CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Sunday marked 36 years since Hurricane Hugo, a powerful Category 4 storm, began battering the South Carolina coast. The hurricane made landfall near Sullivan’s Island just after midnight on Sept. 22, 1989, with estimated maximum winds of 135-140 mph.

Hugo formed near the Cape Verde Islands on September 9, 1989. Strengthening over time, the storm was temporarily upgraded to a strong Category 5 hurricane as it trekked across the Atlantic but wavered in intensity as it moved near Guadeloupe, St. Croix, and Puerto Rico.

“Hugo came off the continent of Africa as a wave. We see those all the time … that’s why when we’re talking about those waves, even today, you have to keep your eye on them, and Hugo was one. 12 days later, it would be on our doorstep,” said Storm Te

See Full Page