The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 each year, though North Carolina is most at risk for hurricanes during the months of August, September, and October.
Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) — one of the industry’s most-watched hurricane forecasting teams — is predicting a very active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season that's 30% above the 30-year norm. [1] Because of this, North Carolina homeowners should still make sure they have the proper home insurance coverage in place before the start of hurricane season.
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What month does North Carolina have the most hurricanes?
North Carolina is most at risk for hurricanes from August through October. Of the 301 hurricanes that have made landfall in the U.S. since 1851, 58 of them have been in North Carolina — ranging from Category 1 storms to major hurricanes. [2]
The last major hurricane to affect the Tar Heel State was Hurricane Florence in September of 2018, which resulted in an estimated $22 billion in damage in North Carolina. Most of the devastating hurricanes to hit the state in recent history occurred in the months of September and October. [3]
Where do hurricanes hit the most in North Carolina?
All areas of North Carolina were affected by hurricanes in the last 20 years. [4] The towns and cities on the Atlantic coastline of North Carolina are most at risk. That means places like the Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras, and other coastal areas are at heightened risk for storm damage.
Hurricane Florence, for example, caused devastating destruction in Wrightsville Beach in 2018. [5] Before that, in October of 2016, Hurricane Matthew resulted in especially severe flooding in Robeson, Edgecombe, Cumberland and Wayne counties. [6]
How to prepare for hurricane season in North Carolina
Because hurricanes are so common in the state, North Carolinians need to be properly prepared for hurricane season. Here are a few steps to take before, during, and after the storm to keep your home and family safe.
Before the storm
Make sure your homeowners insurance policy is updated with the right wind coverage
Create an emergency plan and kit
Know your evacuation routes
Secure your property
Follow weather reports every hour
Fuel up your vehicles
During the storm
Continue to follow weather reports
Close storm shutters
Turn off gas, water, and power if authorities tell you to do so
Turn off propane tanks
Leave your home if you’re instructed to do so by government officials
If you can’t leave your home, stay inside and away from windows and doors
Take shelter in a windowless room, bathroom, or hallway
After the storm
If you need shelter, text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area
Stay updated on local alerts
Stay away from loose or downed power lines
Don’t drive through flooded or washed-out roads
Make temporary, emergency repairs to your home if you can — and save receipts
Take pictures of the damage
File a claim with your insurance company
Insurance considerations for hurricane season in North Carolina
If you live in North Carolina, you may have some coverage gaps in your homeowners insurance that you’ll need to fill by purchasing additional coverage. Here are some considerations to keep in mind for hurricane season in 2024.
Hurricane deductible
In North Carolina and other Atlantic coastal states, insurers require you to pay a special hurricane deductible when filing a claim. Unlike standard home insurance deductibles, which are usually a flat dollar amount, hurricane deductibles are set at a percentage of your policy's dwelling coverage limit. Most hurricane deductibles are anywhere between 1% and 5%.
Flood insurance
Homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Because North Carolina is prone to hurricanes and flooding, you should strongly consider purchasing flood insurance. You can buy flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) — a FEMA-backed organization — or through private flood insurance companies.
Frequently asked questions
When does hurricane season start in North Carolina?
The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season is June 1, but North Carolina sees the most hurricanes in August, September, and October.
What part of North Carolina gets hurricanes?
Every part of North Carolina was affected by hurricanes in the last 20 years. The areas on the North Carolina coastline are most at risk for hurricane and flood damage.
