History of Hurricanes

The South Carolina “Official Hurricane Season” begins June 1 and ends November 30. Occasionally, tropical storm systems begin earlier and end later. 

The Town of Hilton Head Island has been affected by storms over 40 times during the past 105 years (from 1893 to 1998).  23 hurricanes, 16 tropical storms and 3 subtropical depressions have passed over or within approximately 50 miles of Hilton Head Island since 1891.  Beaufort County was last affected by Hurricane Hugo in 1989 which hit 55 miles to the north with 140 mph winds.

A tropical storm or hurricane passes over or near the island an average of once every 2 ½ years .

A hurricane passes over or near Island once every 5 years.