Hurricane HUGO (10-25 SEP 1989) Max Winds: 160 Min Pres: 918 Category: 5 This was a powerful category 5 hurricane that formed well out into the Atlantic and lasted almost 2 weeks. The storm hit the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico causing tremendous damage. It then moved out over the western Atlantic, reintensifying and hitting South Carolina causing near $7 billion in damage.

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In September of 1989, Hurricane Hugo devastated the West Indies and the Southeastern United States, including South Carolina cities Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Hugo was responsible for sixty deaths and 7 billion dollars in damages, with 5 billion coming from South Carolina alone.

Hugo began as a tropical wave off the coast of Africa and rapidly developed into a hurricane before striking the coast of Puerto Rico. The destruction of Puerto Rico caused mass riots and looting, resulting in many deaths after the storm was over. Many people were without electricity and food, and in need of medical attention.

Meteorologists hoped the storm would then curve northward, and miss the continental United States. To their dismay, Hugo regained its strength and ravaged the South Carolina coast with winds in excess of 150 miles per hour. After leaving Charleston in ruins, the storm cut a path across mainland South Carolina into North Carolina, leaving many people without homes, food, and electricity for weeks.

After battering the North Carolina foothills, the storm weakened considerably and caused heavy rainfall across the Mid-Atlantic states and the Northeast. The storm cleared the next day as a cold front swept through the eastern United States and off the coast. Sustained winds were in excess of 135 miles per hour as Hugo made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane. Another surprise for the forecasters happened inland. Because Hugo's forward movement was nearly 30 miles per hour, the storm remained strong as it moved up through South Carolina into North Carolina.

Hurricane force wind gusts resulted in tree and power line damage all the way to Charlotte, North Carolina. The remnants of Hugo moved into West Virginia and western Pennsylvania. Damage was estimated at over $7 billion. More about Hugo:

WINDS AND TIDES:

Maximum sustained winds estimated at 135 mph

The highest gust was 179 mph at Bulls Island, northeast of Charleston.

The highest storm surge was estimated at 19.8 feet at Romain Retreat, South Carolina

RELIEF:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency spent more than $1.3 billion.

Other relief agencies spent additional money but a comprehensive figure is not available.

About 13,000 people sent checks to the city of Charleston's relief operation.

Thousands of others nationwide donated goods like diapers and clothes.