Hurricanes In Bolivia, Nc: What's The Risk?

Bolivia, North Carolina is in a very high-risk hurricane zone. Since 1930, 89 hurricanes have been recorded in the area, with the largest being Hurricane Dora in 1964. The most recent hurricane to hit Bolivia, NC was Hurricane Ana in 2015. The state of North Carolina is ranked fourth in the number of cyclones that produced hurricane-force winds in a US state. Hurricanes in North Carolina have caused over $11 billion in damage and almost 1,000 fatalities.

Hurricane history in Bolivia, NC

Bolivia, North Carolina, is in a very high-risk hurricane zone. Since 1930, 89 hurricanes have been recorded in the area.

Notable Hurricanes

The largest hurricane to hit Bolivia, NC, was Dora in 1964. Hurricane Dora had the highest wind speed of any hurricane in the area, reaching 95 knots.

The most recent hurricane to hit Bolivia, NC, was Ana in 2015. Hurricane Ana was also the most recent hurricane within a 150-mile radius of Bolivia, NC.

In 2010, Hurricane Earl passed roughly 100 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Earl brought heavy rainfall, storm surges, and strong winds to the Outer Banks.

In 2011, Hurricane Irene hit the Outer Banks, making it the first hurricane to make landfall in the United States since Hurricane Ike in 2008.

In 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused significant road damage to NC-12 in Kitty Hawk and Rodanthe. The hurricane also brought 7-8 inches of rainfall and required the emergency activation of a ferry due to road damage.

In 2014, Hurricane Arthur made landfall between Cape Lookout and Beaufort. Arthur was the earliest hurricane on record.

In 2016, Hurricane Matthew brought catastrophic flooding to North Carolina, causing an estimated $1.5 billion in statewide damages.

In 2017, a State of Emergency was declared in advance of Hurricane Maria. A mandatory evacuation of visitors was ordered for Hatteras Island.

In 2018, Hurricane Florence made landfall in Wrightsville Beach, causing major flooding across the state. Florence remains North Carolina's wettest hurricane, dropping nearly three feet of rain.

In 2019, Hurricane Dorian made landfall on Cape Hatteras, causing large storm surges that swept across some islands, particularly Ocracoke.

In 2020, Hurricane Isaias made landfall in Ocean Isle Beach. Isaias produced a lethal EF3 tornado in the nearby Bertie County.

In 2023, Tropical Storm Ophelia made landfall near Emerald Isle as a high-end tropical storm with sustained winds of 70 mph. Ophelia caused heavy rainfall and considerable wind damage along the Crystal Coast.

In 2024, Hurricane Debby traversed the Carolinas, bringing prolonged torrential rainfall and leading to significant flash flooding events across North Carolina. Debby also produced nine tornadoes in the state, including an EF3 tornado in Wilson County that resulted in one fatality.

Preparation and emergency kits

Bolivia, NC is in a very high-risk hurricane zone. Since 1930, 89 hurricanes have been recorded in the area, with the largest being Hurricane Dora in 1964. The most recent hurricane to hit Bolivia, NC was Hurricane Ana in 2015.

To prepare for hurricanes and other disasters, it is important to have an emergency kit ready. This kit should be stored in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as plastic bins or a duffel bag, and kept in a designated place that all family members know about. It is also a good idea to have a separate kit for your car in case you are stranded.

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days)
• Non-perishable food (at least a several-day supply)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting, scissors, and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes
• Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, and laxatives
• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records (saved electronically or in a waterproof container)
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing and sturdy shoes
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
• Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children

Remember to maintain your kit by keeping canned food in a cool, dry place, storing boxed food in tightly closed containers, and replacing expired items as needed. It is also a good idea to re-evaluate your kit annually and update it as your family's needs change.

Evacuation routes and shelters

Bolivia, North Carolina, is in a very high-risk hurricane zone. Since 1930, 89 hurricanes have been recorded in the area, with the most recent being Hurricane Ana in 2015. In the event of a hurricane, it is important for residents to know their evacuation routes and the locations of their nearest shelters.

If you are a resident of Brunswick County, you can find evacuation routes and shelter locations at readync.org or in the free Ready NC app. In the event of a hurricane, Brunswick County may issue mandatory evacuations for residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas, as well as those living in substandard or mobile homes. In such cases, residents are strongly advised to seek shelter outside of the county, in places like Johnston or Cumberland Counties. If you do not have transportation, you can contact the Citizen Phone Bank at 910-253-5383.

In the past, shelters have been set up at West Brunswick High School, North Brunswick High School, and South Brunswick High School. When evacuating to a shelter, residents should bring identification, any necessary medications, glasses or diapers, clothing for 3-7 days, pillows, toiletries, chargers, and books or games. Alcohol, illegal substances, and weapons are not permitted.

It is important to remember that hurricanes can cause tornadoes, heavy rains, and floods. All areas of North Carolina have been impacted by hurricanes in the past 20 years, and the state's coastline extends out into the ocean, making it one of the nation's most vulnerable areas for a direct hurricane strike.

Damage and flooding

Bolivia, North Carolina, is in a very high-risk hurricane zone. Since 1930, 89 hurricanes have been recorded in the area, with the largest being Hurricane Dora in 1964. The most recent hurricane to hit Bolivia, NC, was Hurricane Ana in 2015.

Hurricanes are powerful tropical weather systems that can cause extensive damage and flooding in the areas they impact. When hurricanes move onto land, they push ocean water inland, leading to flooding and storm surges. While strong winds can cause significant damage, most hurricane-related destruction is a result of flooding.

Bolivia, NC, has experienced the effects of hurricanes multiple times over the years, with 89 recorded hurricanes since 1930. Here is an overview of the damage and flooding caused by some of these hurricanes:

Hurricane Dora (1964)

Hurricane Dora was the largest hurricane to hit Bolivia, NC. It had the highest wind speed of any hurricane in the area, reaching 95 knots. The impact of Hurricane Dora on the area is a testament to the destructive power of these storms.

Hurricane Ana (2015)

As the most recent hurricane to hit Bolivia, NC, Ana caused significant disruption. While there is limited specific information on the impacts of this storm, it is likely that it led to flooding, wind damage, and power outages in the area.

Hurricane Florence (2018)

Hurricane Florence made landfall in nearby Wrightsville Beach, NC, in September 2018. This slow-moving Category 1 hurricane brought record-breaking rainfall to eastern North Carolina, with over 30 inches of rain measured in some locations. The resulting floodwaters caused significant damage to roads, homes, and businesses in Bolivia, NC. The storm also produced high winds that caused extensive damage to buildings, trees, and electrical services in the area.

Hurricane Matthew (2016)

Hurricane Matthew hugged the North Carolina coast after making landfall in South Carolina. It caused torrential rains, with up to 18 inches of rainfall recorded in some areas. The resulting floods severely affected several counties, including Robeson, Edgecombe, Cumberland, and Wayne. Matthew's flooding led to a federal disaster declaration for 50 counties and caused an estimated $4.8 billion in damage.

Hurricane Irene (2011)

Hurricane Irene made landfall near Cape Lookout, NC, as a Category 1 hurricane. It brought storm surges of up to 15 feet along parts of the Pamlico Sound and caused significant damage to the Outer Banks. Irene also led to seven deaths and prompted more than 10,000 people to seek shelter.

Hurricane Floyd (1999)

Hurricane Floyd was a devastating storm that caused widespread flooding across North Carolina. It was one of the largest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded, with tropical-storm-force winds spanning 580 miles. Floyd's heavy rains, combined with those of Hurricane Dennis just two weeks prior, led to record-breaking floods. The resulting floodwaters inundated homes, businesses, and roads, causing extensive damage. Hurricane Floyd resulted in 52 deaths and an estimated $5.5 billion in damage.

Hurricanes in North Carolina history

North Carolina is one of the most vulnerable areas in the nation for a direct hurricane strike. Its coastline extends out into the ocean, and the state is ranked fourth in the number of cyclones that produced hurricane-force winds in the US. Hurricanes in North Carolina's history are responsible for over $11 billion in damage and almost 1,000 total fatalities.

According to the North Carolina State Climatology Office, a tropical cyclone makes landfall along the North Carolina coastline about once every four years. An estimated 17.5% of all North Atlantic tropical cyclones have affected the state. The Outer Banks, a narrow strip of low-lying land, are particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, which occasionally leave portions of the land partially or fully submerged.

The most recent hurricane to affect North Carolina was Hurricane Debby in August 2024, causing heavy rainfall, significant flooding, and multiple tornadoes. The most recent tropical cyclone to make landfall in the state was Tropical Storm Ophelia in September 2023, which caused heavy rainfall and considerable wind damage along the Crystal Coast.

• Hurricane Hazel (1954): Hazel made landfall at the South Carolina-North Carolina border as a Category 4 hurricane, causing 19 deaths and approximately $136 million in damage. It caused an 18-foot storm surge in Calabash and major damage to the beaches of New Hanover and Brunswick counties.
• Hurricane Fran (1996): Fran made landfall near Wilmington as a Category 3 hurricane, causing major wind damage and flooding along the North Carolina coast. Damages topped $5 billion, and 37 people died.
• Hurricane Floyd (1999): Floyd made landfall at Cape Fear as a Category 2 hurricane, causing record-breaking floods for more than half of the state. It resulted in 52 deaths and $5.5 billion in damage.
• Hurricane Matthew (2016): Matthew hugged the North Carolina coast after making landfall in South Carolina, causing torrential rains and devastating flooding. Thirty-one people were killed, and damage estimates topped $4.8 billion.
• Hurricane Florence (2018): Florence made landfall near Wrightsville Beach, causing major flooding across the state. It dropped nearly three feet of rain, making it North Carolina's wettest hurricane.
• Hurricane Ian (2022): Although Ian crossed into North Carolina as an extratropical cyclone, it still caused significant power outages, heavy rainfall, and several tornadoes. Four people lost their lives due to the storm.

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