SC hurricane season 2025 begins. This is how bad it could get and how to prepare
Hurricane season officially began Sunday and officials are urging residents to prepare as soon as they can.
According to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, South Carolina is one of the most vulnerable states to hurricanes and tropical storms all throughout the season, which lasts until Nov. 30.
Six coastal counties border the Atlantic Ocean. These counties have more than 200 miles of general coastline and another 21 inland counties may be directly affected by these storms. Densely populated coastal areas, especially during peak tourist seasons, coupled with the generally low coastal elevations, significantly increase the state’s vulnerability.
Hurricane season 2025 forecast
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently predicted an above-normal for 2025, with between 13 and 19 total named storms.
An average year has about 14 tropical storms, seven of which become hurricanes. The record for most actual named storms in a season is 30, which was set in 2020.
The 2024 hurricane season ended with 18 named storms, 11 of which were hurricanes, five were major hurricanes. Hurricane Helene, which first made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm, caused widespread damage and 49 deaths in South Carolina, mainly in the areas of Spartanburg, Greenville, and Aiken.
The 2025 hurricane season forecast calls for a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.
NOAA is forecasting with 70% confidence of 13 to 19 total named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher. Of those, six to 10 are predicted to become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher — including three to five major hurricanes (Cat 3, 4 or 4,), with winds of 111 mph or higher.
Here are five ways to prepare for the 2025 hurricane season, according to the SCEMD.
Know your zone in South Carolina
State and local officials issue hurricane evacuations based on zones in coastal counties. Know your hurricane evacuation zone instantly with the SC Emergency Manager mobile app and Hurricane.sc, South Carolina’s online hurricane guide.
Prepare your home
Do a safety check to make sure your home is best able to withstand the effects of a hurricane. Have your roof inspected, double check hurricane shutters and make sure your insurance policies cover the types of damages hurricanes can cause. Make a list and take photos of your belongings as records.
Have a family emergency plan
Emergency responders across the state encourage residents to create a family emergency plan in the event of a hurricane, which should include an evacuation destination and agreed-upon meeting locations. In addition, residents should keep phones charged when possible and maintain a way to find out the latest information on storms and impacts to their home area. SCEMD’s Hurricane Guide provides more safety and planning recommendations.
Remember your evacuation route
Be aware of the closest hurricane evacuation route ahead. This will allow for a more efficient and safer route out of the area if a hurricane is heading your way. Once you’ve learned your route, stick with it and remember it. Rely on the blue hurricane evacuation signs, not GPS. To review hurricane routes, review the state’s hurricane guide.
Hurricanes and tropical storms not only threaten t the coast, but all areas of South Carolina. Storm surge and flooding are the most deadly and destructive hazards associated with tropical storms and hurricanes. High winds and tornadoes can cause severe damage to buildings and homes.
Have multiple hurricane alert options
Your family should have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts that can tell you what’s happening and what you need to do. Those include wireless emergency alerts on mobile devices, NOAA weather radioes and local broadcast TV or radio. Do not rely on just one way to get emergency information.
For additional public safety notifications, sign up for CodeRED alerts. You can select what types of alerts to receive and by what method, including text message, voice phone call call or mail.
Register for CodeRED alerts for free through the SCEMD website by visiting scemd.org.
This story was originally published June 2, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
