Columbia, S.C. – With hurricane season officially underway, forecasters are urging South Carolina residents to stay prepared after a historically active and destructive 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, last year’s season produced multiple major storms, including Category 5 hurricanes Beryl and Milton. Midlands communities were specifically affected by the remnants of Debby, tropical moisture from Rafael, and storm-force winds from Helene in late September.
The 2024 timeline reveals 21 named storms, with peak activity during September and October. Milton, which reached Category 5 strength, formed in October and tracked dangerously close to the Southeast coast. Other storms, like Debby in August and Helene in late September, followed similar paths, brushing or impacting South Carolina with flash flooding and scattered power outages.
Residents are reminded to review their hurricane safety plans, charge electronics ahead of any landfall threats, and monitor alerts from local emergency managers.
With NOAA predicting another above-average season in 2025, officials emphasize that even indirect impacts from tropical systems can pose serious risks across the state.
⚠️ Hurricane watches and warnings will be issued as needed through November 30. Stay tuned for updates and follow @NWSColumbia for real-time alerts.
