List of North Carolina hurricanes (1900–1949)

The period from 1900 to 1949 saw North Carolina battered by a significant number of hurricanes, resulting in considerable damage and loss of life. These storms, driven by warm ocean waters and favorable atmospheric conditions, impacted the state's coastline and inland areas with powerful winds, torrential rainfall, and devastating storm surges. This list provides a brief overview of some notable hurricanes during this era.

Key Hurricanes (1900-1949):

• 1900 Galveston Hurricane's Indirect Impact: While the Galveston Hurricane primarily impacted Texas, its remnants brought heavy rains and winds to North Carolina, causing significant flooding and agricultural damage.

• August 1913 Hurricane: This storm brought strong winds and heavy rainfall to the Outer Banks, causing significant coastal erosion and flooding.

• August 1933 Outer Banks Hurricane: A powerful hurricane that devastated the Outer Banks with severe winds, high storm surge, and heavy rain, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and homes.

• September 1933 Chesapeake-Potomac Hurricane: While the storm moved up the Chesapeake Bay, North Carolina still experienced significant impacts from its outer bands.

• September 1944 Great Atlantic Hurricane: Also known as the Great Atlantic Hurricane, this Category 4 storm made landfall in North Carolina, causing widespread devastation along the coast. Winds, storm surge, and flooding resulted in significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Agricultural losses were substantial.

• 1945 Florida Hurricane's Indirect Impact: Similar to the 1900 Galveston Hurricane, the remnants of this storm brought rainfall and flooding to parts of North Carolina.

• October 1947 Hurricane: Made landfall in Florida, but weakened considerably before impacting North Carolina as a tropical storm with heavy rainfall and flooding.

• 1949 Hurricane: A late-season hurricane that caused moderate damage along the coast, particularly impacting fishing communities.

General Characteristics of Hurricanes During this Period:

• Limited Forecasting Capabilities: Hurricane forecasting technology was far less advanced than today. Warnings were often short, leaving limited time for preparation and evacuation.

• Vulnerability of Coastal Communities: The Outer Banks and other coastal communities were particularly vulnerable due to their low elevation and exposure to the open ocean.

• Economic Impact: Hurricanes caused significant economic damage, particularly to agriculture, fishing, and tourism industries.

• Impact on Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, and other infrastructure were frequently damaged or destroyed by hurricane-related flooding and storm surge.

Legacy:

The hurricanes of 1900-1949 underscore the vulnerability of North Carolina to these powerful storms. These events led to improvements in building codes, emergency preparedness, and coastal management, although the state continues to face ongoing challenges from hurricanes and other coastal hazards. The lessons learned from these historical hurricanes continue to inform current hurricane preparedness and mitigation efforts in North Carolina.