News Summary
The Georgia-South Carolina Hurricane of 1940 struck Beaufort, leaving 34 dead and extensive damage. The storm prompted significant changes at military facilities, particularly at Parris Island. This event, among the notable hurricanes in South Carolina’s history, underscores the importance of hurricane preparedness as climate threats continue to evolve.
Beaufort, South Carolina – A Historical Overview of the 1940 Hurricane
A deadly hurricane made landfall in Beaufort, South Carolina, on August 11, 1940, known as the Georgia-South Carolina Hurricane of 1940. This devastating storm left at least 34 people officially reported dead, with the National Weather Service estimating the toll could be as high as 50. The hurricane caused approximately $10 million in property and crop damages at the time, which amounts to significantly more when adjusted for inflation.
The storm, classified as a Category 2 hurricane, brought heavy rains, severe flooding, and winds reaching speeds of up to 104 mph, particularly noted at Parris Island. Over a 24-hour period, Beaufort reported a staggering 10.84 inches of rainfall, resulting in widespread flooding that affected areas from Savannah, Georgia, to Charleston, South Carolina. The hurricane’s impact extended even further inland, reaching parts of North Carolina as it dissipated.
Impact on Military Facilities
On that fateful day of August 11, 1940, the Marine Recruit Depot at Parris Island suffered significant destruction, amounting to $1.5 million in damages. The force of the hurricane necessitated a temporary relocation of recruit training to Quantico, Virginia, while repairs were undertaken. Notably, two days later, on August 13, 1940, the Marine post at Parris Island was officially re-designated as Recruit Depot, Marine Barracks, Parris Island.
Historical Context of Hurricane Activity in South Carolina
This hurricane was one of the notable storms to impact the South Carolina coast since records began in 1851. As of 2023, a total of 44 tropical cyclones have made landfall in South Carolina, with four categorized as major hurricanes, including the Georgia-South Carolina Hurricane of 1940. Other significant storms in the region’s history include the 1893 Great Charleston Hurricane, Hurricane Hazel in 1954, Hurricane Gracie in 1959, and Hurricane Hugo in 1989.
Hurricane Hugo is particularly remembered as the costliest storm in South Carolina’s history, with damages estimated at around $17.2 billion when considering inflation. The powerful storms that have impacted the South continue to shape both the physical landscape and the community infrastructure, highlighting the importance of preparedness in hurricane season.
The Ongoing Threat of Hurricanes
The hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, and with forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting between 13 to 19 named storms for upcoming seasons, the threat of hurricanes remains significant. Areas along the coast, particularly those that experienced damage in the past, must stay vigilant as they prepare for the possibility of severe weather events.
In summary, the Georgia-South Carolina Hurricane of 1940 was a pivotal moment in the history of Beaufort and the surrounding regions. The storm not only caused tragic loss of life and significant property damage but also served as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature. As communities continue to evolve and adapt, the lessons learned from past hurricanes will remain a crucial part of discussions surrounding storm preparedness and response in the face of climate change.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort Zoning Board Approves Apartment Complex
Community Remembers Beloved Residents of Beaufort
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Hugo
- Your Island News
- Google Search: Georgia-South Carolina Hurricane of 1940
- The State
- Google Scholar: 1940 Hurricane Beaufort
- Island Packet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- Washington Post
- Google News: hurricanes South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
