North Carolina’s Hurricane History

Extending far out into the Atlantic, the coast of North Carolina has been battered by countless hurricanes through the centuries. Many have overwashed the state’s barrier islands and wrecked coastal communities. Great hurricanes like Hazel in 1954 and Hugo in 1989 have left legacies of destruction, but until now little has been written on the state’s encounters with these and other fierce storms. North Carolina’s Hurricane History is a richly illustrated record of more than fifty hurricanes known to have struck the Tar Heel state from the days of the first European explorers through hurricane Emily in the summer of 1993. Jay Barnes examined newspaper reports, National Weather Service records, and eyewitness descriptions to compile this fascinating chronicle. More than 200 photographs, maps, and illustrations document these hurricanes, showing the people, places, and unusual events associated with the storms. Storm track maps allow comparison of the numerous hurricanes that have struck the state. Up-to-date information on hurricane preparedness and evacuation helps to make this striking history a valuable educational resource as well.