Hurricanes are a common threat to coastal North Carolina each year. They can cause devastating damage with their high winds and torrential rains. While the state doesn’t have a border with the Gulf of Mexico like Florida, it is still considered one of the most hurricane-prone states in the country. Fortunately, homeowners can be protected by having the right home insurance in place.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 with peak activity in August, September and October. While researchers are calling for a near-normal season, it is always important to be prepared. Researchers at NC State University are predicting between 11 and 15 named storms this season, with six to eight of those storms growing strong enough to become hurricanes. Two to three of those could become major hurricanes.

During a hurricane, the key is to pay attention to ALL of the storm’s impacts, not just its category. For example, category one storms can still produce deadly storm surge and flooding, so it is important to know your evacuation zone ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to keep your car gas tank full, carry emergency cash and have a photo ID handy in case you are asked to leave your home or evacuate.

In its history, the state of North Carolina has been hit by at least 413 tropical cyclone events, including 109 hurricanes and 83 major hurricanes (categories four or higher). The table below shows the number of direct landfalling hurricanes and tropical storms that have affected each county in North Carolina.