Hurricane Hugo (9 Sept 1989 – 25 Sept 1989)

Hurricane Hugo initially formed as a tropical depression off the coast of West Africa on September 10, 1989, and quickly intensified into a major hurricane as it moved across the Atlantic Ocean. The storm first made landfall on the island of Guadeloupe on September 17. Hugo then continued northwestward, passing over Puerto Rico and causing significant damage.

The hurricane then turned towards the United States, making landfall near Charleston, South Carolina on September 22. Hugo then moved inland over the Carolinas. The storm eventually dissipated over the Great Lakes region several days later. Overall, Hurricane Hugo’s path affected many areas in the Caribbean and southeastern United States.

Hurricane Hugo Category

Hurricane Hugo was a powerful Category 4 hurricane at its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. Although it weakened slightly before making landfall in the United States, Hugo was still a dangerous and destructive storm with winds of around 135 mph when it hit near Charleston, South Carolina on September 22.

Damage Caused by the Hurricane

Hurricane Hugo caused extensive damage in the Caribbean and southeastern United States when it struck in September 1989. Overall, the hurricane caused an estimated $10 billion in damages, making it one of the costliest hurricanes in United States history at the time. The storm also resulted in 49 deaths, and left many communities in the affected areas with long-lasting impacts and significant challenges in the aftermath of the disaster.