Date: October 15, 1954, morning

Landfall Location: North Carolina/South Carolina Border

Category: 2 (at landfall in N.C.), 4 (Highest)

Wind Speed: 110 miles per hour (North Carolina), 140-150 miles per hour (Highest-estimated)

Major Areas Affected: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to Topsail, North Carolina, Brunswick experienced the worst damage.

Major Damage Types: Agricultural (thousands of trees), structural, and environmental.

Total Dollar Damage: Estimated $136 million (North Carolina damage)

Deaths: 19 (North Carolina)

Injuries: 200 (North Carolina)

Structural Damage: 15,000 homes and structures destroyed. 39,000 structures damaged.

Special Details: Hit during highest lunar tide of the year, with an 18-foot storm surge (in some areas). Most destructive hurricane to hit North Carolina. Record rainfall. Hurricane Hazel's path of destruction spread over 2,000 miles. Massive destruction to the beaches of New Hanover and Brunswick counties from tidal surge.

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