Storm & Wind Information

Wind Damage From a Hurricane

The strongest winds in a hurricane are generally found in the right side of the hurricane’s eye wall, the area closest to the center.

Coastal and other land areas over which this area of the storm passes generally will experience the worst damage, although no part of a hurricane should be considered less dangerous. Especially in stronger hurricanes, damage to structures, roofs, trees, etc. from the wind itself, and damage from flying debris as it strikes other objects, are common.

Once a hurricane makes landfall, wind speed will begin to decrease, and within 12 hours will have slowed significantly. However, winds can remain at hurricane strength well inland, as evidenced by Hurricane Hugo in 1989 which hit Charlotte, North Carolina, 175 miles from the coast, with wind gusts of almost 100 mph.

Structures built to meet or exceed current building-code high-wind provisions have a much better chance of surviving violent windstorm.