Hurricane Risk for Asheville, NC
No tropical storms currently threaten the Asheville area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.
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Since 1854, 77 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Asheville. Here's what you should know.
By the numbers
Most recent hurricane
Helene (2024)
Passed within 90 miles of Asheville on September 27, 2024. Peak intensity: Cat 4 (138 mph).
Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby
Andrew (1992)
Reached Cat 5 (172 mph) at its peak. Passed within 82 miles of Asheville.
Closest approach ever
Beryl (1994)
Passed just 7.1 miles from Asheville on August 17, 1994.
When hurricanes hit Asheville
Distribution across the calendar year, based on every storm in the 150-mile radius since 1854:
Peak months are August through October, when the Atlantic season is most active. June, July, and November are secondary risk months.
Prep your supplies before the storm is named
Our alerts can notify you of a storm long before it makes the news, giving you more time to get what you need — instead of joining the panic-buying public.
Sign Up FreeRecent notable storms (last 20 years)
Hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 200 miles in the last 20 years — these are the ones Asheville residents likely remember:
| Storm | Year | Peak | Closest | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helene | 2024 | Cat 4 | 90 mi | Sep 27, 2024 |
| Debby | 2024 | Cat 1 | 138 mi | Aug 09, 2024 |
| Nicole | 2022 | Cat 1 | 71 mi | Nov 11, 2022 |
| Ian | 2022 | Cat 5 | 162 mi | Oct 01, 2022 |
| Ida | 2021 | Cat 4 | 96 mi | Sep 01, 2021 |
| Elsa | 2021 | Cat 1 | 151 mi | Jul 08, 2021 |
| Zeta | 2020 | Cat 3 | 62 mi | Oct 29, 2020 |
| Sally | 2020 | Cat 2 | 132 mi | Sep 18, 2020 |
| Florence | 2018 | Cat 4 | 46 mi | Sep 17, 2018 |
| Michael | 2018 | Cat 5 | 114 mi | Oct 11, 2018 |
| Nate | 2017 | Cat 1 | 181 mi | Oct 09, 2017 |
Preparedness
- Know your zone. Asheville is in Buncombe County — look up your evacuation zone here.
- 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.
- Have 3+ days of supplies. Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash.
- Have an evacuation plan. Know where you'll go, how you'll get there, what you'll bring.
- Follow official orders. If your zone is told to evacuate, leave. Don't wait.