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Hurricane Risk for Charleston, SC

No tropical storms currently threaten the Charleston area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.

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On this page
  1. By the numbers
  2. Most recent hurricane
  3. Strongest ever
  4. Closest approach
  5. When hurricanes hit
  6. Recent notable storms
  7. Preparedness

Since 1851, 255 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Charleston. Here's what you should know.

Local note: Charleston's low-lying harbor, extensive tidal creeks, and nearby barrier islands make storm surge and coastal flooding the dominant threats — recent close impacts from storms such as Hurricane Idalia (2023) and Ian (2022) underscore how powerful tropical systems can drive surge and inundation into the city.

By the numbers

Total storms
255
since 1851
Major (Cat 3+)
60
at closest approach
Hurricanes (Cat 1+)
161
all categories
County
Charleston County
South Carolina

Most recent hurricane

Chantal (2025)

Passed within 70 miles of Charleston on July 06, 2025. Peak intensity: TS (57 mph).

The full risk breakdown for Charleston

See the strongest and closest hurricanes ever to pass nearby, the month-by-month climatology of when storms hit Charleston, the notable storms of the last 20 years, and any active-storm threat — plus free location-based alerts.

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Preparedness

  1. Know your zone. Charleston is in Charleston County — look up your evacuation zone here.
  2. Get alerts early. Sign up below — we'll notify you when storms first form in the basin, not just when they're at your doorstep.
  3. Have 3+ days of supplies. Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash.
  4. Have an evacuation plan. Know where you'll go, how you'll get there, what you'll bring.
  5. Follow official orders. If your zone is told to evacuate, leave. Don't wait.
Nearby cities also covered: North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Sullivans Island, Folly Beach, Isle Of Palms, Johns Island, Charleston Afb, Goose Creek. Data sourced from NOAA hurricane databases (HURDAT2 Atlantic, HURDAT2 East Pacific, and CPHC best-track), public domain.