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Hurricane Risk for Wilmington, NC

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

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  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, 261 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Wilmington. Here's what you should know.

Local note: Wilmington's low-lying coastal position on the Cape Fear River estuary makes storm surge and coastal flooding the dominant hazards, with frequent hurricane strikes — notably Hurricane Isaias (2020) and the region-wrenching impacts of Hurricane Ian (2022) — producing damaging surge, wind, and inland flood impacts.

By the numbers

Total storms
261
since 1851
Major (Cat 3+)
60
at closest approach
Hurricanes (Cat 1+)
157
all categories
County
New Hanover County
North Carolina

Most recent hurricane

Chantal (2025)

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

The full risk breakdown for Wilmington

See the strongest and closest hurricanes ever to pass nearby, the month-by-month climatology of when storms hit Wilmington, 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. Wilmington is in New Hanover 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: Winnabow, Castle Hayne, Leland, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Rocky Point, Southport, Delco. Data sourced from NOAA hurricane databases (HURDAT2 Atlantic, HURDAT2 East Pacific, and CPHC best-track), public domain.