Four SC coastal counties most vulnerable to hurricane impacts. Here’s why

South Carolina isn’t known to have the highest hurricane risk in the country, but a new report ranks four coastal counties in the state that are among the most vulnerable to hurricane impacts, and they may not be in the order most expected.

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Horry County ranked as the second most hurricane-vulnerable county in South Carolina and 19th of over 440 counties along the east coast.

Horry County came in behind Charleston County at No. 18, but it beat out Beaufort County (No. 32) and Georgetown County (No. 40).

Jeff Herman, editor-in-chief of Lawn Starter, an online lawn care service provider, said Horry County’s rapid growth and influx of residents new to the coast likely impacted its position.

“People coming to Horry County may not be aware of the hurricane risk and what they can do in the event of a hurricane,” Herman said.

The 2026 report ranked the most hurricane-vulnerable counties from FEMA’s designated moderate-to-high risk areas for hurricanes to provide homeowners where hurricane preparedness is most needed.

How were the counties ranked?

To rank the counties, Lawn Starter looked at hurricane risk and expected annual loss estimates from FEMA. The rankings also consider recent hurricane history, comprising the number and severity of hurricanes making landfall over the past 10 years. Disaster cleanup (the number of national disaster debris recovery facilities) was the final category to consider lived experiences of recent hurricane seasons compared to FEMA’s forecasting models.

Each category was weighted differently when determining an overall score, with hurricane risk weighing the most, followed by financial impact.

Horry County ranked No. 11 for hurricane risk and No. 12 for financial impact. Hurricane preparedness comes into play with determining financial impact, Herman said.

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According to FEMA, Horry County’s hurricane risk is rated “very high,” and its expected annual loss from hurricanes totals over $200 million, according to FEMA’s Resilience Analysis and Planning Tool.

Top 10 most hurricane-vulnerable counties in 2026

1. Lee County, Florida
2. Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana
3. Bay County, Florida
4. Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
5. Charlotte County, Florida
6. Orleans Parish, Louisiana
7. Collier County, Florida
8. Polk County, Florida
9. Harris County, Texas
10. Sarasota County, Florida

Preparing for a storm

Yard upkeep is one area some new residents may overlook when preparing for a storm, Herman said. Tasks like trimming branches, cleaning gutters and tying down items that would otherwise become projectiles are key.

“When you’re new to community, you just don’t know these things,” Herman said.

Horry County’s lists important information to know during an emergency, including essential items, evacuation zones and traffic routes.

Before a storm hits, emergency managers urge residents to create an emergency kit, including items such as water, non-perishable food, batteries, electronic chargers, a radio, a first aid kit, flashlights, identification, importation documents, cash, medications, pet items, toiletries, blankets and extra clothes.

Hurricane evacuations are issued by the governor when deemed necessary and are considered mandatory. Evacuation zones (A, B and C) are determined by potential storm surge and not by category of storm. Residents outside an evacuation zone can still evacuate, and those leaving do not have to wait until the designated time begins, Hodge said.

Public shelters are available, and Coast RTA provides free transportation to shelters when evacuations are ordered. Residents should look for temporary blue and white hurricane evacuation bus stop signs to find pickup locations. All rides end at officially designated emergency shelters, and return trips only stop at the designated pickup points.

Officials say residents should be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours after a storm as it can be difficult for emergency assistance to reach certain areas of the county depending on flooding or other hazards blocking a route.

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