As summer begins to transition to fall, there’s another season that should still be on people’s minds this month. Sept. 10 is the meteorological peak of the Atlantic Hurricane season.
“We’ve been lucky to have an uneventful hurricane season in South Carolina so far this year. But that doesn’t at all mean we’re in the clear,” said Brandon Ellis, Georgetown County Emergency Manager and Director of Emergency Services.
Historically, the number of storms rises during the period from late August through the month of September. Activity in the Atlantic basin so far this year has been above normal, according to the National Hurricane Center. August saw six named storms, three hurricanes and two major hurricanes. Three to four named storms with one or two becoming hurricanes would be considered “normal” for August based on hurricane data for the last 30 years.
“Hurricane season doesn’t end until Nov. 30. We’ve still got a long way to go and we haven’t even hit the peak yet,” Ellis said. “Now is the time when we should remain vigilant and take preparedness actions, such as getting your hurricane kits ready.”
The worst storms in memory for South Carolina occurred in September and October. Hurricane Hugo hit near McClellanville on Sept. 22, 1989, causing catastrophic damage along the coast. Hurricane Hazel struck near Myrtle Beach on Oct. 15, 1954, permanently altering the coastline in Georgetown County.
Learn more about hurricane preparedness at gtcounty.org/gcemd or scemd.org. Residents are also encouraged to download the SC Emergency Manager app. It’s free at the App Store and Google Play.