As another hurricane season comes to a close, it’s a good time to look back at the storms that have shaped Edisto Beach and the surrounding Lowcountry. From powerful mid-century hurricanes to more recent events, these storms have influenced the coastline, the community, and the island’s approach to storm preparedness.
Hurricane Gracie (1959)
Hurricane Gracie made landfall just south of Edisto, near St. Helena Sound, as a strong Category 4 hurricane. With extremely high winds and storm surge, Gracie remains one of the most significant storms ever to impact the Edisto region. The storm caused widespread damage across barrier islands and left a long-lasting mark on the community.
Hurricane Hugo (1989)
Although Hugo made landfall farther north near Sullivan’s Island, its massive size meant that Edisto Island still experienced powerful winds, storm surge, and coastal flooding. Hugo remains one of the benchmark hurricanes for the entire South Carolina coast and showed how a storm making landfall miles away can still have serious effects on Edisto.
Hurricane Matthew (2016)
Matthew brought some of the worst storm impacts Edisto Beach had seen in decades. Strong winds and heavy surge led to extensive damage to beachfront homes, dune lines, and roadways. For many Edisto residents and property owners, Matthew was a reminder of the island’s vulnerability and the importance of maintaining strong coastal defenses.
Tropical Storm Irma (2017)
Irma weakened before reaching South Carolina, but the storm still produced major flooding and pushed large volumes of sand across Edisto Beach. Roads, including Palmetto Boulevard, were covered with sand, and recently restored dunes were heavily eroded. Irma highlighted the fact that even tropical storms—not just major hurricanes—can significantly impact barrier-island communities.
Why These Storms Still Matter
Only a handful of major hurricanes have made direct landfall on the South Carolina coast, but Edisto’s history shows that storms of all strengths can reshape the island. Flooding, dune loss, beach erosion, and property damage have occurred even during weaker systems. With ongoing coastal changes, sea-level rise, and increasing development, understanding this storm history is essential for responsible planning and preparedness.
