Located at Wilmington Water Tours
212 S Water St. Wilmington, NC 28401
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Hurricane Hazel swept the U.S. Eastern Seaboard in mid-October 1954, eventually landing in the record books as one of the most deadly and enduring hurricanes. After punishing Haiti with mudslides that killed hundreds, Hazel edged northward, striking the Carolina coast as a ferocious category four. Landfall occurred near the South Carolina–North Carolina border, where a massive surge washed over barrier beaches and swept away hundreds of homes. Coastal communities like Myrtle Beach, Long Beach, Carolina Beach, and Wrightsville Beach caught the brunt of the storm tide and suffered heavy damages. Hazel barreled inland and battered eastern North Carolina with 100-plus mile-per-hour gusts that toppled trees and power lines and peeled away rooftops. It then raced northward setting new wind records across seven states. In Ontario, it spawned flash floods that became the most deadly in Canadian history. When it was all over, Hazel had killed more than 1,000 and left a trail of destruction across the hemisphere. But nowhere was its impact more dramatic than in the Carolinas.
Images of America
Author: Jay Barnes
For many years, Wilmington Water Tours has led the effort to preserve the Cape Fear River and its tributaries, as well as the local environment and history. With "Boats, Books, and Booty," WWT's dedicated staff spreads the message beyond the waterways and the riverwalk by offering fascinating books by local historians and authors who share their passion. Support Wilmington Water Tours by booking one of its educational, fascinating, and fun river cruises and buying local history books (including mine!).