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Hurricane Risk for Savannah, GA

No tropical storms currently threaten the Savannah 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, 230 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Savannah. Here's what you should know.

Local note: Savannah's low-lying coastal plain and broad estuaries make storm surge and tidal flooding the dominant threats, a vulnerability highlighted when Category 1 Hurricane Debby passed within five miles in 2024 and recent major storms (Idalia 2023, Ian 2022) produced destructive surge and flooding.

By the numbers

Total storms
230
since 1851
Major (Cat 3+)
57
at closest approach
Hurricanes (Cat 1+)
139
all categories
County
Chatham County
Georgia

Most recent hurricane

Chantal (2025)

Passed within 147 miles of Savannah 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 82 miles of Savannah.

Closest approach ever

Debby (2024)

Passed just 4.7 miles from Savannah on August 06, 2024.

When hurricanes hit Savannah

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
11
Jun
31
Jul
27
Aug
39
Sep
66
Oct
50
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.

Prep your supplies before the storm is named

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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 Savannah residents likely remember:

Storm Year Peak Closest Date
Debby 2024 Cat 1 5 mi Aug 06, 2024
Helene 2024 Cat 4 130 mi Sep 27, 2024
Idalia 2023 Cat 4 45 mi Aug 31, 2023
Ian 2022 Cat 5 130 mi Sep 30, 2022
Elsa 2021 Cat 1 65 mi Jul 08, 2021
Eta 2020 Cat 4 71 mi Nov 13, 2020
Isaias 2020 Cat 1 102 mi Aug 03, 2020
Sally 2020 Cat 2 132 mi Sep 18, 2020
Dorian 2019 Cat 5 100 mi Sep 05, 2019
Florence 2018 Cat 4 107 mi Sep 16, 2018
Michael 2018 Cat 5 132 mi Oct 11, 2018
Irma 2017 Cat 5 163 mi Sep 11, 2017
Hermine 2016 Cat 1 24 mi Sep 02, 2016
Matthew 2016 Cat 5 35 mi Oct 08, 2016
Arthur 2014 Cat 2 136 mi Jul 03, 2014
Hanna 2008 Cat 1 113 mi Sep 06, 2008
Andrea 2007 Cat 1 120 mi May 09, 2007
Ernesto 2006 Cat 1 112 mi Aug 31, 2006

Preparedness

  1. Know your zone. Savannah is in Chatham 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.