Hurricane season is in full swing, and it’s the right time to make sure you’re storm-ready.
“As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from Hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities,” said Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm.
Columbia sits in a moderate hurricane risk zone, according to FEMA, meaning we’re vulnerable to heavy rain, high winds, and flooding from storms that track inland. While severe hurricane damage here is uncommon, Helene’s aftermath last year caused extensive power outages in the Midlands, and debris cleanup took months.
We’ve put together a guide to help you prepare now, so you have safeguards in place if a storm impacts our area again.
Predictions
The Atlantic hurricane season started June 1 and runs until Nov. 30. It is expected to be busier than usual, thanks to warmer ocean temps, low wind shear, ENSO-neutral conditions, and an active West African Monsoon — all of which make it easier for storms to form.
NOAA predicts 13-19 named storms this summer + fall with 6-10 achieving hurricane status of 74+ mph sustained winds.
Quick vocab lesson
- Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less.
- Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph.
- Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher.
- Major Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 111 mph or higher.
Category breakdown
- Category One: Winds 74 to 95 miles per hour.
- Category Two: Winds 96 to 110 miles per hour.
- Category Three: Winds 111 to 129 miles per hour.
- Category Four: Winds 130 to 156 miles per hour.
- Category Five: Winds 157 miles per hour.
Watch vs. warning
When a storm is expected, the National Hurricane Center will issue advisories until the storm makes landfall.
- Watch: Tropical storm or hurricane conditions pose a possible threat, and you should begin preliminary preparations.
- Warning: Tropical storm or hurricane conditions are expected, and all preparations should be completed.
Prepare
- Stay up to date on forecasts + advisories.
- Prepare your home — including bringing loose items inside, trimming trees, or reinforcing windows ahead of a storm.
- Gather supplies like non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash, blankets, important documents, and first aid supplies.
- For your pets, pack a pet kit with food, water, leashes, medications, and health records.
Explore the SC Emergency Management Division’s 2025 Hurricane Guide for even more ways to prepare for the storm season.
