Storm Lifecycle

A tropical wave became a tropical depression off the coast of Africa on September 10. It moved to the west, reaching tropical storm strength on the 11th and hurricane status on the 13th. As Hugo approached the Lesser Antilles, it rapidly intensified to a 160 mph Category 5 hurricane on the 15th, though weakened to a Category 3 while passing through there and Puerto Rico. After crossing Puerto Rico on the 18th Hugo weakened to a 105 mph Category 2 hurricane, but as it accelerated to the northwest, it again restrengthened. Just prior to hitting near Charleston, South Carolina on the 22nd it reached winds of 140 mph, and rapidly weakened as it turned to the northeast. More » Hugo became extratropical on the 23rd over northwestern Pennsylvania, and dissipated on the 25th while south of Greenland. While crossing through the Caribbean, Hugo was responsible for $3 billion (1989 USD) in damages and 28 deaths. In the United States, the hurricane caused $7 billion (1989 USD) in damages and 21 deaths, mostly in South Carolina. A devastating hurricane, at the time this was the costliest in US history (and still the fifth costliest), causing great damage in the Caribbean and South Carolina. « Hide

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