrightsville Beach and 140 mph at Oak Island. The storm was the most powerful hurricane to hit the state to date.
What category was Hurricane Florence when it hit Wilmington NC?
Category 1 hurricaneHurricane Florence made landfall near Wrightsville Beach as a Category 1 hurricane, bringing slow moving downpours that caused flooding throughout eastern North Carolina. Florence was the area's costliest and wettest hurricane on record.
When did Hurricane Florence hit North Carolina?
August 31, 2018 – September 18, 2018Hurricane Florence / Date
Where did Hurricane Florence hit North Carolina?
North CarolinaSouth CarolinaEast Coast of the United StatesCape VerdeMarylandBermudaHurricane Florence/Affected areas
How much rain did Wilmington NC get from Hurricane Florence?
Some of the largest rainfall totals were measured in Elizabethtown, where nearly 3 feet of rain fell, Hampstead and areas south of Wilmington measured over 29 and 30 inches, respectively. Overall, most locations in southeastern North Carolina saw between 15-20 inches of rain.
How often does Wilmington NC get hit by hurricanes?
According to statistics from NOAA, the North Carolina coast has a direct hit from a Category 3 or stronger hurricane, on average, every 14 to 22 years.
How many hurricanes have hit North Carolina?
Number of hurricanes by state, 1851-2020RankStateAll hurricanes1Florida1202Texas643Louisiana624North Carolina5816 more rows•Jul 19, 2021
Where did Hurricane Florence hit the hardest?
As Florence approached landfall, it became increasingly clear that flood risk would be the predominant concern. Rainfall records were broken across the region, with the hardest hit areas in North Carolina receiving close to 3 feet of rain and parts of South Carolina receiving close to 2 feet.
What's the worst hurricane in history?
Hurricane Ian hit parts of Florida with "catastrophic" winds and flooding in September.The Galveston Hurricane of 1900 was, and still is, the deadliest hurricane to hit the United States. ... A large section of Galveston was destroyed by the storm. ... The Miami Hurricane of 1926 crippled Florida for decades.More items...•
When did hurricane Fran hit North Carolina?
August 23, 1996 – September 10, 1996Hurricane Fran / Date
Where did Hurricane Florence flood?
Unlike other hurricanes, Florence is remembered not for its Saffir-Simpson category strength but instead for the catastrophic flooding it caused across both South Carolina and North Carolina.
What hurricanes hit South Carolina in 2018?
Hurricane Florence was a powerful hurricane that caused severe damage in the Carolinas in September 2018, primarily as a result of freshwater flooding.
Where did Hurricane Florence hit the hardest?
As Florence approached landfall, it became increasingly clear that flood risk would be the predominant concern. Rainfall records were broken across the region, with the hardest hit areas in North Carolina receiving close to 3 feet of rain and parts of South Carolina receiving close to 2 feet.
Why are Category 1 cyclones more damaging than Category 5?
Answer: Compared to a fast-moving category storm, a category cyclone can produce significantly more rain and generate significantly more flooding and landslides. Size is important. The category may be much larger than the category and may stay in one place for a lot longer.
What's the worst hurricane in history?
Hurricane Ian hit parts of Florida with "catastrophic" winds and flooding in September.The Galveston Hurricane of 1900 was, and still is, the deadliest hurricane to hit the United States. ... A large section of Galveston was destroyed by the storm. ... The Miami Hurricane of 1926 crippled Florida for decades.More items...•
What are Sapphire Simpson and Beaufort scales?
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane's sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage.
When did Florence become a tropical storm?
Florence became a tropical depression near Cape Verde on August 31 and progressed west-northwest, becoming a Tropical Storm on September 1. Florence strengthened rapidly on September 4–5, becoming a Category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph. Florence weakened to a tropical storm by September 7, ...
How much rain did Hurricane Florence cause?
The historic legacy of Hurricane Florence will be record breaking storm surge of 9 to 13 feet and devastating rainfall of 20 to 30 inches, which produced catastrophic and life-threatening flooding.
What was the name of the hurricane that hit the Carolinas?
Hurricane Florence was a long-lived Cape Verde hurricane and the wettest tropical cyclone on record in the Carolinas. The sixth named storm, third hurricane, and the first major hurricane of the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season, Florence originated from a strong tropical wave that emerged off the west coast of Africa on August 30, 2018. Florence became a tropical depression near Cape Verde on August 31 and progressed west-northwest, becoming a Tropical Storm on September 1. Florence strengthened rapidly on September 4–5, becoming a Category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph. Florence weakened to a tropical storm by September 7, but the system regained hurricane strength on September 9 and major hurricane status with winds of 140 mph on September 10. However, increasing wind shear caused the storm's winds to gradually weaken over the next few days. However, the storm's wind field continued to grow. By the evening of September 13, Florence had been downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane. Hurricane Florence made landfall near Wrightsville Beach early on Friday September 14, and weakened further as it slowly moved inland.
What was the wind speed of Hurricane Florence?
Florence seesawed in strength throughout the day and night, from a Category 3 to a 4 then back to a 3. During that time, peak wind speeds reached 130 mph.
How did the baby die in the Wilmington shooting?
Among the dead were a mother and her baby died after a tree fell on their home in Wilmington, North Carolina. The father was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries, police said.
How many people died in the storm on Sept 16?
By the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 16, the storm had caused at least 15 deaths.
What is the disaster declaration for North Carolina?
The White House announced that President Donald Trump had approved a disaster declaration for North Carolina, which makes federal aid available to supplement state funding for temporary housing and home repairs, among other forms of assistance.
What states did Trump declare an emergency for?
The White House announced that President Donald Trump had approved an emergency declaration for both North and South Carolina in anticipation of Hurricane Florence, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate all disaster relief efforts.
What year did Florence get the most rain in Wilmington?
By the morning of September 16, Wilmington had recorded more rain from Florence than any other single weather event in the city's history. Additionally, Florence contributed to the wettest year in Wilmington history, with annual rainfall totals eclipsing the previous record set in 1877.
Where did Hurricane Florence hit?
Early on September 14, Florence made landfall in the United States just south of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina as a Category 1 hurricane, and weakened further as it slowly moved inland under the influence of weak steering currents.
What was the name of the hurricane that hit the Carolinas in 2018?
Hurricane Florence. Hurricane Florence was a powerful and long-lived Cape Verde hurricane that caused catastrophic damage in the Carolinas in September 2018, primarily as a result of freshwater flooding due to torrential rain. The sixth named storm, third hurricane, and the first major hurricane of the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season, ...
How many hog waste lagoons were damaged during Hurricane Floyd?
In total, more than a hundred and thirty hog waste lagoons were compromised, and thirty-three overflowed to the point of discharging their contents into the Cape Fear River watershed. Media coverage of the hurricane drew comparisons with Hurricane Floyd; Smithfield Foods, which owns many of eastern North Carolina's hog farms, had been criticized at the time for allowing the lagoons to overflow, and had promised improvements to prevent future incidents of pollution.
How much rain did Hurricane Matthew cause in South Carolina?
The Waccamaw River in Conway crested at 22.1 ft (6.7 m) on September 26, exceeding the Hurricane Matthew record of 19.1 ft (5.8 m). At a neighborhood along South Carolina Highway 905, about 5 ft (1.5 m) of water entered some homes. Farther south along the Waccamaw River, homes in a neighborhood in Socastee were flooded with as much as 8 ft (2.4 m) of water. In western Horry County, the community of Dongola was left isolated for 10 days. The overflowing river flooded almost 1,000 homes and businesses. The storm also spawned two tornadoes in Horry County, both rated EF0. The first twister touched down just north-northeast of Myrtle Beach, causing minor damage to pine trees near Route 17 before lifting after moving only about half a mile. The other tornado touched down near Longs and also damaged pine trees and a roof.
How fast was Hurricane Florence?
An unexpected bout of rapid intensification ensued on September 4–5, culminating with Florence becoming a Category 4 major hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale (SSHWS), with estimated maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 km/h).
How much damage did Hurricane Florence cause?
Overall, the storm caused $24.23 billion in damage, mostly in the Carolinas, and 54 deaths.
Where did Hurricane Florence hit?
14 over Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, a few miles east of Wilmington and not far from the South Carolina border. The hurricane came ashore with 90-mph winds and punishing storm surge. States of emergency were declared in Georgia, South Carolina, ...
How many people died in the Carolinas from Hurricane Florence?
At least 51 people have died in the Carolinas from Hurricane Florence, which caused widespread flooding and set rain records in many areas of North Carolina. Florence is considered the wettest tropical system to hit North Carolina, according to the Weather Channel, and some parts received nearly 3 feet of rain.
What is the name of the storm that swept through the Carolinas on Sept 15?
Sept. 15: Florence is a 350-mile-wide tropical storm that is dumping massive amounts of rain throughout the Carolinas. Some areas experience record rainfall with widespread flooding and predictions for it to get worse. Winds have lessened to 45 mph.
How to pray for people affected by Hurricane Florence?
Pray: Please join us in prayer for people affected by Hurricane Florence. Almighty Father, we ask for Your care and protection for people affected by Florence and its destructive flooding. Give them the assurance of Your presence and equip those who will provide relief and assistance after the storm passes. Strengthen the minds and bodies of first responders for the days ahead.
How many homes were destroyed by Hurricane Hazel?
Hurricane Hazel, packing winds of 130 mph, destroyed 15,000 homes and killed 19 people in North Carolina. Since then, North and South Carolinians have weathered dozens of hurricanes of varying force and impact. BACK TO QUESTIONS.
When was Florence downgraded to a tropical storm?
By 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, Florence was downgraded to a tropical storm as it poured rain across the Carolinas and moved northeast
How much rain will it get on Sept. 16?
Sept. 16: Some areas receive as much as 34 inches of rain from Sept. 13 to Sept. 16.
What is the phone number for Hurricane Florence?
Call 2-1-1 or text “FLORENCE” to 898211 for questions about Hurricane Florence.
How to donate to Hurricane Recovery in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, visit the NC Disaster Relief Fund and click “Donate to Hurricane Recovery,” or text "FLORENCE" to 20222.
Where did Hurricane Florence hit?
(WECT) WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Hurricane Florence was one of the most historic hurricanes to ever hit southeastern North Carolina. Though Florence made landfall as ...
What was the most historic hurricane in North Carolina?
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Hurricane Florence was one of the most historic hurricanes to ever hit southeastern North Carolina. Though Florence made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, it produced catastrophic freshwater and river flooding. It also spawned many small tornado touchdowns more than 48 hours ...
What was the wind speed of Hurricane Hazel?
This pushed an 18-foot storm surge on to the beaches of Brunswick County, wiping out nearly all structures along the coastline. Winds were in the 125-140 mph range with Hazel, compared to the general 70-90 mph range with Florence.
How fast was Florence in Hazel?
Winds were in the 125-140 mph range with Hazel, compared to the general 70-90 mph range with Florence. Following Hazel, the Raleigh Weather Bureau declared, “All traces of civilization on the immediate waterfront from the state line to Cape Fear are practically annihilated.”. Ultimately, Florence’s large size and slow movement sealed southeast ...
How much rain did Elizabethtown get?
Some of the largest rainfall totals were measured in Elizabethtown, where nearly 3 feet of rain fell, Hampstead and areas south of Wilmington measured over 29 and 30 inches, respectively. Overall, most locations in southeastern North Carolina saw between 15-20 inches of rain.

Overview
Meteorological history
On August 28, 2018, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) began monitoring a tropical wave—an elongated trough of low air pressure—over Western Africa for possible tropical cyclogenesis within the subsequent five days. As it progressed westwards under the influence of easterly trade winds, favorable environmental conditions, including ample moisture and low wind shear, enabled further orga…
Preparations
Upon the designation of Potential Tropical Cyclone Six on August 30, the government of Cape Verde issued tropical storm warnings for the islands of Brava, Fogo, and Santiago. Domestic airlines cancelled 20 flights on August 31 and September 1; maritime travel was also suspended for this period. Mariners were advised to remain cautious of large swells around the islands, potentially reac…
Impact
Disruptive rainfall and strong winds affected Brava, Fogo, and Santiago in Cape Verde, causing some landslides and localized flooding. Impacts from the storm were otherwise minimal, with no material damage reported.
Large swells and rip currents from the storm reached Bermuda on September 7.
In Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, 27 people required lifeguard rescue betw…
Aftermath
On September 19, after the rain had stopped, a majority of evacuees were urged by officials to stay away from their homes as the rivers continued to rise; the potential threat of floods remained high, roads remained closed, and thousands lacked power to their homes. Many individuals whose homes were ruined due to the hurricane were offered aid through Red Cross shelters, rental assistance fr…
See also
• List of Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes
• Lists of tropical cyclones by area:
• 1933 Chesapeake–Potomac hurricane – Category 4 hurricane that took a similar track to Florence as it approached the US, before making landfall near Chesapeake Bay
External links
• The National Hurricane Center's advisory archive on Hurricane Florence
• The Weather Prediction Center's advisory archive on Hurricane Florence
• The Weather Prediction Center's storm summary archive on Florence