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
Deadly Storm System Moves East, Elevated Tornado Risk Continues

Deadly Storm System Moves East, Elevated Tornado Risk Continues

A series of powerful low pressure system has

7 Mar 2026 8:55 PM
Another Round of Severe Weather Likely Next Week

Another Round of Severe Weather Likely Next Week

On the heels of an active opening week to Met

7 Mar 2026 8:30 PM
Severe Weather Outbreak Brings Tornadoes and Destructive Storms to the Plains and Midwest

Severe Weather Outbreak Brings Tornadoes and Destructive Storms to the Plains and Midwest

A powerful early-March storm system unleashed

7 Mar 2026 8:05 PM
Record-Breaking Heat Sweeps Across the Eastern United States

Record-Breaking Heat Sweeps Across the Eastern United States

Spring is almost here, yet it feels like summ

7 Mar 2026 5:30 PM
Peak Cherry Blossom Forecast Released For 2026

Peak Cherry Blossom Forecast Released For 2026

Top Image Credit: National Parks ServiceSprin

7 Mar 2026 11:00 AM
Severe Weather Awareness Week 2026

Severe Weather Awareness Week 2026

WeatherNation wants to make sure you are prep

7 Mar 2026 2:00 AM
Northeast: Snow & Ice Winds Down, Heavy Rain Ahead

Northeast: Snow & Ice Winds Down, Heavy Rain Ahead

Another round of wintry weather is taking aim

6 Mar 2026 3:20 AM