How Often do the Carolinas Experience Major Hurricanes?

news image
Special Stories
12 Sep 2018 10:34 AM
With a Category 4, major hurricane heading toward the East Coast, with its path leading it to the Carolinas, some may be wondering, how often do the Carolina experience major hurricanes? First, let's define a major hurricane. Major hurricanes are hurricanes of category 3 or higher. That's a storm with maximum sustained wind of 111 mph. According to the National Hurricane Center, a major hurricane impacts this region between 17 and 34 years, on average. This statistic is based on a major hurricane passing within 50 nautical miles of the points of interest along the coast. This chart the below shows this statistic. It also shows that the farther north along the east coast, the longer time between impacts for a major hurricane. For instance, for the coast of Maine, this region would be impacted by a major hurricane every 120 to 290 years. Meaning that it much more rare for these regions to be impacted by these powerful storms. How Often do the Carolinas Experience Major Hurricanes? Source: National Hurricane Center For WeatherNation, I am Meteorologist Marcus Walter.  
All Weather News
More
Tropical Depression Two Meandering in the Gulf

Tropical Depression Two Meandering in the Gulf

In the Atlantic basin, we are keeping a very

20 Jul 2026 1:20 PM
Severe Storm Threat Continues for North Carolina and Virginia

Severe Storm Threat Continues for North Carolina and Virginia

A slow-moving front has one more day's worth

20 Jul 2026 1:20 PM
Another Round of Storms Targets the Northeast

Another Round of Storms Targets the Northeast

Another cold front is dropping east and will

20 Jul 2026 1:15 PM
Another Round of Severe Weather for the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes

Another Round of Severe Weather for the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes

The upper level low train continues to keep t

20 Jul 2026 1:05 PM
Air Quality Improvements in the Forecast

Air Quality Improvements in the Forecast

Wildfires burning in Northwestern Ontario, Ca

20 Jul 2026 1:00 AM
Monsoon Moisture Brings Weekend Flood Threat

Monsoon Moisture Brings Weekend Flood Threat

The monsoon has returned to the southwestern

19 Jul 2026 1:30 AM
After Historic Flooding, Flood Risk Moves West Saturday

After Historic Flooding, Flood Risk Moves West Saturday

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY - Life-threatening floodin

18 Jul 2026 1:00 AM