Hurricane Risk for New Bern, NC
No tropical storms currently threaten the New Bern area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.
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Since 1851, 258 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of New Bern. Here's what you should know.
By the numbers
Most recent hurricane
Chantal (2025)
Passed within 109 miles of New Bern on July 07, 2025. Peak intensity: TS (57 mph).
Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby
Dorian (2019)
Reached Cat 5 (184 mph) at its peak. Passed within 70 miles of New Bern.
Closest approach ever
Unnamed (1946)
Passed just 1.8 miles from New Bern on July 06, 1946.
When hurricanes hit New Bern
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 New Bern residents likely remember:
| Storm | Year | Peak | Closest | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dexter | 2025 | Cat 1 | 155 mi | Aug 02, 2025 |
| Debby | 2024 | Cat 1 | 175 mi | Aug 09, 2024 |
| Idalia | 2023 | Cat 4 | 97 mi | Aug 31, 2023 |
| Ian | 2022 | Cat 5 | 138 mi | Oct 01, 2022 |
| Elsa | 2021 | Cat 1 | 114 mi | Jul 08, 2021 |
| Isaias | 2020 | Cat 1 | 61 mi | Aug 04, 2020 |
| Eta | 2020 | Cat 4 | 124 mi | Nov 13, 2020 |
| Zeta | 2020 | Cat 3 | 197 mi | Oct 29, 2020 |
| Dorian | 2019 | Cat 5 | 70 mi | Sep 06, 2019 |
| Florence | 2018 | Cat 4 | 63 mi | Sep 14, 2018 |
| Michael | 2018 | Cat 5 | 104 mi | Oct 12, 2018 |
| Chris | 2018 | Cat 2 | 167 mi | Jul 08, 2018 |
| Hermine | 2016 | Cat 1 | 17 mi | Sep 03, 2016 |
| Matthew | 2016 | Cat 5 | 65 mi | Oct 09, 2016 |
| Arthur | 2014 | Cat 2 | 37 mi | Jul 04, 2014 |
| Irene | 2011 | Cat 3 | 37 mi | Aug 27, 2011 |
| Earl | 2010 | Cat 4 | 166 mi | Sep 03, 2010 |
| Hanna | 2008 | Cat 1 | 73 mi | Sep 06, 2008 |
| Andrea | 2007 | Cat 1 | 173 mi | May 06, 2007 |
| Ernesto | 2006 | Cat 1 | 58 mi | Sep 01, 2006 |
Preparedness
- Know your zone. New Bern is in Craven 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.