Memories of Hurricane Hugo

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)- 21 years ago Tuesday, Hurricane Hugo slammed its powerful winds onto South Carolina’s shores.

The category four storm nearly wiped Charleston off the map, with winds near 135 miles per hour.

Hugo walloped the Carolina Coast on September 21, 1989, but the massive storm did not stop at the coast. Further inland, even in Columbia, the damage was evident.

One of the hardest hit inland areas was Sumter. Hugo tore limbs, downed trees and power lines and toppled buildings.

The Hurricane created more than six billion dollars in damage for the state of South Carolina.

13 people lost their lives during Hurricane Hugo’s strike at the state.

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