Extending far out into the Atlantic, the coast of North Carolina has been battered by countless hurricanes through the centuries. Many have overwashed the state’s barrier islands and wrecked coastal communities. North Carolina’s Hurricane History charts the more than fifty great storms that have battered the Tar Heel State from the colonial era through Irene in 2011 and Superstorm Sandy in 2012, two of the costliest hurricanes on record. Drawing on news reports, National Weather Service records, and eyewitness descriptions, hurricane historian Jay Barnes emphasizes the importance of learning from this extraordinary history as North Carolina prepares for the inevitable disastrous storms to come. Featuring more than 200 photographs, maps, and illustrations, this book offers amazing stories of destruction and survival. While some are humorous and some tragic, all offer a unique perspective on the state’s unending vulnerability to these storms.

See the Table of Contents to see what’s covered in this book.

Click the cover image below to read a sample from the book at FlexPub.

Available from your favorite bookseller, or purchase directly from UNC Press:

Paperback $25.00
ISBN 9781469655314

Praise

1995 History Book Award, North Carolina Society of Historians

“It remains the only comprehensive history of hurricanes in the Tar Heel State.”
—(Wilmington) Star-News Online “Bookmarks” Blog

“Fascinating. . . . With compelling words and images, Barnes chronicles the destruction seen and the lessons learned from the storms.”
—Raleigh News and Observer

“Packed with information. . . . An intense and emotional narrative.”
—Coastwatch

“A very readable account of a subject whose dramatic history continues to unfold.”
—North Carolina Historical Review

“This is arguably the best book ever produced about hurricanes–what they are, what they do, and how to avoid the brunt of them.”
—Southern Book Trade

“A solid reference book and a well-illustrated treasure trove for browsers.”
—Wilmington Star-News