Are you thinking about moving to or visiting North Carolina but not sure what the weather is like? What about hurricanes?
Does North Carolina get hurricanes?
Yes, North Carolina is part of the hurricane belt, which includes Alabama (and cities like Gulf Shores), Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. Hurricanes that form in the Atlantic Ocean inevitably reach these states.
Some people believe that North Carolina is not as vulnerable to hurricanes as other states because it doesn’t have a coast. But this isn’t entirely true. While there are parts of North Carolina with generally low risk for hurricane damage (like the Piedmont), there are also areas with high risk for hurricane damage (like the Outer Banks).
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When Is Hurricane Season In North Carolina?
The major hurricane seasons for North Carolina are from June 1 to November 30, and again from mid-April through the end of July. If a hurricane is predicted to make landfall in North Carolina, it’s usually during this time of year. August and September are the busiest months for hurricanes.
People who live near the coast or on coastal islands should always be prepared for hurricanes. They need to know what they should do if there’s danger of a hurricane making landfall.
How Far Inland Do Hurricanes Go In North Carolina?
Hurricanes in North Carolina don’t usually reach right to the heart of the state. The state’s longest distance from the ocean is about 300 miles, so hurricanes rarely move 100 miles inland. But hurricanes can move inland for over 50 miles in North Carolina, especially when they come in from the sea or travel along the coast after making landfall.
Hurricanes also stay over land longer than they do over water, so inland areas are more likely to get strong winds and rain than coastal areas.
How Often Do Hurricanes Occur In North Carolina?
North Carolina has a history of hurricanes, and that history includes a few very strong ones. In fact, North Carolina has been hit by more hurricanes than any other state except Florida.
The earliest recorded hurricane to hit North Carolina was the 1755 Antigua Hurricane, which caused heavy damage. In 1812, a hurricane struck as the War of 1812 was ending. Lasting between three and five days, it is rated as rated as one of the most intense hurricanes in U.S.
How Many Hurricanes Have Hit North Carolina?
Hurricane season in North Carolina lasts from June to November. There are usually four to six hurricanes in the Atlantic each year, but three or less are common.
The record number of hurricanes in any one season is seven in 1893, when the entire winter was hurricane-free. The record for most hurricanes occurring in a single season is nine in 1848. Hurricane Hazel became the most destructive hurricane to hit North Carolina when it hit landfall on October 14, 1954.
Conclusion
Is North Carolina safe from hurricanes? The answer, of course, is that no state is completely safe from hurricanes. While it may be true that some states are more vulnerable than others, all states are subject to flooding and heavy winds.