On September 22nd, 1989, Hurricane Hugo made landfall just north of Charleston, South Carolina as a Category 4 storm. With maximum sustained winds of 135-140 mph and a minimum central pressure of 27.58 inches Hg (934 mb), Hugo was the strongest hurricane to strike the US in two decades. It caused catastrophic damage across the Caribbean and along the coast of South Carolina, setting new records for storm surge heights along the US East Coast at 20.2 ft (6.2 m) near McClellanville, South Carolina.
In the U.S. Virgin Islands three people were killed and $500 million worth of damage was inflicted by Hugo, making it one of the deadliest and costliest storms ever to pass through that region. The same could be said for Charleston, SC where Hugo’s peak winds caused significant destruction from Sullivan’s Island all the way to McClellanville and beyond.
Miraculously only eight people died in South Carolina due to Hugo’s tremendous force – in comparison with other major hurricanes like Katrina which claimed over 1,800 lives – but neverheless over $7 billion worth of damage was reported throughout the state making it one of the costliest storms in US history at that time (now surpassed by Katrina). In addition to destroying homes and businesses throughout Charleston County, Hugo also had a direct impact on major infrastructure like bridges, roads, power lines and more – leading to months of rebuilding effort following its passing.
Despite its devastating effects on multiple states and countries throughout its lifetime – from September 10th until September 28th – Hurricane Hugo is remembered today as one of America’s worst storms but also as an example of resilience in times of crisis: during its aftermath numerous relief efforts were organized to help those affected by this natural disaster rebuild their homes and lives despite all odds.
The Impact of Hurricane Hugo
Hurricane Hugo hit the hardest along the coast of South Carolina. It set a new record for storm surge heights along the U.S. East Coast, reaching 20.2 feet (6.2 meters) near McClellanville, South Carolina. The storm caused widespread destruction throughout the state, damaging more than 30,000 homes and destroying more than 3,000 businesses and other buildings. Additionally, power outages affected over 1 million people and 200,000 were left homeless for an extended period of time following the storm’s landfall. The total damage from Hugo was estimated at over $7 billion (USD) and sadly resulted in 21 deaths in South Carolina alone.
Source: orlandosentinel.com
Comparing the Severity of Hurricanes Katrina and Hugo
The answer to which hurricane was worse, Katrina or Hugo, depends on a variety of factors. Hurricane Katrina was the costliest storm in U.S. history at $108 billion in damage and more than 1,800 fatalities, making it the most destructive hurricane ever in terms of financial cost. However, Hurricane Hugo was a very powerful storm with winds of up to 140 mph when it made landfall near Charleston, South Carolina as a Category 4 storm. Although catastrophic damage occurred in the Midlands whee Hugo passed through, the overall death toll was significantly lower than that of Katrina at 49 fatalities. Additionally, Hugo caused widespread power outages across the Southeast and resulted in significant beach erosion along the coastlines.
When comparing the two storms, it is difficult to determine which one was worse without taking into account all aspects of their respective impacts on various areas. Ultimately, both storms were incredibly destructive with catastrophic effects on the areas they impacted.
The Landfall of Hurricane Hugo in 1989
Hurricane Hugo made landfall on September 22, 1989 at Sullivan’s Island, just north of Charleston, South Carolina. The storm was a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 135-140 mph and a minimum central pressure of 27.58 inches Hg (934 mb). This landfall caused extensive damage to the area and was considered one of the worst hurricanes in South Carolina’s history.
The Worst Hurricane to Hit South Carolina
The worst hurricane to hit South Carolina was Hurricane Hugo in 1989. This powerful Category 4 storm had winds of up to 135-140 mph when it made landfall near Charleston. It caused massive destruction, flooding the coastline with a 20 foot tide and causing extensive wind damage that was felt as far inland as Columbia. In addition to the physical destruction, the economic impact of this hurricane lingered for years. The estimated total damage cost was over 7 billion dollars, making it one of the most destructive storms in US history.
The Inland Reach of Hurricane Hugo
Hurricane Hugo made landfall near Charleston, South Carolina on September 22, 1989 as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 140 mph. While the immediate impact was felt along the coast, Hugo’s effects extended far inland. Hurricane-force wind gusts were observed over 200 miles from the point of landfall, and tropical storm-force winds extended up to 350 miles inland. In addition, some areas experienced an incredible 20 foot storm surge at the coast, which caused flooding up to 50 miles inland. All in all, Hurricane Hugo spread its destructive force over a large area of both South and North Carolina before losing strength as it moved further inland.
Source: ccpl.org
The Worst-Hit Cities by Hurricane Hugo
The cities hit the worst by Hurricane Hugo were Charleston, South Carolina; McClellanville, South Carolina; Georgetown, South Carolina; and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. In Charleston, Hugo caused extensive damage to the city’s coastline and infrastructure. Many homes and businesses were destroyed due to powerful winds and a large storm surge. McClellanville was also heavily damaged with up to 75% of its homes destroyed or severely damaged. Georgetown was hit hard as well with over 70% of its structures suffering major damage or destruction. Lastly, Murrells Inlet was devastated when a local marina was completely destroyed and a large diesel fuel spill occurred. Garden City also suffered tremendous losses with up to 90 percent of homes destroyed due to a powerful storm surge.
Category of Hurricane Hugo When It Hit Charlotte
When Hurricane Hugo made landfall in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 22, 1989, it was a Category 4 hurricane. Winds were estimated to have reached 140 mph (225 km/h), and the storm surge was at least 10 feet (3.05 m). The storm caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure in the area, with some estimates placing the total damage at over $1 billion dollars. Hundreds of thousands of people were left wihout power for days or weeks after the storm passed. Although it had weakened somewhat by the time it reached Charlotte, Hugo’s destructive power is still remembered today as one of the most powerful hurricanes ever to hit the Carolinas.
The Category of Hugo When It Hit Charleston
Hurricane Hugo made landfall just north of Charleston, South Carolina at Sullivan’s Island as a Category 4 storm with estimated maximum winds of 135-140 mph and a minimum central pressure of 934 millibars (27.58 inches of Hg). Therefore, Hugo was classified as a Category 4 storm when it hit Charleston.
Has Hurricane Ever Hit Myrtle Beach?
Yes, Myrtle Beach has been impacted by a number of hurricanes throughout its history. The most notable and destructive hurricane in recent memory was Hurricane Hugo in 1989. It caused significant damage to 79,000 homes across South Carolina, including Myrtle Beach. The hurricane also resulted in 35 deaths statewide. Other major storms that have impacted the area include Hurricane Florence in 2018, Hurricane Matthew in 2016, and Hurricane Floyd in 1999. All of these hurricanes caused varying degrees of destruction to Myrtle Beach, ranging from flooding and power outages to property damage and displacement of residents.
Source: wmbfnews.com
Conclusion
Hurricane Hugo was one of the strongest and most destructive hurricanes to ever make landfall in the United States. The storm caused an estimated $500 million worth of damage and resulted in the unfortunate loss of three lives in the US Virgin Islands and untold destruction througout South Carolina. Its peak winds at Charleston, SC were estimated to be 135-140 mph and its storm surge reached a record high of 20 feet in McClellanville, SC. Despite its devastating effects, Hurricane Hugo serves as a reminder of how powerful nature can be, and underscores the importance of taking precautions to mitigate its impacts.
