Hurricane Risk for Cape May, NJ
No tropical storms currently threaten the Cape May area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.
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Since 1851, 150 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Cape May. Here's what you should know.
By the numbers
Most recent hurricane
Chantal (2025)
Passed within 91 miles of Cape May on July 07, 2025. Peak intensity: TS (57 mph).
Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby
Unnamed (1935)
Reached Cat 5 (184 mph) at its peak. Passed within 102 miles of Cape May.
Closest approach ever
Unnamed (1861)
Passed just 9.6 miles from Cape May on September 28, 1861.
When hurricanes hit Cape May
Distribution across the calendar year, based on every storm in the 150-mile radius since 1851:
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 Cape May residents likely remember:
| Storm | Year | Peak | Closest | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elsa | 2021 | Cat 1 | 50 mi | Jul 09, 2021 |
| Ida | 2021 | Cat 4 | 68 mi | Sep 02, 2021 |
| Henri | 2021 | Cat 1 | 185 mi | Aug 23, 2021 |
| Isaias | 2020 | Cat 1 | 134 mi | Aug 04, 2020 |
| Zeta | 2020 | Cat 3 | 176 mi | Oct 30, 2020 |
| Michael | 2018 | Cat 5 | 115 mi | Oct 12, 2018 |
| Florence | 2018 | Cat 4 | 189 mi | Sep 18, 2018 |
| Hermine | 2016 | Cat 1 | 131 mi | Sep 07, 2016 |
| Arthur | 2014 | Cat 2 | 142 mi | Jul 04, 2014 |
| Sandy | 2012 | Cat 3 | 41 mi | Oct 29, 2012 |
| Irene | 2011 | Cat 3 | 41 mi | Aug 28, 2011 |
| Earl | 2010 | Cat 4 | 176 mi | Sep 03, 2010 |
| Hanna | 2008 | Cat 1 | 75 mi | Sep 07, 2008 |
| Ernesto | 2006 | Cat 1 | 96 mi | Sep 02, 2006 |
Preparedness
- Know your zone. Cape May is in Cape May 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.