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Hurricane Risk for Beaufort, SC

No tropical storms currently threaten the Beaufort area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.

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On this page
  1. By the numbers
  2. Most recent hurricane
  3. Strongest ever
  4. Closest approach
  5. When hurricanes hit
  6. Recent notable storms
  7. Preparedness

Since 1851, 239 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Beaufort. Here's what you should know.

Local note: Beaufort's low-lying coastal and estuarine setting makes storm surge the primary hazard, with recent major surge and wind impacts from powerful nearby storms like Hurricane Ian (2022) underscoring its vulnerability.

By the numbers

Total storms
239
since 1851
Major (Cat 3+)
56
at closest approach
Hurricanes (Cat 1+)
146
all categories
County
Beaufort County
South Carolina

Most recent hurricane

Chantal (2025)

Passed within 119 miles of Beaufort on July 06, 2025. Peak intensity: TS (57 mph).

Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby

Unnamed (1935)

Reached Cat 5 (184 mph) at its peak. Passed within 72 miles of Beaufort.

Closest approach ever

Unnamed (1909)

Passed just 2.8 miles from Beaufort on July 03, 1909.

When hurricanes hit Beaufort

Distribution across the calendar year, based on every storm in the 150-mile radius since 1851:

Jan
0
Feb
0
Mar
0
Apr
0
May
12
Jun
32
Jul
29
Aug
40
Sep
66
Oct
54
Nov
6
Dec
0

Peak months are August through October, when the Atlantic season is most active. June, July, and November are secondary risk months.

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Recent notable storms (last 20 years)

Hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 200 miles in the last 20 years — these are the ones Beaufort residents likely remember:

Storm Year Peak Closest Date
Debby 2024 Cat 1 39 mi Aug 06, 2024
Helene 2024 Cat 4 145 mi Sep 27, 2024
Idalia 2023 Cat 4 23 mi Aug 31, 2023
Ian 2022 Cat 5 104 mi Sep 30, 2022
Elsa 2021 Cat 1 70 mi Jul 08, 2021
Eta 2020 Cat 4 58 mi Nov 13, 2020
Isaias 2020 Cat 1 95 mi Aug 04, 2020
Sally 2020 Cat 2 115 mi Sep 18, 2020
Dorian 2019 Cat 5 89 mi Sep 05, 2019
Florence 2018 Cat 4 81 mi Sep 16, 2018
Michael 2018 Cat 5 130 mi Oct 11, 2018
Irma 2017 Cat 5 197 mi Sep 11, 2017
Matthew 2016 Cat 5 25 mi Oct 08, 2016
Hermine 2016 Cat 1 31 mi Sep 02, 2016
Arthur 2014 Cat 2 118 mi Jul 03, 2014
Hanna 2008 Cat 1 103 mi Sep 06, 2008
Andrea 2007 Cat 1 123 mi May 09, 2007
Ernesto 2006 Cat 1 94 mi Aug 31, 2006

Preparedness

  1. Know your zone. Beaufort is in Beaufort County — look up your evacuation zone here.
  2. 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.
  3. Have 3+ days of supplies. Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash.
  4. Have an evacuation plan. Know where you'll go, how you'll get there, what you'll bring.
  5. Follow official orders. If your zone is told to evacuate, leave. Don't wait.