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Hurricane Risk for Hilton Head Island, SC

No tropical storms currently threaten the Hilton Head Island 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, 243 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Hilton Head Island. Here's what you should know.

Local note: Low-lying barrier-island geography and proximity to the shallow waters of Calibogue Sound make storm surge the primary hazard for Hilton Head Island, with recent major surge and wind impacts from storms like Hurricane Ian (2022) and the Cat 4 nearby passes of Helene (2024) and Idalia (2023) highlighting its vulnerability.

By the numbers

Total storms
243
since 1851
Major (Cat 3+)
59
at closest approach
Hurricanes (Cat 1+)
148
all categories
County
Beaufort County
South Carolina

Most recent hurricane

Chantal (2025)

Passed within 126 miles of Hilton Head Island on July 06, 2025. Peak intensity: TS (57 mph).

The full risk breakdown for Hilton Head Island

See the strongest and closest hurricanes ever to pass nearby, the month-by-month climatology of when storms hit Hilton Head Island, 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. Hilton Head Island is in Beaufort 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.