Hurricane Bertha

Figure 1.19

Date: July 12, 1996, afternoon

Landfall Location: Midway between Wrightsville and Topsail Beaches

Category: 2 (at landfall in N.C.), 3 (Highest)

Wind Speed: 90 miles per hour (North Carolina), 115 miles per hour (Highest)

Major Areas Affected: Topsail Beach, southeastern shore, and eastern North Carolina

Major Damage Types: Structural, erosion, and agricultural (timber)

Total Dollar Damage: $135 million in insured property damage mainly along North Carolina coast.

Deaths: 2 (North Carolina, not directly related to the hurricane)

Injuries: Not available

Structural Damage: 5,800 homes damaged, 900 homes left uninhabitable, and 180 completely destroyed

Special Details: Coastal erosion, severe overwash, and high storm surge. First major hurricane in 40 years to directly hit North Carolina.