Hurricane Risk for Wilmington, NC
No tropical storms currently threaten the Wilmington area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.
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Since 1851, 261 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Wilmington. Here's what you should know.
By the numbers
Most recent hurricane
Chantal (2025)
Passed within 70 miles of Wilmington on July 06, 2025. Peak intensity: TS (57 mph).
Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby
Dorian (2019)
Reached Cat 5 (184 mph) at its peak. Passed within 57 miles of Wilmington.
Closest approach ever
Kyle (2002)
Passed just 4.0 miles from Wilmington on October 12, 2002.
When hurricanes hit Wilmington
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 Wilmington residents likely remember:
| Storm | Year | Peak | Closest | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dexter | 2025 | Cat 1 | 152 mi | Aug 02, 2025 |
| Debby | 2024 | Cat 1 | 124 mi | Aug 08, 2024 |
| Idalia | 2023 | Cat 4 | 65 mi | Aug 31, 2023 |
| Ian | 2022 | Cat 5 | 79 mi | Oct 01, 2022 |
| Elsa | 2021 | Cat 1 | 107 mi | Jul 08, 2021 |
| Isaias | 2020 | Cat 1 | 39 mi | Aug 04, 2020 |
| Eta | 2020 | Cat 4 | 105 mi | Nov 13, 2020 |
| Sally | 2020 | Cat 2 | 164 mi | Sep 18, 2020 |
| Dorian | 2019 | Cat 5 | 57 mi | Sep 06, 2019 |
| Florence | 2018 | Cat 4 | 8 mi | Sep 14, 2018 |
| Michael | 2018 | Cat 5 | 151 mi | Oct 11, 2018 |
| Chris | 2018 | Cat 2 | 165 mi | Jul 08, 2018 |
| Matthew | 2016 | Cat 5 | 43 mi | Oct 09, 2016 |
| Hermine | 2016 | Cat 1 | 63 mi | Sep 03, 2016 |
| Arthur | 2014 | Cat 2 | 40 mi | Jul 04, 2014 |
| Irene | 2011 | Cat 3 | 83 mi | Aug 27, 2011 |
| Earl | 2010 | Cat 4 | 194 mi | Sep 03, 2010 |
| Hanna | 2008 | Cat 1 | 53 mi | Sep 06, 2008 |
| Ernesto | 2006 | Cat 1 | 19 mi | Sep 01, 2006 |
Preparedness
- Know your zone. Wilmington is in New Hanover 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.