Charlotte Remembers Hurricane Hugo: A Look Back 35 Years Later
This Sunday, the city of Charlotte will pause to remember a storm that changed everything: Hurricane Hugo. It was 35 years ago that this powerful hurricane made landfall in coastal South Carolina, leaving a trail of destruction across the Carolinas. For many, the memories of that fateful September night are still vivid, reminding us of the fury of nature and the resilience of community.
The Build-Up to the Storm
As the storm formed and barreled toward the Carolinas, meteorologists, including Eric Thomas—who was then just starting out in his career—were monitoring the situation like hawks. Back in 1989, the technology available to track hurricanes was not as advanced as what we have today. “As a meteorologist, it was very nerve-wracking knowing we had a Category 4 hurricane potentially headed our way with very little data to work with,” Thomas remembered. Imagine trying to prepare an entire city for a storm with so many unknowns!
Charlotte in the Path
Hurricane Hugo made its grand entrance along the South Carolina coast around midnight on September 22, 1989, and quickly began its trek inland. What made this storm so unprecedented was its direct hit on Charlotte, a city that had never before experienced such a mighty hurricane. “Charlotte was the target,” remarked Thomas, emphasizing the storm’s unique trajectory.
Devastation Unleashed
When the storm finally roared into the Queen City, Thomas was at the TV station early that morning. What awaited him outside was a scene that still brings tears to his eyes. “I almost started crying,” he shared. “I mean there were so many trees that were down even here at the [TV station] property.” The winds of Hugo were truly horrifying, with gusts reaching up to 160 mph, uprooting trees like they were mere toothpicks and wreaking havoc across the landscape.
Lives Forever Changed
The aftermath of Hurricane Hugo was nothing short of devastating. Homes were destroyed, thousands were left without power, and the community had to band together to pick up the pieces. Tragically, Hugo took the lives of 67 people. It was a wake-up call for all of us, especially the meteorologists working in the area. “We were conditioned to believe there would never be a hurricane like this, that would come this far inland…but now we know it can happen,” Thomas explained, reflecting on the lessons learned in the years since.
Personal Reflections
For Thomas, the storm was not just a professional challenge but a deeply personal one as well. While he was at the station, his wife was at home, pregnant, and waiting for the storm to pass. “It was dicey for sure, but she’s still here. My son was born and all’s good,” he said with a smile, highlighting both his relief and gratitude.
Community Resilience
The community of Charlotte emerged from Hurricane Hugo stronger and more united. While the scars of the storm remain, it also ignited a spirit of resilience. People supported one another through dark days without power and lost homes, proving that even in the face of adversity, the bonds of community can shine bright.
Looking Ahead
As we mark 35 years since Hurricane Hugo’s landfall, we are reminded of the power of nature and the strength of our community. The lessons learned during that turbulent time continue to shape preparedness efforts today, ensuring that we are better equipped for whatever Mother Nature throws our way in the future. Let’s take a moment to remember those who were impacted by Hugo, and appreciate the safety and community we have built since that historic storm.
